On December 3rd, 2024 Kendrick Lamar and SZA announce a joint nationwide tour. The tour will span 21 dates from mid-April to mid-June 2025. The announcement follows Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album release in late November: GNX. With special features, including SZA, his longtime collaborator, GNX, is a testament to Lamar’s veteran status in the music industry.
With the recent feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, the child star turned Hip-hop/Rap artist, Lamar’s release of his singles responding to Drake’s disses Not Like Us, meet the grahams, and euphoria catapulted the private and decorated artist to the nationwide spotlight. Lamar consistently highlights social issues within his lyrism, winning him the first and only Pulitzer prize awarded to a rapper.
SZA, the sweetheart of the RnB world, is known for her melodic voice and unique combination of storytelling. Her recent studio album, SOS, garnered international attention, garnering 66 awards and 216 nominations. Despite her stardom, she is noted to regularly connect with her fans, often supporting them on social media platforms.
The two powerhouses of American artists will partner outside of the studio for the first time on their Grand National Tour. Presale tickets are already selling for up to thousands, and despite the staggering price, fans are willing to pay to see the two superstars perform together in person.
Fans of their music are ecstatic to see the two creative minds come together to manifest their art on stage. Elaborate set designs and performance artistry are highly anticipated for their upcoming tour.
Below, I asked a few Wheatley students how they felt about this upcoming announcement. Senior Ritika Kaur was ecstatic, she explained that SZA was her top artist on Spotify Wrapped this year, and would love the prospect of witnessing a duo performance between Kendrick and SZA.
When asked about the potential price of the tickets, Ritika addressed the issue with a realistic value of how much she was willing to spend: ” The most I would spend on a ticket would be 400-500 (just because I’d have to get a ticket for my sister and me, so the price would be double). Other than that, I’m fine with spending anything under that range.” She later added to her enthusiasm by referencing potential songs she would love to hear performed. “ For SZA, I’d look forward to hearing supermodel, seek and destroy, and normal girl. I’d love to hear money trees, real, lust, and Mirror live for Kendrick.” Like many other fans anticipating the series of live performances, Ritika is eager to hear both artists come together on stage harmoniously. When referring to the duets, she acknowledges,” Sza and Kendrick’s voices blend so well that their songs feel therapeutic. So, if I do get tickets, I’d look forward to seeing them perform All the Stars and their new songs, Luther and Gloria.” Her immense dedication to these artists only goes to show Wheatley’s top Kendrick and SZA fans will be racing to purchase tickets in class on Friday at 10 AM.