From a Grand National entrance to a 50-foot finale, Kendrick Lamar and SZA delivered a visually stunning, high-energy performance in front of 55,000 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta showed up and showed out Tuesday night as Kendrick Lamar and SZA brought their Grand National Tour to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With more than 55,000 fans in attendance, the energy was undeniable from start to finish. DJ Mustard kicked off the night with a high-octane opening set that paid homage to Atlanta’s musical culture, spinning hits from his catalog alongside crowd favorites like “Swag Surfin.” It was the perfect way to warm up a stadium-sized audience for what was to come.
At 8:17 p.m., the stadium lights dimmed and Kendrick Lamar emerged from a sleek black Grand National vehicle positioned center stage. The backdrop? A massive, interactive LED wall projecting striking black and white visuals reminiscent of his recent videos. The setting was dramatic and cinematic, and the audience roared as Lamar opened with “Squabble Up” and a snippet of “TV,” immediately pulling everyone into his world.
Working a runway that stretched over 100 yards into the crowd, Kendrick kept fans locked in as he delivered hit after hit with unmatched stage presence. His storytelling and lyrical delivery commanded every inch of the stadium, as fans hung onto every verse. After several solo tracks, the stage went dark. Fireworks exploded. The LED boards flashed with new visuals. And just like that, SZA appeared, standing atop her own black Grand National to join Kendrick for their collaborative track “30 for 30.” The moment ignited the crowd, especially the women in the stadium who belted out every lyric with passion.
As Kendrick exited the stage, SZA took over with her own powerful segment, blending soulful vocals and ethereal visuals that included images of praying mantises and surreal landscapes. She worked the crowd with hits from her latest project, bringing her own signature mix of vulnerability and strength.
Between artist transitions, cinematic video interludes kept the audience engaged, bridging songs with storytelling and keeping the vibe seamless. From pyrotechnics to LED animations, every element was curated for maximum impact. At one point, the visuals shifted into kaleidoscopic montages, further immersing the crowd in the artistic expression of each performance.
The night’s biggest surprise came when Playboi Carti made a brief appearance with Kendrick Lamar for a quick, high-energy performance that added another level of excitement. Equally powerful was Kendrick’s all-women dance ensemble, notably composed of dark-skinned dancers, a thoughtful detail that was visibly recognized and celebrated by the crowd. Their synchronized routines added a layer of intensity and rhythm that complemented each track flawlessly.
Just when the energy seemed to peak, DJ Mustard reappeared, and the explosive track “TV OFF” boomed through the stadium. It served as the perfect setup for the night’s most talked-about moment, Kendrick Lamar’s performance of the controversial hit “Not Like Us.” The stadium was electric, and fans were visibly on their feet, chanting along and lighting up the arena with their phone flashlights.
To close out the show, SZA returned to the stage for their Grammy-nominated Black Panther soundtrack hit, “All the Stars.” Elevated on a platform nearly 50 feet above the stage, both artists were harnessed in and facing the crowd, delivering a final performance that was as emotional as it was awe-inspiring. As they floated above the audience, the LED visuals displayed a galaxy backdrop, adding a cosmic element to the finale. The performance capped off the night on a high note, leaving fans with an unforgettable visual and sonic experience.
For over two and a half hours, Kendrick Lamar and SZA delivered a show packed with lyrical finesse, cultural flair, immersive visuals, and high-level production. From the bold entrances to the sky-high finale, the Grand National Tour stop in Atlanta proved to be more than just a concert, it was a full-fledged experience. Fans were left talking long after the lights came back on, sharing clips and highlights across social media and already counting down to the next tour.
