The Kendrick Lamar Pop Out Concert Makes Hip-Hop History (2024)

Lindsey Weedston Memes

Rapper Kendrick Lamar may have landed the killing blow in his feud with Drake with his Juneteenth concert “The Pop Out Ken & Friends” in Inglewood, California. The show was a massive hit, stirring viewers from around the world to sing praises for Lamar across social media platforms as it was streamed live by Amazon Music.

It was such a sensation on Twitter that “nah Kendrick” was trending before the night was over.

Local and remote audiences enjoyed performances from a long list of other hip-hop artists as well as multiple renditions of the hit summer track “Not Like Us.”

What is a “pop out” concert?

The phrase “pop out” appears to be about Lamar’s decade-long beef with fellow rapper Drake and also appears in “Not Like Us” to describe an action one must sometimes take to show your competitors that you mean business.

Sometimes you gotta pop out and show n—-s
Certified boogeyman, I’m the one that up the score with ’em
Walk him down, whole time, I know he got some ho in him
Pole on him, extort sh*t, bully Death Row on him

What’s the beef?

Kendrick Lamar and Drake have been feuding on and off since the early 2010s following collaborations between the two on each of their albums of the era. The conflict first erupted into the open in 2013 when Lamar dissed Drake (as well as several other rappers) in the song “Control” by Big Sean.

Lamar later clarified that the dissing was all in good fun, or “friendly competition,” but pop culture outlets latched onto the line about Drake and pushed the idea that the two were in a feud for the next 10 years.

In March 2024, the beef took a serious turn when Lamar dissed J. Cole and Drake in “Like That.” This was in response to J. Cole suggesting that the triad of rappers are the “Big Three” of the genre in his song “First Person Shooter.”

Drake responded in April with “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle.” The pair exchanged more diss tracks in May, including Lamar’s “Meet the Grahams,” which accused Drake of some rather serious crimes.

Who was at the Kendrick Lamar pop out concert?

Lamar was joined on stage by members of the Black Hippy collective including Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and ScHoolboy Q who each performed their own solo work. Later, he brought out Dr. Dre for a joint performance of “Still Dre” and 2Pac’s “California Love.”

During other parts of the concert, “Not Like Us” producer Mustard took the stage with Tyler, the Creator, YG, Ty Dolla $ign, Steve Lacy, and others for a set. NBA stars Russell Westbrook and LeBron James also made an appearance, as well as other artists including Jay Worthy, Tommy the Clown, Demar, Russell Westbrook, Ray Vaughn, Westside Boogie, and so on.

Kendrick unites the Crips and Bloods

During the concert on June 19, Lamar brought dozens of members from the notorious rival gangs the Crips and the Bloods on stage to demonstrate that the city of Los Angeles could stand united. Near the end of the show, Lamar himself was moved by the coming together of so many people despite the deadly violence affecting both sides of the long-standing conflict.

“This s–t making me emotional,” he said to the crowd. “We been f—ed up since Nipsey [Hussle] died. We been f—ed up since Kobe [Bryant] died. This is unity at its finest.”

“We done lost a lot of homies to this music s–t, to this street s–t. For all of us to be together on stage, that s–t is special. Everybody on this stage got fallen soldiers.”

Kendrick got the bloods and crips saying “after you” while waiting to walk down them steps off the stage

— Nai (@_Nai_Roy) June 20, 2024

Where did Tupac come in?

The mention of the legendary late rapper Tupac can be added to the historical archives on the beef between Lamar and Drake. In July 2023, Drake purchased a ring designed by Tupac himself for $1.01 million at a historic auction.

He showed off his purchase to the world in an Instagram Story to promote “Meltdown” on July 28. It features a large gold crown studded with 10-carat cabochon rubies and pavé diamonds.

Lamar took a moment during the pop out concert to bring up this lavish purchase of the coveted piece of jewelry.

“Give me Tupac’s ring back.”

Tupac contemplating coming on stage when Dre was performing California Love pic.twitter.com/3RSpKDUCpZ

— J. Roezay (@Real_JRoe) June 20, 2024

Tupac has an opportunity to do the funniest thing rn

— bt 🌟💖🦋 (@imbabytate) June 20, 2024

How many times did Kendrick perform “Not Like Us”?

Five. Lamar performed “Not Like Us” five times in a row for audiences after the duets with Dr. Dre, who stayed on stage to help with this hit single marathon to wrap up the pop out concert. By the end, the crowd was rapping along with them word for word, never seeming to get tired of the beloved single.

Kendrick just like me, I too play “not like us” 5 times back to back when I listen to it idc

— Valentina V. (@valentinavoight) June 20, 2024

Kendrick Lamar pop out concert reactions

The Kendrick Lamar Pop Out Concert Makes Hip-Hop History (2)
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If I send this to you it means me and my homies hate you and we’re celebrating ur demise 😂🖕🏾 pic.twitter.com/ceYa64F4UZ

— King Wow (@wowthatshiphop) June 20, 2024

Kendrick is a sicko dude 😭😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/1Uq6Cfq1OJ pic.twitter.com/XXkDlIp3qF

— mair⭐️ (@301mair) June 20, 2024

This picture gon be on somebody grandma’s wall in 2064 pic.twitter.com/MpraIuy4LX

— DJ R-Tistic (@DJRTistic) June 20, 2024

The entire West Coast united on stage for the finale of Kendrick Lamar & Friends The Pop Out pic.twitter.com/9Y36quV8hm

— Modern Notoriety (@ModernNotoriety) June 20, 2024

“Sir, a sixth They Not Like Us” has hit the stage” pic.twitter.com/j3u7SBBc5c

— Heben Nigatu (@hebennigatu) June 20, 2024

the closest you can come to feeling like a Roman Emperor is having an entire stadium call your opp a pedophile at your command https://t.co/Zg9dxz3fVo

— Keifer (@DannyVegito) June 20, 2024

Kendrick tonight pic.twitter.com/QeVVZ7WkZV

— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) June 20, 2024

The only way Drake can win against Kendrick pic.twitter.com/uoSicofvWA

— 𝙎𝙠𝙮𝙚𝙙⚡️🇦🇺 (@SkyedOKC) June 20, 2024

drake after hearing that entire arena scream not like us word for word pic.twitter.com/L3PUxHc5Ml

— ♡🦇 (@sadhotgirI) June 20, 2024

Kendrick Lamar bringing Jay Rock out to rap his feature on Money Trees is easily one of the best highlights of the night pic.twitter.com/YWUDdA1bbu

— King Wow (@wowthatshiphop) June 20, 2024

This is why I don't believe in the high road. Holding sh*t in ages you, fam. Let the choppa spray. https://t.co/z0B3OMB74c

— Naima Cochrane (@naima) June 20, 2024

my friend was sending me pics of her baby daughter pic.twitter.com/8O2JuYrvZu

— sarah hagi (@KindaHagi) June 20, 2024

Kendrick right now pic.twitter.com/C27ekIaFPh

— kira 👾 (@kirawontmiss) June 20, 2024

It’s dudes with 14 bodies on that stage dancing care free 😭😭

— AC Tatum (@actatumonline) June 20, 2024

Amazon Prime helped K dot deliver the hate same day!

— D’von (@MrClarity_) June 20, 2024

– he said “AND WE WILL HATE YOU FOR THE REST OF OUR DAYS!”

— Rob Milton (@therobmilton) June 20, 2024

Russell Westbrook don’t even be this excited to play basketball lmao

— bria celest (@55mmbae) June 20, 2024
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*First Published:

Lindsey Weedston

Lindsey is a Seattle area writer interested in all things society, including internet culture, politics, and mental health. Outside of the Daily Dot, her work can be found in publications such as The Mary Sue, Truthout, and YES! Magazine.

The Kendrick Lamar Pop Out Concert Makes Hip-Hop History (2024)

FAQs

The Kendrick Lamar Pop Out Concert Makes Hip-Hop History? ›

Kendrick Lamar made hip-hop history by using his Juneteenth show as a victory lap against Drake and an attempt to unite the West Coast. Kendrick Lamar performed his first show since his beef with Drake on Wednesday. Lamar performed most of his diss tracks

diss tracks
A diss track or a diss song (diss meaning disrespect) is a type of song made to be mean to others. Many times, they are mean to other musicians. Diss tracks are often made because of conflicts. For example, two musicians may have different opinions on something.
https://simple.wikipedia.org › wiki › Diss_(music)
aimed at Drake, including "Not Like Us" five times.

How has Kendrick Lamar influenced hip hop? ›

Lamar expands the concept of locality in hip hop beyond geographical populations, broadening it to include a community influenced by religion, race, education level, and musical style in addition to communities based on a geographical location.

What type of hip hop is Kendrick Lamar? ›

Kendrick Lamar
Musical career
GenresHip hop West Coast hip hop progressive rap jazz rap
InstrumentsVocals
LabelsPGLang Top Dawg Aftermath Interscope
15 more rows

What has Kendrick Lamar done for the community? ›

Now, Lamar, his pgLang company, Tim Hinshaw's Free Lunch, and participating artists have announced a donation of $200,000 to charities and community initiatives in the greater Los Angeles area.

Where was Kendrick Lamar's pop out concert? ›

The Pop Out: Ken & Friends was a one-off concert by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was held at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, on June 19, 2024. The Juneteenth and Black Music Month celebration marked Lamar's first major performance following his highly publicized feud with Canadian rapper Drake.

Who had the biggest influence on hip-hop? ›

Outside of music, individuals who significantly influenced the art form include poets and writers like Iceberg Slim, spoken-word pioneers like Gil Scott-Heron and the Last Poets, and stylistic forebears like Muhammad Ali and Richard Pryor.

How did Kendrick Lamar change the world? ›

Understanding the extent of his influence, he utilizes his music as a medium for political commentary, with his songs consisting of deep social overtones, touching on gun violence, racial and socio-economic discrimination, institutional racism, sexual abuse, mass incarceration and so much more.

What makes Kendrick Lamar different from other rappers? ›

Often regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, he is the only musician outside of the classical and jazz genres to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music. His songwriting, noted for its cinematic approach, often includes social commentary and political criticism. Compton, California, U.S.

What makes Kendrick Lamar such a good rapper? ›

Kendrick's discography is what sets him apart from other rappers, each album is significant and timeless in its own way. Kendrick makes confronting social issues sound good – a difficult and underappreciated task.

Is Kendrick Lamar an alternative hip hop? ›

Notable artists in alternative rap include Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, The Creator, Childish Gambino, and Earl Sweatshirt, among others.

What did Kendrick Lamar get famous for? ›

Kendrick Lamar (born June 17, 1987, Compton, California, U.S.) is an American rapper who has achieved critical and commercial success with such albums as good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012) and To Pimp a Butterfly (2015).

Did Eminem help Kendrick Lamar? ›

Eminem was so convinced that Kendrick Lamar could be using a ghostwriter that he made the rapper write his verse for "Love Game," a track from the 2013 album The Marshall Mathers LP 2, without anyone else in the room.

What was Kendrick Lamar's breakthrough? ›

In 2012, he released his major-label debut album, “good kid, m.A.A.d city.” This album was a critical and commercial success, solidifying Lamar's position as a prominent figure in hip-hop.

Who was at Pop Out? ›

With everyone in the audience from Lauren London to LeBron James to North West, the Compton rapper paid tribute to his city by bringing out dozens of his West Coast “friends,” including YG, Tyler, The Creator, Roddy Ricch, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Ty Dolla $ign, Dom Kennedy, Russell Westbrook, ScHoolboy Q, Steve Lacy, ...

When was Kendrick Lamar's last tour? ›

Headlining
TitleDatesAssociated album(s)
Kunta's Groove SessionsOctober 20, 2015 – November 10, 2015To Pimp a Butterfly
The Damn TourJuly 7, 2017 – July 30, 2018Damn
The Big Steppers TourJune 23, 2022 – December 9, 2023Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers
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Did Kendrick Lamar live in Chicago? ›

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (who dropped his last name to perform as Kendrick Lamar) was born in Compton, California, on June 17, 1987. His parents had moved to Compton from Chicago to escape the city's gang culture, although Lamar's father had been associated with the notorious Gangster Disciples gang.

What impact has Kendrick Lamar had? ›

His impact on popular culture extends beyond music, with his activism and advocacy for social justice issues earning him widespread respect and admiration. In addition to his musical accomplishments, Lamar has also ventured into other creative endeavors, including acting and philanthropy.

Why is Kendrick Lamar the most influential artist? ›

From his discography to his Pulitzer Prize-winning writing, Lamar distinguishes himself from his contemporaries. Ever since he released his breakthrough album “Section. 80”, critics and hip-hop fans have praised Lamar for his conscious lyricism and energetic performances.

Who was hip-hop influenced by? ›

The African American traditions of signifyin', the dozens, and jazz poetry all influence hip hop music, as well as the call and response patterns of African and African American religious ceremonies.

Was Kendrick Lamar inspired by Tupac? ›

Kendrick Meets Tupac

According to Lamar, in this vision, a silhouette of Shakur appeared and encouraged him to continue rapping and keep his music alive. “I was sleeping one night and a silhouette [came] and he said, 'Keep doing what you doing, don't let my music die,'” said Lamar.

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