The atmosphere outside the Kia Forum on Wednesday afternoon was electric as fans eagerly awaited Kendrick Lamar’s Juneteenth concert, aptly named “The Pop Out.” Headlined by “Ken & Friends,” the event felt more like a historic NBA Finals game than a hip-hop show, with an air of anticipation and excitement filling the venue.
Lamar’s hometown support was palpable, drawing comparisons to Magic Johnson’s legendary influence during the “Showtime” Lakers era. Meanwhile, Drake, though not present, was the subject of fan disdain, evident in the creative and biting apparel on display. Some bootlegged T-shirts even depicted Lamar as a revolutionary leader, symbolically “whipping” Drake in their ongoing rap rivalry.
A Night of West Coast Legends
The show was divided into three segments, each showcasing different facets of West Coast hip-hop. DJ Hed kicked off the night with new Top Dawg Entertainment artist Ray Vaughn, followed by performances from Cuzzos, Blue Bucks Clan, and Westside Boogie.
Mustard took the stage next, delivering a series of hits including Tyga’s “Rack City” and 2 Chainz’s “I’m Different.” He was joined by Dom Kennedy, Ty Dolla $ign, Steve Lacy, Tyler, the Creator, Roddy Ricch, and YG, who each performed some of their biggest tracks. Tyler, the Creator’s “Earfquake” singalong was a crowd favorite, and a tribute to the late Nipsey Hussle added an emotional touch.
Star-Studded Guest Appearances
The audience was packed with celebrities, including Lakers players past and present like Russell Westbrook and LeBron James, as well as music luminaries such as The Weeknd, Rick Ross, and Hit-Boy. Lamar wasted no time, opening his set with the fiery “Euphoria” and a new verse that drew massive cheers.
The energy remained high with performances of fan favorites like “Element,” “DNA,” and “Humble.” Special guests Schoolboy Q, AB-Soul, and Jay Rock joined Lamar for a “Black Hippy” reunion, delivering a medley of hits including “Money Trees” and “King Kunta.” Dr. Dre’s surprise appearance for “Still D.R.E.” and “California Love” brought the house down.
More Than Just Music
The highlight of the evening was “Not Like Us,” a track that has transcended its status as a diss record to become an anthem for change in the hip-hop community. Lamar’s performance was not just about musical rivalry but also about unifying different neighborhoods and gangs in Los Angeles. The emotional weight of his words resonated deeply with the audience.
Lamar’s closing remarks underscored the significance of the night. “We’ve been lost since Nipsey died,” he shouted. “We’ve been messed up since Kobe died. This makes me proud as a motherfucker. This shit is special, man.”
A New Era for West Coast Hip-Hop
Whether “Not Like Us” marks the end of Lamar’s feud with Drake remains to be seen. More importantly, the concert may signal a resurgence of West Coast hip-hop, with Lamar at the helm. As DJ Hed proclaimed, “The West has something to say.”
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The night was a testament to Lamar’s enduring impact on the music industry and his ability to bring people together through his art. The “Pop Out” concert was more than just a show; it was a historic moment for hip-hop and the city of Los Angeles.
