On a monumental Juneteenth evening, Kendrick Lamar took the stage at “The Pop Out,” his first live performance since his high-profile rap beef with Drake. This event, held at the Forum in Los Angeles and live-streamed by Amazon Music, was not just a concert but a cultural landmark, uniting fans and artists from all corners of the West Coast hip-hop scene. The night symbolized regional pride, unity, and a decisive moment in Lamar’s ongoing rivalry with Drake.
A few months prior, the rap world was buzzing with a heated battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. The feud saw both artists rapidly releasing diss tracks, with Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” emerging as a viral sensation. Despite accusations from DJ Akademiks that Kendrick used bots to inflate his music’s popularity, the sold-out Juneteenth concert proved the Compton rapper’s genuine appeal. Fans from diverse backgrounds filled the arena, showcasing Kendrick’s widespread influence.
The concert was particularly poignant for California, as Kendrick managed to bring together members of the Bloods, Crips, and Piru gangs, fostering a rare moment of unity. The night was a vivid demonstration of the power of music to transcend boundaries and create solidarity.
Interestingly, Kendrick chose not to perform any tracks from his latest album, “Mr. Morale,” focusing instead on songs that resonated deeply with the event’s communal spirit. Tracks like “Alright” and “Not Like Us” echoed the themes of unity and resistance, aligning perfectly with the Juneteenth celebration. Kendrick’s performance felt less like a typical concert and more like a community gathering, with local artists and longtime collaborators joining him on stage.
The event unfolded in three “Friends” sets, each building on the previous one. DJ Hed kicked off the night with performances from LA fixtures like Remble, Westside Boogie, and RJMrLA. Mustard, a key figure in West Coast hip-hop, followed with a dynamic set featuring Ty Dolla $ign, YG, and other notable artists. The energy was electric as they reminisced about their early days and shared their hits with the enthusiastic crowd.
Kendrick’s set was a celebration of his musical journey and the people who helped shape it. He reunited Black Hippy, bringing Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and ScHoolboy Q on stage for a nostalgic tour through their collective history. The camaraderie was palpable, especially during performances of tracks like “Win” and “King’s Dead,” where Kendrick played hype man, reveling in the shared triumphs of his peers.
The concert reached its emotional peak when Dr. Dre joined Kendrick on stage for “California Love.” The moment Dre paused to say, “I see dead people,” felt like a symbolic acknowledgment of the struggles and losses that have defined the West Coast rap scene. Kendrick seized the moment, performing “Not Like Us” five times, each rendition more powerful than the last. The crowd’s energy soared as they chanted lyrics like “Certified Lover Boy, certified pedophile,” turning the diss track into a rallying cry.
As the night drew to a close, Kendrick brought dozens of Los Angeles figures on stage for a group photo, capturing the unity and pride of the West Coast hip-hop community. “This is unity at its finest,” Kendrick declared, highlighting the significance of their collective achievement.
“The Pop Out” was not just a victory for Kendrick Lamar in his feud with Drake but a triumph for regional music and the culture it represents. The concert showcased the unique style and spirit of West Coast hip-hop, reminding everyone of its enduring relevance and power. As Kendrick left the stage, the triumphant echoes of “Win” summed up the night perfectly: it was a resounding win for Kendrick, for regional music, and for a culture that continues to inspire and unite.
