Kendrick Lamar + Sza’s Grand National Tour Opening Night in New Jersey
- Anjelica James
- May 24
- 2 min read
![Photo by Anjelica James [via Point + Shoot]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/834677_7a45d93003824e50a7da08fef370007c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_654,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/834677_7a45d93003824e50a7da08fef370007c~mv2.jpg)
It was a rainy night on May 8th, the first New Jersey show for Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grand National Tour. DJ Mustard opened the show, keeping the vibes high as fans waited for the headlining artists in the rain. Some examples of Mustard’s hits are “Rack City” by Tyga, ”Post to Be” by Omarion, Chris Brown, and Jhene Aiko, and “I Dont F*** with You” by Big Sean. The opening set exemplified how many hits DJ Mustard was responsible for. His recent collaborations with Kendrick Lamar were definitely not the start of Mustard’s discography.
![Photo by Anjelica James [via Point + Shoot]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/834677_ed612d1c5f6842e2b3ec3e8e8d1acba3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1225,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/834677_ed612d1c5f6842e2b3ec3e8e8d1acba3~mv2.jpg)
The downpour through the outdoor arena left many soaked but thankfully the rain stopped between DJ Mustard’s ending and Kendrick Lamar’s opening. Fans waited in anticipation as the crew wiped the stage of the rain water.
![Photo by Anjelica James [via Point + Shoot]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/834677_8d423bd080bb4268b1a3f08b865f7d87~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1225,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/834677_8d423bd080bb4268b1a3f08b865f7d87~mv2.jpg)
Kendrick opened the show with literal fireworks and “squabble up”. There’s potential to get lost doing a stadium tour, however Kendrick and SZA were able to create a show from start to finish. During brief breaks between songs, the screens were filled with what appeared to be interrogation interviews of Kendrick and SZA. The two created a short film to fill the space as they transitioned between songs. SZA made her entrance to the stage with “30 For 30” with Kendrick. The crowd immediately erupted at her appearance. The duo shared the stage for “LOVE”, “gloria”, “All the Stars”, eventually closing the show with “luther”. Both stars were able to shine during their respective times on stage. They shared the stage equally, allowing each other ample time to connect with their respective sets of fans. The night was memorable for fans younger and older as songs from across both of their catalogues catered to longtime fans and newer ones. The pair prove to be a dynamic duo. There’s a natural synergy with the two of them on stage together. It’s evident they respect each other as artists and work well together. It’s only a hope that they’ll continue to create together.
Anjelica James
