A Night of Collaboration and Community

Lamar and SZA treated attendees to renditions of “luther,” the chart-topping single from Lamar’s critically lauded album GNX, and “30 for 30,” a standout track from SZA’s deluxe edition of SOS, titled LANA. The energy in the room was palpable as fans sang along to every word, celebrating the artistry of both performers.

Beyond the highly anticipated collaboration, Kendrick Lamar also showcased his solo prowess, performing his compelling track “squabble up.” The concert wasn’t solely a display of star power; it served as a vital fundraising event for the TDE Christmas Toy Drive, embodying the label’s commitment to giving back to the Los Angeles community.

The event boasted a star-studded lineup beyond Lamar and SZA, featuring performances from fellow TDE artists including Ab-Soul, Doechii, Isaiah Rashad, Jay Rock, Lance Skiiiwalker, Ray Vaughn, ScHoolboy Q, SiR, and Zacari. The collective showcase highlighted the depth and diversity of talent within the Top Dawg Entertainment roster.

As Kendrick Lamar prepares for the 2026 Grammy Awards, where he’s nominated in nine categories – including Album of the Year for GNX – this performance serves as a powerful reminder of his continued artistic evolution. His recent work, and the highly publicized exchange with Drake, has sparked conversations about the direction of hip-hop, as explored in a recent essay by Kiana Fitzgerald. Read Fitzgerald’s analysis here.

What impact do you think Kendrick Lamar’s GNX will have on the future of hip-hop? And how important are these types of community-focused events for artists with significant platforms?

Frequently Asked Questions About Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Performance

1. What songs did Kendrick Lamar and SZA perform at the TDE Christmas Concert?
   They performed “luther” from Kendrick Lamar’s GNX album and “30 for 30” from SZA’s LANA deluxe reissue.
2. Where did the TDE Christmas Concert take place?
   The concert was held in Los Angeles, California.
3. What is the significance of Kendrick Lamar’s GNX album?
   GNX has been critically acclaimed and is nominated for nine Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, and is seen by some as a pivotal moment in contemporary hip-hop.
4. Who else performed at the TDE Christmas Concert?
   The concert featured performances from Ab-Soul, Doechii, Isaiah Rashad, Jay Rock, Lance Skiiiwalker, Ray Vaughn, ScHoolboy Q, SiR, and Zacari.
5. Is there footage available of Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s performance?
   Yes, fan-shot footage of the performance is circulating on social media platforms like Twitter.
6. What was the purpose of the TDE Christmas Concert?
   The concert served as both a celebration of the label’s artists and a fundraising event for the TDE Christmas Toy Drive.