Kendrick Lamar did a short but impactful set at his first live performance since the release of his new album GNX, providing a highlight of TDE‘s Christmas concert.
Lamar performed two songs at the event, which took place on Thursday (December 12). He rapped “Humble” from 2017’s DAMN, and followed that with GNX favorite “Squabble Up.” This was the track’s live debut.
During the song, the rapper spent most of his stage time dancing with young kids.
Check out a video of the performance below, via Paps Media.
Other artists who performed at the event included Zacari, Ray Vaughn, SiR, Isaiah Rashad, SZA, Doechii, Ab-Soul and Jay Rock.
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GloRilla also made an appearance, coming out to do “TGIF,” recently selected Best Song of the Year by Time.
The holiday concert and toy drive was free. Fans just needed to turn up with an unwrapped toy or items such as clothes, which will be donated to a local child in need.
The two-day event aims to give back to residents of Nickerson Gardens public housing projects, where TDE founder Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith and Jay Rock both grew up.
“Since its inception, TDE has stood as a pillar in the music community but this success is only mirrored by the label’s prioritization to give back to some of the most marginalized and under-resourced communities in Los Angeles,” a press release for the event reads.
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“I’d rather do this than do the other shows,” TDE’s Ray Vaughn told Vibe. “…[T]hese are the moments that matter. When you give back to the community…I feel like this is our due diligence as artists.”
TDE President Terrance “Punch” Henderson explained to the outlet, “It’s always a full-circle moment when we get to come back every year, especially growing up here and coming from this neighborhood.”
TDE’s Christmas concert could be Kendrick’s last show before he embarks on a co-headlining stadium tour with SZA next year.
The Grand National Tour is scheduled to begin in April and run until June, with stops in cities such as Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Chicago.
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The 23-date trek will also invade Toronto, Canada for two performances in Drake’s hometown in June that are sure to generate excitement and controversy.
