Kendrick Lamar returned to the stage in style, delivering a powerful yet intimate performance at TDE’s star-studded Christmas concert on Thursday, December 12. This marked his first live show since the release of his acclaimed album, GNX.
The Compton legend performed just two tracks, but he made every moment count. He kicked off with his 2017 smash hit “Humble” and followed it with “Squabble Up,” a fan-favorite from GNX. The latter was performed live for the first time, with Kendrick spending most of the song dancing alongside a group of children, creating a heartwarming moment that resonated with the crowd.
The holiday concert featured an impressive lineup of TDE stars, including SZA, Jay Rock, Isaiah Rashad, Doechii, SiR, Ab-Soul, Zacari, and Ray Vaughn. Memphis rapper GloRilla also made a special appearance, performing her breakout hit “TGIF,” recently crowned Time’s Best Song of the Year.
The two-day event was not just about music—it was a heartfelt celebration of giving back. Fans were granted free entry in exchange for donating toys, clothing, or other essentials, all of which will go to children in need in Los Angeles’ Nickerson Gardens, a public housing community that holds special significance for TDE founder Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith and Jay Rock, both of whom grew up there.
“This is what matters,” said TDE’s Ray Vaughn in an interview with Vibe. “Giving back to the community feels like our duty as artists.” TDE President Terrance “Punch” Henderson echoed this sentiment, calling the annual concert a “full-circle moment” for the label.
Kendrick’s performance may be his last before he hits the road next year for the highly anticipated Grand National Tour, a co-headlining stadium trek with SZA. The tour kicks off in April and will stop in major cities like Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia, and Chicago, with two shows planned in Toronto, Canada, in Drake’s hometown, promising to stir excitement and headlines.
With GNX already hailed as one of the year’s standout albums, Kendrick’s electrifying performance at TDE’s Christmas concert has only heightened fans’ anticipation for what’s next from the rap icon.
