Kendrick Lamar breaks his own record for highest-grossing concert by a rapper, with recent Houston date

Kendrick Lamar sets record for highest-grossing show by a rapper

Kendrick Lamar and SZA have raised the bar for live music. Their joint Grand National Tour kicked off on April 19, 2025, and every stadium stop has set new benchmarks. From record-breaking grosses to packed crowds, this tour is already historic. Here’s your deep dive into the numbers, the music, and what makes this run so special.

Tour Kickoff: Minneapolis Milestone

The Grand National Tour opened on April 19 at Minneapolis’s U.S. Bank Stadium. Kendrick and SZA packed 47,354 fans into the venue. Together, they grossed $9,124,989—the highest single-show rap concert revenue ever in the U.S. Wikipedia.

• Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium (capacity ~66,000)

• Attendance: 47,354 (100% sold)

• Gross Revenue: $9.12 million

That night dethroned Eminem’s previous record and proved that hip-hop stadium shows can compete with rock and pop for box-office domination. The production featured a 52-song setlist, massive LED screens, and surprise guest spots—setting a dramatic tone for the rest of the tour Pitchfork.

Houston Triumph: New Record

Just four nights later, on April 23, Kendrick and SZA landed at Houston’s NRG Stadium. They sold 42,205 tickets and grossed $9,449,459, narrowly eclipsing their Minneapolis haul.

• Venue: NRG Stadium (capacity ~72,000)

• Attendance: 42,205 (sold out)

• Gross Revenue: $9.45 million

This is the first time a hip-hop artist has crossed the $9.4 million mark in a single stadium show. It underscores both artists’ drawing power and cements the Grand National Tour as the highest-grossing by a rapper in history—midway through its run.

Dallas Awaits: Next Stop on April 26

The tour now shifts north to Dallas, with a show at AT&T Stadium on April 26 Wikipedia. Fans in Arlington can expect another sold-out crowd. Given the first two stops, another seven-figure gross is nearly certain.

• Date: April 26, 2025

• Venue: AT&T Stadium (capacity ~80,000)

• City: Arlington, TX (marketed as Dallas)

Stay tuned for attendance and revenue figures. If the trend holds, this show could break even more ground for hip-hop in stadium settings.

Chart Reign: “Luther” at No. 1

Offstage, Kendrick and SZA are dominating the charts too. Their single “Luther” has now spent nine consecutive weeksat No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—one of the longest runs for any rap track this decade. It’s on track for a 10th week atop the chart next cycle.

This dual success—smashing live-show records while ruling streaming and radio—is rare. It highlights how both artists excel in the studio and onstage, and why their collaboration resonates so strongly with fans.

The Economics Behind Stadium Tours

1. Ticket Pricing

Stadium tours use tiered pricing. General admission to VIP packages can range from $50 to over $1,000. Dynamic pricing adjusts rates based on demand.

2. Venue Capacity

Modern stadiums can hold 40,000–80,000 attendees. Even at a $100 average ticket, a 50,000-seat venue can net $5 million before fees.

3. Merchandise Sales

Exclusive tour merch—T-shirts, hoodies, posters—adds $10–$30 per fan on average. Limited-edition items can sell out in hours.

4. Sponsorships & Partnerships

Brands pay for in-show activations and naming rights. On large tours, sponsorships can cover 10–20% of production costs.

When combined, these streams push revenues into eight- or nine-figure territories—enabling acts like Kendrick and SZA to set new records.

Fan Guide: Mastering a Stadium Show

1. Plan Your Arrival

   • Public transit and park-and-ride often open 3–4 hours early.

2. Stay Hydrated

   • Bring an empty bottle to refill. Big crowds and pyrotechnics can dehydrate you fast.

3. Download the Venue App

   • Access seating maps, concessions, and restroom locations. Some apps let you order food to your seat.

4. Dress in Layers

   • Stadium temps can drop after sunset.

   • Capture the Moment

   • Use concert or night-mode on your phone. Respect no-camera zones—professional gear is often banned.

These tips help you navigate logistics so you can focus on the music.

Why the Grand National Tour Matters

• Hip-Hop History: It’s the first time rap artists have consecutively broken gross records mid-tour.

• Artistic Synergy: Kendrick and SZA balance hard-hitting verses with soulful R&B. Their joint setlist captures the best of both worlds.

• Fan Connection: From surprise guests to stripped-down acoustic moments, the show feels both massive and intimate.

• Industry Benchmark: Other artists will study this tour’s model for years to come.

This tour isn’t a one-off spectacle. It’s a roadmap for how hip-hop and R&B can thrive on the biggest stages.

Planning Ahead: Remaining Dates & Cities

After Dallas, the tour hits major markets across North America before heading overseas in July Wikipedia:

With dates in North America and Europe, the Grand National Tour is a global event. Whether you’re in the U.S. or abroad, there’s a show near you.

Kendrick Lamar and SZA are rewriting the playbook on what a stadium tour can achieve. From smashing box-office records to dominating the Hot 100 with “Luther,” they’re proving that hip-hop and R&B can fill—and sell out—the biggest arenas in the world. If you want to witness music history in the making, catch the Grand National Tour while you can.