Kendrick Lamar becomes first rapper to have multiple tours in top five highest-grossing hip-hop tours of all-time

Kendrick Lamar sets new record with Grand National Tour

Kendrick Lamar has officially made hip-hop history — again.

After a triumphant three-night run at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, Kendrick Lamar’s Grand National Tour has now grossed over $112.5 million, making it one of the top five highest-grossing hip-hop tours of all time. More impressively, Lamar becomes the only rapper ever to have two tours on that elite list. His previous trek, the Big Steppers Tour, grossed $110.8 million in 2023.

But this latest milestone isn’t just about numbers. It reflects a cultural moment, one fueled by fearless artistry, raw storytelling, and a connection with fans that crosses generations, genres, and geographic lines.

From Washington to Texas to L.A.: A Record-Breaking Run

The Grand National Tour isn’t just a showcase — it’s a movement. Lamar broke attendance records in Washington, D.C., and Texas, selling out arenas and stadiums at a pace few artists can match. But it was his return to his hometown of Los Angeles that pushed the tour into legendary territory.

SoFi Stadium, with a capacity of over 70,000, was packed for three consecutive nights. Each show was a masterclass in performance art, complete with elaborate visuals, choreography, and a narrative arc that kept fans glued to every bar and beat.

Fans weren’t just attending — they were experiencing something. It wasn’t hype. It was history.

Kendrick Lamar: Still at the Top of the Game

Kendrick Lamar’s ability to balance critical acclaim with commercial success is nearly unmatched in modern music. The Compton native is no stranger to the top of the charts, but with this tour, he’s proving his longevity, vision, and star power remain as potent as ever.

The tour setlist spans his award-winning catalog, but what has fans buzzing the most are his recent diss tracks — most notably, “Euphoria” and “Not Like Us.” Both tracks are aimed at Drake and became cultural moments in their own right, dominating Twitter timelines, TikTok trends, and Billboard charts.

Hearing them live, especially in L.A., brought a new level of intensity. The crowd didn’t just rap along — they erupted. Kendrick delivered these verses with precision and purpose, reinforcing his image as hip-hop’s most fearless storyteller.

Chemistry That Can’t Be Taught: Kendrick and SZA

Kendrick isn’t going it alone.

Joining him on select dates is SZA, the genre-defying songstress who’s been riding high since the release of her Grammy-winning album SOS. Together, the two deliver show-stopping performances of tracks like “30 for 30” and “Luther,” reminding audiences just how powerful collaborative synergy can be.

Their chemistry is electric — a blend of SZA’s emotional depth and vocal range with Kendrick’s gritty realism and lyrical agility. Watching them command the stage together is like watching fire and water coexist — unpredictable, but perfectly balanced.

Both artists are also chart juggernauts. Their presence on the Grand National Tour has helped them maintain top spots on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200, with fans streaming their latest collaborations long after the final encore.

Why the Grand National Tour Matters Beyond the Music

This tour isn’t just a musical success story — it’s a cultural shift.

Lamar’s approach to touring blends music with multimedia storytelling, social commentary, and high-concept stage design. He’s not following the formula; he’s redefining it. Every night is curated like an immersive exhibition, tackling topics like race, legacy, loyalty, and identity.

That ambition is what separates Kendrick from his peers. Where many artists lean into trends, Lamar sets the pace for the culture. With his live show, he offers substance in an era obsessed with spectacle — and it resonates.

Moreover, the audience makeup tells its own story. The Grand National Tour draws multigenerational, multicultural crowds. Teens, 30-somethings, hip-hop heads, pop fans — they all show up. This wide appeal reflects Kendrick’s rare ability to be uncompromising and universal at once.

Milestones and Momentum: Breaking Down the Numbers

Let’s break it down:

• Grand National Tour gross (so far): $112.5 million
• Big Steppers Tour gross (2023): $110.8 million
• Unique feat: Only rapper with two tours in the top five
• Venues sold out: From Capital One Arena in D.C. to NRG Stadium in Houston
• Projected gross by tour’s end: Analysts expect the tour to surpass $140 million, placing it even higher in the all-time ranks

These stats matter because they reflect not only ticket sales but fan investment. In an era when touring is more lucrative than album sales, artists who can sell out stadiums have a special kind of influence.

Touring in the Streaming Era: Why It Still Reigns

Streaming might dominate how we consume music, but live tours remain the heartbeat of the industry. Kendrick’s success proves that fans crave authentic, in-person experiences now more than ever.

Why? Because live music offers something Spotify can’t: energy, community, and connection.

Lamar’s set design includes immersive lighting, symbolic props, and interludes that deepen the themes of his music. Whether you’re in the nosebleeds or the front row, the experience feels tailored. That intimacy at scale is part of his genius.

What’s Next for Kendrick Lamar?

Kendrick hasn’t confirmed whether a new album is in the works, but fans speculate that his next era is already in motion. His recent creative output — including diss tracks, visual teasers, and experimental performances — suggests that he’s gearing up for something big.

In the meantime, the Grand National Tour rolls on, with stops in Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and more cities before wrapping up in September. If the SoFi shows are any indication, the best may still be yet to come.

Lessons from Kendrick’s Touring Success

What can artists and fans learn from Lamar’s historic run?

• Authenticity wins: Kendrick never chases trends. He makes them.
• Storytelling matters: Fans crave depth, especially in live experiences.
• Collaboration can elevate both artists: His synergy with SZA is proof.
• Don’t fear controversy: Kendrick embraces conflict to fuel conversation and creativity.
• Give fans more than music: From visuals to venue choice, every detail matters.

With the Grand National Tour, Kendrick Lamar isn’t just performing. He’s defining what it means to be a hip-hop artist in 2025.

He’s shattering records, reshaping narratives, and inspiring a new generation of artists to think big — and act bold. Alongside SZA, he’s crafted a tour that’s part concert, part cultural moment.

It’s clear now more than ever: Kendrick Lamar isn’t just one of the greatest rappers alive. He’s one of the most important artists of our time.

And the tour isn’t over yet.