Kendrick Lamar earns the highest-grossing concert by a rapper in US history, with Minneapolis date

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Apr 23, 2025

Kendrick Lamar earns highest-grossing show by a rapper in history

The Grand National Tour, co-headlined by Kendrick Lamar and SZA, is proving to be one of the most iconic tours of 2025. Kicking off on April 19 in Minneapolis, the tour not only sold out but set a massive new record in the process. With energy high and ticket sales through the roof, this collaboration between two of TDE’s biggest stars is more than a reunion—it’s a cultural reset.

Breaking Records: Kendrick’s Minneapolis Show Sets a New Standard

On opening night at U.S. Bank Stadium, Kendrick Lamar made history. The Minneapolis show brought in a staggering $9.124 million, officially making it the highest-grossing concert by a rapper in U.S. history. This surpasses previous benchmarks set by other hip-hop legends and signals a new era of mainstream power for lyric-driven rap performances.

The moment was more than just a win for Kendrick—it was a celebration of hip-hop’s ongoing global influence and the continued demand for authentic artistry.

With a capacity of over 70,000, the venue was packed to the brim with fans eager to witness greatness. The energy in the building was electric as both Kendrick and SZA delivered standout performances that fused visual art, powerful lyrics, and raw emotion.

From Halftime Show to Headlining Stadiums

This tour follows their Super Bowl Halftime Show appearance in New Orleans earlier this year. That performance marked the first time Kendrick and SZA hit the stage together in a stadium setting—and the chemistry was undeniable.

Their joint halftime show helped build hype for the Grand National Tour, showcasing just how dynamic their performances can be, both individually and together. The cultural moment sparked online buzz for weeks, and fans began demanding a tour almost instantly. Now, with stadiums being filled across the country, it’s clear the duo delivered on those expectations and then some.

“Luther” Reigns Supreme on Billboard Hot 100

In addition to their on-stage success, Kendrick and SZA are dominating the charts as well. Their collaborative single “Luther” is currently enjoying its ninth consecutive week at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

A reflective, genre-blending masterpiece, “Luther” has become an anthem across demographics. With soaring melodies from SZA and potent, layered verses from Kendrick, the track has achieved rare longevity in an era of fleeting chart-toppers. It’s now pacing for a potential tenth week at number one, a milestone that would further cement its place in 2025’s musical canon.

Fans and critics alike have praised “Luther” for its emotional depth and sonic innovation. It’s become a signature moment in both artists’ catalogs, especially considering its presence in every stop of the Grand National Tour setlist.

The Grand National Tour: A Celebration of Legacy and Growth

While the tour feels like a victory lap, it’s also a showcase of artistic evolution. Kendrick Lamar, often regarded as the greatest rapper of his generation, is using this moment to highlight not only his discography but also the emotional complexity behind his work.

He weaves in songs from To Pimp A Butterfly, DAMN., Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, and his mixtape days—reminding fans just how vast and cohesive his catalog truly is.

SZA, fresh off her wildly successful SOS era and multiple Grammy wins, balances the show with R&B soul, melodic tension, and stage presence that’s grown exponentially. Her transitions between emotional ballads and high-energy hits show how she’s fully stepped into her pop-R&B superstar role.

Together, they’ve created a tour experience that blends storytelling, genre-fusion, and raw performance energy, giving fans something deeper than just a concert—it’s a cultural journey.

Tour Setlist: What Fans Can Expect

While the full setlist varies slightly by city, most stops on the Grand National Tour feature:

  • Kendrick Lamar’s Hits: “Alright,” “DNA.,” “Money Trees,” “The Heart Part 6,” “Father Time,” and his verse on “Luther.”

  • SZA’s Staples: “Kill Bill,” “Snooze,” “Broken Clocks,” “Good Days,” “Low,” and her verse on “Luther.”

  • Special Collaborations: The duo often performs “Luther” together as the emotional centerpiece of the show. Rumors also hint at unreleased music being tested live, adding extra buzz for fans in attendance.

The tour also includes stunning visual production, poetic transitions, and live band arrangements that elevate familiar songs to new heights.

Houston Up Next: The Momentum Builds

Following the epic Minneapolis opener, the Grand National Tour is headed to Houston tonight for its second show. Given the city’s deep ties to both hip-hop and R&B, it’s expected to be another high-energy crowd.

Houston is known for embracing lyrical rap, with legends like Scarface, Bun B, and Travis Scott all having strong ties to the city. Kendrick and SZA performing in this space not only honors those roots—it furthers the narrative of Southern cities being major epicenters for touring success.

What Makes This Tour So Important?

Several factors set the Grand National Tour apart:

  1. Artist-First Energy: This isn’t a tour filled with fluff or gimmicks. Every song, set, and visual feels intentional.

  2. Chart & Cultural Success: With “Luther” dominating the Hot 100, fans have a real-time connection to music that matters now.

  3. Authenticity Over Algorithms: Kendrick and SZA aren’t chasing trends—they’re setting them. That resonates with fans who value substance.

It’s also a rare moment to see two artists, equally at the top of their game, perform together not out of nostalgia, but mutual artistic elevation.

Impact on Touring and Hip-Hop’s Mainstream Status

Kendrick breaking the highest-grossing concert record isn’t just about numbers—it’s a signal that lyricism and thought-provoking art can still thrive in mainstream music.

His achievement challenges assumptions that rap shows can’t rival pop or rock tours in revenue and attendance. In fact, it sets a new precedent for future generations of hip-hop artists looking to tour big without compromising their message.

The Grand National Tour is showing that fans will show up—and pay top dollar—for authentic storytelling, high-level production, and cultural moments they can feel.

The Grand National Tour Is One for the Ages

With record-setting revenue, chart-topping hits, and show-stopping performances, Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grand National Tour is shaping up to be one of the biggest live events of the decade.

More than a celebration of music, it’s a celebration of growth, resilience, and Black artistry at its highest level. As the tour continues to sweep across the country, fans everywhere are eager to witness what feels like history in the making.

If you’re debating whether or not to grab tickets—don’t wait. Because when it’s all said and done, this won’t just be a concert you remember—it’ll be a cultural milestone you were lucky to be part of.