Kendrick Lamar performs “Not Like Us” in Toronto during Grand National Tour [VIDEO]
Kendrick Lamar performs “Not Like US” in Toronto
On Thursday night, Toronto became the epicenter of hip-hop’s most talked-about feud. Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grand National Tour rolled into the Rogers Centre, drawing tens of thousands of eager fans. But this wasn’t just another stop. It was Kendrick’s performance in Drake’s hometown—a city that has long stood behind its global rap superstar.
As fans poured into the stadium, the buzz was undeniable. This wasn’t just about music. This was about culture, loyalty, and rivalry. Kendrick Lamar’s on
going feud with Drake turned what could have been a routine show into a headline-dominating spectacle.
The Backstory: Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake
To understand why this performance mattered so much, it’s important to examine the rivalry between these two hip-hop giants. Kendrick and Drake have exchanged subtle jabs for over a decade, but things escalated dramatically in 2024.
The song wasn’t subtle. Kendrick took aim at Drake’s authenticity, his relationships, and even the culture around his OVO brand. What made the track even more significant was its resonance with the public. “Not Like Us” didn’t just trend—it became an anthem, streaming in the millions, winning a Grammy, and sparking endless debate online.
By the time the Grand National Tour began, fans weren’t just showing up to hear music. They were arriving for a moment.
How Toronto Reacted to Kendrick Lamar’s Show
There was anticipation, and then there was what actually happened. As Kendrick stepped onto the stage, the energy in the venue shifted. There were cheers, screams, and surprisingly—solidarity.
Toronto fans, expected by some to be cool toward Kendrick, erupted when “Not Like Us” began to play. Thousands of people rapped along, bar for bar. Then came the chants—“OV-Hoe!”—echoing through the stadium like a challenge to the hometown hero.
It was shocking. But it also reflected a larger shift. Fans aren’t just loyal to hometowns anymore—they’re loyal to moments, to messages, and to authenticity. Kendrick, with his powerful lyricism and cultural weight, connected in a way that transcended city lines.
Why the Grand National Tour Matters
The Grand National Tour is more than just a series of concerts. It’s a cultural event. Featuring Kendrick Lamar and SZA, two of the most acclaimed artists of their generation, the tour showcases genre-defining music, storytelling, and stagecraft.
The tour supports Kendrick’s GNX and SZA’s SOS Deluxe: Lana, bringing deeply personal and socially aware music to audiences around the world. With 41 tour stops across North America and Europe, the scale of the production is massive.
But it’s also deeply curated. Each show is constructed to deliver emotion, perspective, and connection. Whether it’s Kendrick dissecting power and legacy, or SZA exploring vulnerability and self-worth, the tour creates space for real reflection and real joy.
The Setlist: A Balance of Old and New
Kendrick’s setlist in Toronto was a perfect mix of old hits and newer, headline-making tracks. From “Alright” to “DNA.” to “The Heart Part 6,” the crowd stayed locked in. The closing performance of “Not Like Us” was clearly the centerpiece, but every song built toward that climax.
SZA delivered her own magic. With songs like “Kill Bill,” “Snooze,” and “Saturn,” she captivated the audience with a mix of vocal elegance and raw emotion. Her stage presence brought a necessary balance to the intensity of Kendrick’s message.
Together, the two created an unforgettable night—one that merged entertainment with deeper cultural significance.
The Power of Diss Tracks in Hip-Hop Culture
For newer fans, it’s important to understand the context of diss tracks in hip-hop. They’re not just beef for beef’s sake—they’re often artistic expressions of truth, competition, and identity. From Tupac vs. Biggie to Nas vs. Jay-Z, the tradition is ingrained in the genre’s DNA.
Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” fits into that lineage. It’s musically rich, lyrically sharp, and it touched a cultural nerve. The fact that fans in Drake’s hometown were yelling along to a diss track aimed at him says more about the power of good music than it does about fan disloyalty.
And in the age of social media, these tracks take on lives of their own. Memes, remixes, and TikToks multiply their impact. They become part of the cultural conversation.
What’s Next for the Grand National Tour?
The tour continues in Toronto with a second show on June 13, giving fans another chance to be part of the moment. From there, Kendrick and SZA will move through a few more U.S. cities before wrapping up the North American leg on June 18 in Washington, D.C.
After a short break, the tour heads to Europe, beginning July 2 in Cologne, Germany. Dates across the UK, France, the Netherlands, and other countries will bring the tour to a global audience.
Fans in Europe are already buzzing online, and ticket sales have soared. There’s no doubt: Kendrick and SZA are delivering one of the biggest tours of the decade.
Why This Night Will Be Remembered
June 12 in Toronto won’t be forgotten. Not because of scandal or spectacle—but because it reminded the world what makes music powerful. It’s not always about where you’re from. It’s about what you stand for, how you express it, and how deeply others connect to it.
Kendrick Lamar’s performance didn’t just entertain—it challenged, provoked, and inspired. Alongside SZA, he delivered a masterclass in artistry and relevance.
As the Grand National Tour continues, fans everywhere should know: they’re not just buying tickets to a concert—they’re participating in a cultural moment that will be remembered for years.