SZA avoids subliminal Drake Toronto question by Jimmy Kimmel
SZA recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to promote her upcoming Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar. While discussing the highly anticipated stadium run, Kimmel asked a question about Drake, sparking a viral moment when SZA skillfully dodged the topic.
As Kimmel brought up the Toronto tour stop, he jokingly asked if SZA was worried about performing there amid the ongoing Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar rap feud. Instead of giving a direct answer, SZA responded with humor: “Are you worried?” Kimmel laughed and said, “I’m not worried about it.” SZA then confidently added, “I wouldn’t be either. I think it’s going to be so fun.”
When Kimmel pushed further, asking what would happen if “you-know-who” showed up at the concert, SZA playfully replied: “Who-knows-who?” The exchange quickly spread across social media, adding even more buzz to the upcoming tour.
SZA and Kendrick Lamar’s Historic Grand National Tour
SZA and Kendrick Lamar’s Grand National Tour is shaping up to be one of 2025’s biggest music events. The stadium tour kicks off on April 19 in Minneapolis and will span 39 dates across North America and Europe, concluding in Stockholm, Sweden, on August 28.
This is a significant moment for both artists. Kendrick Lamar has never done a stadium-only tour, and while SZA has been on a meteoric rise since her Grammy-winning album “SOS”, this marks her first time co-headlining such a massive production.
The tour will hit major cities like Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Chicago, and Atlanta, with a highly anticipated Toronto stop on June 12-13. Given the city’s connection to Drake, speculation is running wild about whether the rapper will address the tour—or even make an appearance.
Why SZA’s Reaction to the Drake Question Matters
SZA’s decision to dodge the Drake question wasn’t just about avoiding controversy—it was a masterclass in media handling.
Her history with Drake has been the subject of public curiosity ever since the Toronto rapper revealed in 2020 that they had dated in 2008. This caused some confusion, as fans initially thought she was 17 at the time. SZA later clarified that she was actually 18, shutting down any controversy.
Since then, the two have remained on good terms, even collaborating on the hit “Slime You Out” from Drake’s 2023 album For All the Dogs. But with Kendrick Lamar and Drake locked in an intense rap battle—one of the most significant hip-hop feuds in years—SZA finds herself in a delicate position.
While she has never publicly taken sides, her involvement in the Grand National Tour places her closer to Kendrick’s camp. The way she handled Kimmel’s question—staying neutral while keeping it lighthearted—was a strategic move to avoid fueling the fire.
The Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar Feud: A Recap
The Drake-Kendrick feud has been dominating the rap world for over a year, reaching its peak in 2024 with a series of diss tracks exchanged between the two.
Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” became an instant cultural moment, taking direct aim at Drake and his reputation. The track even became a West Coast anthem, with Lamar shooting the music video in Compton, featuring high-profile appearances from industry figures like Mustard.
Meanwhile, Drake responded with multiple diss tracks, including “Push Ups” and “The Heart Part 6”, but Kendrick’s responses have largely been seen as the stronger punches in the battle.
With the Grand National Tour bringing Lamar to Drake’s hometown, fans are eagerly waiting to see if the feud will escalate further.
SZA’s Explosive Career Growth
While much of the conversation has centered around Kendrick and Drake, SZA’s career trajectory deserves its own spotlight.
Her 2022 album “SOS” was a massive success, earning three Grammy Awards and breaking streaming records. The project featured hits like “Kill Bill,” “Snooze,” and “Shirt”, solidifying her as one of the most dominant artists in R&B.
Following the album’s success, her SOS Tour grossed over $100 million, making her one of the few Black female artists to achieve that milestone—joining legends like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Tina Turner.
Now, with the Grand National Tour, she’s entering an even bigger phase, sharing the stage with one of hip-hop’s greatest lyricists.
What to Expect from the Grand National Tour
SZA has promised an “insane” production, teasing that she and Lamar are throwing “all the paint at the wall” for their performances.
Here’s what fans can expect:
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High-Level Production – Kendrick Lamar is known for his cinematic storytelling and visual-heavy performances. His last major tour, “The Big Steppers Tour,” was a theatrical masterpiece with deeply layered messaging. Fans anticipate a similar level of creativity this time around.
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Setlist of Hits – With both artists boasting platinum-selling albums, fans can expect a mix of new material and old favorites. Songs like “All the Stars,” “Humble,” “Money Trees,” “Kill Bill,” and “Snooze” will likely be highlights of the setlist.
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Potential Surprise Guests – Given the scale of this tour, there’s speculation that high-profile guests might make appearances. Could we see Baby Keem, Doechii, or even Travis Scott join the stage?
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The Toronto Wild Card – June 12 and 13 are shaping up to be must-watch tour dates. With the Drake-Kendrick tension, all eyes will be on how the Toronto crowd reacts to Kendrick’s set—and whether Drake himself will respond in any way.
SZA’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! interview was a perfect blend of humor, media savvy, and tour hype. Her smooth deflection of the Drake question only added more intrigue to what is already one of the most highly anticipated tours of the year.
As the Grand National Tour kicks off, fans are bracing for an unforgettable concert experience filled with stunning visuals, iconic performances, and possibly even more hip-hop drama.
Will Drake respond? Will Kendrick add more fuel to the fire? And will SZA finally address her stance?
One thing is certain—this tour is about to make history.
