Regardless of any diss tracks towards Drake, Kendrick Lamar’s Pop Out was the biggest flex and will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most important moments in hip hop history. And to do it all on a corporate-funded Livestream (Amazon’s Prime Video) makes it all the more glorious. The L.A. love and talent were endless at Kendrick’s Pop Out. Here are our 10 favorite moments + a highlight video.
1. Kendrick performed “Not like Us” five times!
No joke. K.Dot performed “Not Like Us” five times. Fans were moved as they grooved.
“Kendrick healed something in me I didn’t know needed healing.” ~ @freddy.marinn
2. The unity
It didn’t matter what part of L.A. you repped, Blood or Crip, woman or man — it was all about unity at Kendrick’s Pop Out.
“Let the world see this. You ain’t seen this many sections on one stage keeping it together having peace.” ~ Kendrick Lamar
3. Dre and Kendrick
Seeing two Compton legends performing on one stage together, especially on Juneteenth, was legendary. Dre had a hand in Kendrick’s discovery and success, so there’s that too.
4. Kendrick performed “euphoria” for the first time
Good lawd that shit was fierce! “I believe you don’t like women, it’s real competition, you might pop ass with ’em.”
As one viewer shared: “Drake cancelling his Amazon Membership Now.” ~@fadamgotdajuice2
5. Kendrick debuted “6:16 in LA” live with Ab-Soul
A diss track never sounded so beautiful. I think I melted into another dimension on this woozy jam.
“Kendrick Lamar performing 6:16 in LA with a little help from Ab-Soul ad-libs. Heal and give you art.”
~ @AndresWrites
6. The emotions
In an emotional moment, Kendrick shared love for Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant. “This shit making me emotional. We’ve been fucked up since Nipsey died, hold up. We’ve been fucked up since Kobe died, hold up.”
Juneteenth alone made for an emotional and joyous celebration. Kendrick’s words throughout the Pop Out celebrated Black freedom and unity, especially during the many times he performed “Not Like Us.”
7. Steve Lacy performing “Bad Habit”
ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
BEST NEW MUSIC
8. Tyler, The Creator came through with “WusYaName”
9. Tommy The Clown made his return to The Forum
Bringing a fierce taste of the BattleZone with his T-Squad, the kids and young adults lit up the stage with their impressive clowning/krumping skills. The women were especially fire. I think I pulled a muscle just looking at their moves.
10. That massive group photo love
How a group photo with so many talented artists was coordinated still blows my mind. This alone will go down in hip hop history. And the love Kendrick had to share, his words were something special.
“This shit ain’t got nothing to do with no muthafuckin’ song at this point, it ain’t got nothing to do with no back-and-forth records. It got everything to do with this moment right here. That’s what this shit was about. To bring all of us to muthafucking together, you know what I’m saying. That’s what this shit is about.”
~Kendrick Lamar, The Pop Out
BONUS: Can we talk about the all-women rap group CUZZOS?!
The Funniest, Realest Fan Reactions To Kendrick Lamar’s Historic Los Angeles Concert “The Pop Out—Ken & Friends”
This post may contain affiliate links. Ads and affiliate links are how independent blogs like Grimy Goods can operate. Thank you for supporting our work and being a part of our music community.
