On June 4, 2025, Kendrick Lamar and SZA brought their highly anticipated Grand National Tour to The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri, delivering a performance that was as electrifying as it was meaningful for the city. With St. Louis native SZA sharing the stage with Compton’s rap titan Kendrick Lamar, the night was a homecoming celebration layered with raw energy, cultural resonance, and a few technical challenges that couldn’t dim the duo’s brilliance.
The Setup: A Grand Stage for a Grand National
The concert kicked off with a high-octane DJ set by Mustard, setting the tone for a night of hip-hop and R&B excellence. The stage design was a visual feast, featuring a Buick Grand National—a nod to Lamar’s 2024 album GNX—as a centerpiece. The production was ambitious, with pyrotechnics, synchronized lighting, and backup dancers whose fluid, almost militaristic choreography amplified the intensity of Lamar’s set. SZA’s portions leaned into her Lana aesthetic, with vine-draped set pieces and dancers costumed as praying mantises, evoking a serene yet surreal natural vibe.
Kendrick Lamar: Lyrical Precision and Hometown Heat
Lamar opened with “Wacced Out Murals” from GNX, emerging from the Buick with a commanding presence that instantly gripped the sold-out crowd. His setlist was a masterclass in balancing new material with classics, weaving tracks like “King Kunta,” “Backseat Freestyle,” and “Humble” from To Pimp a Butterfly and DAMN with newer cuts like “Euphoria” and the Grammy-winning “Not Like Us.” The latter, a cultural juggernaut born from his 2024 feud with Drake, had the audience screaming every word, turning The Dome into a pulsating sea of energy. The a cappella rendition of “Backseat Freestyle” was a standout, with the crowd’s voices carrying the song in a raw, unfiltered moment of unity.
Lamar’s performance was steeped in storytelling, a hallmark of his career. His delivery was razor-sharp, each lyric landing with emotional weight and precision. The pyrotechnics and choreography—particularly during “Euphoria,” where flashing spotlights mirrored the song’s aggression—elevated the experience, though occasional audio issues, like feedback and muffled vocals, briefly disrupted the flow. Despite these hiccups, Lamar’s intensity never wavered, and his nod to St. Louis during a brief pause—“This city’s got soul, and we feelin’ it tonight”—drew roars of approval.
SZA: St. Louis Pride and Ethereal Grace
SZA, born Solána Rowe, was the hometown hero of the night, and she leaned into it with heartfelt authenticity. Sporting a custom St. Louis Blues jersey, she shouted out her family, the city’s north and west sides, and local schools like Soldan and Gateway, each mention sparking cheers from the crowd. Her setlist drew heavily from SOS and the deluxe Lana, with tracks like “Love Galore,” “The Weekend,” and “Good Days” showcasing her ethereal voice and emotional depth. Her alternative-rock-leaning songs from SOS were a bold inclusion, though some received mixed reactions, as noted in reviews from earlier tour stops.
SZA’s stage presence was magnetic, her voice soaring through The Dome’s massive space while maintaining an intimate connection with the audience. Her set design, with its nature-inspired visuals, offered a calming contrast to Lamar’s high-octane energy, yet the transitions between their performances were seamless. Her ability to shift from soulful R&B to rock-infused tracks demonstrated her versatility, though some audio inconsistencies slightly muddied her vocals during quieter moments.
The Collabs: A Cosmic Connection
The true magic of the night came when Lamar and SZA shared the stage. Their collaborations—“30 for 30,” “Doves in the Wind,” “All the Stars,” and the chart-dominating “Luther”—were the heart of the show. “All the Stars” was a cinematic highlight, with phones lighting up the arena and the crowd singing in unison, creating a moment that felt both massive and deeply personal. “Luther,” a standout from GNX, pulsed with upbeat energy, though some fans noted that closing with the slower “Gloria” felt anticlimactic after such an explosive set.
Their chemistry was undeniable, with Lamar’s intensity complementing SZA’s mellifluous tenor. Their shared history as Top Dawg Entertainment labelmates shone through, making each duet a testament to their long-standing creative synergy.
The Verdict: A Night to Remember, Flaws and All
Despite persistent audio issues—feedback loops and occasional mic drops—the Grand National Tour stop in St. Louis was a triumph. Lamar and SZA delivered a three-hour marathon that blended hip-hop, soul, pop, and rock, showcasing their ability to push boundaries while honoring their roots. For St. Louis, the night was a celebration of hometown pride, with SZA’s love for the city and Lamar’s respect for its energy resonating deeply. The crowd’s enthusiasm, from belting out “Not Like Us” to swaying to “Good Days,” proved that The Dome was the perfect stage for this monumental tour.
If there’s any critique, it’s that the audio issues occasionally disrupted the experience, and the choice to end with “Gloria” left some wanting a more climactic finale. Still, these were minor blemishes on an otherwise stunning performance. Kendrick Lamar and SZA proved why they’re at the top of their game, carrying the baton of American music with ferocity, heart, and a whole lot of St. Louis soul.
