Kendrick Lamar Ignites on Juneteenth With New ‘Ken and Friends’ Concert
Kendrick Lamar delivered a powerful performance on Juneteenth in collaboration with Amazon Music for a special Black Music Month concert.
The “Pop Out: Ken and Friends” concert kicked off with Lamar debuting a new verse in “Euphoria,” taking a direct shot at fellow rapper Drake with the line, “Give me Tupac’s ring back and I might give you a little respect.” This reference targets Drake, revealed last year as the alleged private buyer of Tupac Shakur’s iconic ring.
The ongoing feud between the rappers has been a source of intense excitement over the past few months. It all started with Lamar’s collaboration single with Future and Metro Boomin, “Like That.” He issued a challenge to Drake with the line, “It’s time for him to prove that he’s a problem.” Since then, the two have been trading diss tracks over the past few months.
Drake’s notable responses include “Family Matters” and “The Heart Part 6,” where he addresses serious allegations against Lamar. In retaliation, Lamar’s diss tracks such as “Not Like Us,” “Euphoria,” and “Meet the Grahams” accuse Drake of addiction, abuse, and hidden children.
Amazon Music’s celebration of Black Music Month, “Forever the Influence,” was a truly star-studded affair. The rapper shared the stage with other prominent artists like Tyler the Creator, YG, Ty Dolla $ign, Dr. Dre, Steve Lacy, and the TDE Black Hippy crew, including Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul. The concert drew a crowd of A-listers, with appearances by The Weeknd, LeBron James, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and LaKeith Stanfield.
The artist’s performance was a powerful testament to his enduring influence and artistry. He performed “Not Like Us” five times, with fans passionately rapping along.
As his fans cheered him on, it was clear that the rapper remains at the top of his game in terms of musical talent and his ability to engage in high-stakes rap battles. The event underscored his influence in the music industry and his dedication to using his platform to address personal and cultural conflicts, making it an unforgettable night for all in attendance.
Check out Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” live performance on Amazon Music here.
