Cover photo credit: Greg Noire
Author: Abby Graham
It was May 17, 2025, and Seattle’s Lumen Field was buzzing in a way that I will never forget. Over 60,000 people came together for a night that was so much greater than a concert — a night that was a celebration of two artists I admire and love so dearly: Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Their songs have been such a big part of my life for years. To be able to finally see them live was a dream I never imagined would be realized, and it exceeded all expectations in every way.
I got to the venue early to pick up some merch, and the line stretched for what felt like miles — two solid hours of waiting, surrounded by many who shared my excitement. Despite the long wait, what stood out most was the kindness and camaraderie among everyone in line. People were trading stories, recommending their favorite songs, and just spreading compliments to anyone who walked by. It was a reminder of how music, especially hip-hop and R&B, is not always about beats and lyrics — it’s about connection.
Though the rain was on and off for the whole night, everyone forgot they were soaked when Kendrick finally came on stage. His performance was everything I needed for an opener. The show opened with a remix of “Wacced out Murals,” “Squabble Up,” and “King Kunta”. The energy Kendrick put into just the first three songs was incredible and made me want to melt to my knees in excitement. Even the people around me were having the greatest time of their lives. Two people sat in the empty seat next to me and were jumping up and down to every song, which made me want to jump up and down to every song. I also spent a good majority of the night giggling over the fact that Kendricks was getting pantsed by Seattle Rain. He had the cutest bedazzled belt, but it did not stop the rain from making his pants fall.
Then SZA performed, and I have never felt the way I did during that moment: pure bliss. Her stage presence was magnetic and ohhh my gooodddd is she sexyyyy.. When she sang “Rich Baby Daddy,” I immediately sprang out of my seat to ‘shake my a*s’ for her. Hearing thousands of voices sing every word back to her was surreal. SZA’s voice has always been so authentic and raw, and live, and hearing her sing with Kendrick (“All The Stars”) was such a dream come true.
Photo creds: Cassidy Meyers
Yet the absolute highlight of the evening — the one thing I will never forget — was meeting SZA herself before the show. I still cannot quite believe it. She was coming out of a vehicle to get ready for the show when I heard many people screaming. And since I am nosey, I shoved my way through a crowd just as SZA passed by me. She held my hand. She held my hand. She. Held. My. Hand. I immediately pulled out my phone and started texting as many SZA fans as I knew while LICKING my left hand (the hand she held). Even though I was in so much pain from my boots, all of that disappeared within the excitement of the moment.
As the night neared its end, the opening notes of “All the Stars” sent a hush over the crowd, followed by a massive amount of cheers that seemed to vibrate through the rain-soaked stadium. It felt less like a performance and more like a prayer, like genuinely I felt like I was in a Texas mega church the second I heard the opening intro of “All The Stars”. That is my all-time favorite SZA and Kendrick song, and being able to hear it live after watching them perform it together at the Super Bowl Halftime exceeded my expectations tremendously of what a concert should look like. From the friendliness of the fans to the amazing merch to the music, this concert has got to be one of the best shows I have attended.
If you ever get the chance to witness Kendrick Lamar and SZA live in concert, do not hesitate. It’s a show that will move you and stay with you for the rest of your life. Also, yes, SZA was just as beautiful in person.
Photo Creds: Cassidy Meyers
Abby Graham I KXSU Music & Arts Reporter