Kendrick Lamar's Juneteenth 'Pop Out' concert at the Forum in Inglewood, California, was more than just a victory lap following his recent battle with Drake. The event turned into a powerful celebration of unity within the Los Angeles community.
The three-hour concert, curated by Lamar, featured a lineup of emerging LA rappers and established stars such as Tyler, The Creator, Steve Lacy, and YG. Lamar took the stage alongside Black Hippy collaborators Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, and Jay Rock, performing his Drake diss tracks 'Euphoria' and '6:16 in LA.' The highlight of the night was when Dr. Dre joined Lamar on stage for a memorable performance of 'Still D.R.E.' and 'California Love.'
The crowd of 17,000, which included notable figures like The Weeknd, LeBron James, and Rick Ross, enthusiastically participated in the concert. NBA stars Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan, along with other artists and performers, joined Lamar on stage, adding to the electric atmosphere.
Lamar used the platform to emphasize the importance of unity and respect for West Coast culture. He called for a group photo on stage, bringing together individuals from different backgrounds and affiliations, including Crips, Bloods, and Piru members.
Addressing the audience, Lamar stressed the significance of the moment, highlighting that the event was about unity and solidarity rather than music or rivalries. He expressed his gratitude for the community coming together for the concert.
As the concert concluded, Lamar assured the audience that this was not the end, promising more to come. The crowd continued to chant along to Lamar's lyrics as they exited the venue, echoing the spirit of togetherness and celebration that defined the evening.