If you thought the Drake beef was the peak of the Kendrick Lamar 2025 tour cycle, you haven’t been paying attention. Honestly, the narrative that this is just a victory lap is kinda missing the point. We are currently watching the most calculated, high-stakes stadium run in hip-hop history.
It started with a 1987 Buick Grand National. That’s where the name comes from. Kendrick dropped GNX and the world shifted, but the Kendrick Lamar 2025 tour (officially the Grand National Tour) isn't just about playing the new hits. It's a co-headlining monster with SZA that has basically turned every major NFL stadium into a massive, red-tinted church of West Coast culture.
The Setlist Strategy: It’s Not Just "Not Like Us"
Everyone goes for the "Not Like Us" moment. Obviously. It’s the anthem. But if you look at the shows he’s been doing—from the kickoff at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis to the triple-night takeover at SoFi in Inglewood—the pacing is weirdly brilliant.
He doesn’t open with the beef. He opens with "Wacced Out Murals."
It’s a mood setter.
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Then he pivots. He brings out SZA for "Luther" and "All The Stars," and the energy shifts from aggressive to ethereal. Most people expected a solo rap show with a guest spot, but this is a legitimate "The Carters" style shared stage. SZA isn't just an opener; she’s a co-pilot. They even shared the Super Bowl LIX stage back in February, which served as a prototype for this whole stadium setup.
The Real Setlist Flow
- Act I: The GNX Introduction (Squabble Up, TV Off)
- Act II: The Hits (HUMBLE, DNA, Alright)
- Act III: The SZA Connection (Man at the Garden, Peekaboo)
- Act IV: The Finale (Not Like Us)
Why the Venues Matter So Much
Stadium tours are hard. Like, really hard. Most rappers struggle to fill a 60,000-seat stadium without a dozen openers. Kendrick is doing it with Mustard and SZA. When he hit MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, the revenue was reportedly north of $24 million for the two-night stand. That’s Taylor Swift territory.
The tour isn't just staying in the US either. After the North American leg wrapped up in Washington D.C. at Northwest Stadium on June 18, he moved into Europe and South America. By the time he reaches Australia in December 2025 for those solo dates in Sydney and Melbourne, he’ll have touched four continents.
The Super Bowl LIX Connection
You can’t talk about the Kendrick Lamar 2025 tour without mentioning New Orleans. The Super Bowl Halftime show was the ultimate commercial for this tour. Remember Samuel L. Jackson opening the set in "Uncle Sam" mode? That wasn't just for TV. That same aesthetic—the massive American flag, the military-precision choreography—carried right over into the stadium shows.
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There was all that drama with Lil Wayne fans before the Super Bowl, but Kendrick basically silenced it by putting on what most critics are calling the best halftime show since Dr. Dre’s 2022 performance. He used that 13-minute window to prove he could command a stadium. Now, he’s doing it every night.
What it Costs to Get In
Let’s be real: the ticket prices were a gut punch for a lot of people.
At the start of the tour, floor seats for SoFi or MetLife were easily clearing $400 on the secondary market. Even the "nosebleeds" at places like Gillette Stadium in Foxborough were hovering around $150. If you’re looking for tickets now for the international dates, you’ve gotta be careful with the resale sites. StubHub and SeatGeek are the standards, but the "Official Platinum" pricing on Ticketmaster is still a thing people love to hate.
Quick Logistics Check
- Merch: If you have a Cash App Visa, you get 20% off at the stands. It’s a random perk but worth it if you’re buying a $60 hoodie.
- Timing: Kendrick usually hits the stage around 9:00 PM. Don't skip Mustard’s DJ set, though—it’s basically a West Coast club set that gets the energy where it needs to be.
- The "Not Like Us" Repeat: He doesn't play it six times in a row like he did at The Pop Out. He usually plays it once, maybe with a slight instrumental intro of "The Heart Part 6" to troll one last time.
Is it Worth the Hype?
I’ve seen a lot of tours. I saw the Big Steppers tour, which was theatrical and heavy. This is different. This is a celebration. It feels like the entire industry finally admitted he’s the guy. The stage design is minimalist but huge—lots of negative space and sharp lighting.
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One thing people get wrong is thinking this is a "diss track tour." It’s actually a very deep look at his entire discography. He’s playing stuff from Section.80 and good kid, m.A.A.d city that feels brand new next to the GNX tracks.
What to Do if You’re Going
If you managed to snag tickets for the remaining dates, here is the move:
First, get there early. The crowd for the Kendrick Lamar 2025 tour is intense, and the merch lines are legendary. Second, wear comfortable shoes. This isn't a "sit and watch" show. It’s a stadium-sized mosh pit for half the set.
Check the specific venue policies for clear bags. Most NFL stadiums are incredibly strict—if your bag is an inch too big, you’re walking back to your car.
Finally, just watch the stage. Kendrick has always been a visual artist, but the way he uses the "Grand National" car imagery and the dancers in this specific tour is something you won't see on a YouTube rip. It's meant to be seen in person.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify Dates: Check the official Grand National Tour website for any last-minute "production hold" ticket releases for the international legs.
- Budget for Merch: Expect to pay $50+ for shirts; use the Cash App discount if you have the card to save about $10-$15.
- Plan Transport: Most stadium shows end late; pre-book your Uber or check the local transit schedule (like the SEPTA in Philly or the TTC in Toronto) to avoid the $200 surge pricing.