Back in 2013. Kendrick Lamar was not only transcending as one of the biggest emcees and artists in Hip-Hop, but most all of music. Who was coming off his critically-acclaimed major label debut album with Aftermath Entertainment, good kid, m.A.A.d city. So it should be no surprise that he was just one tier below being a headliner at Lollapalooza that year. Even bigger now than he is then. It should not be a surprise that Kendrick is a headliner for this year’s 2023 edition of Lollapalooza. Which will be taking place in a little less than a month from now, on Aug. 3rd-6th. With Kendrick set to headline on the T-Mobile main stage the second day of Aug. 4th.
What is a surprise if anything, is that not only has Kendrick never headlined Lollapalooza. But that it took a decade for him to make what will be only his second time he has ever performed at the world-renowned music festival. Which takes place in Chicago’s famed Grant Park.
A lot has transpired for not only Kendrick, but myself in that last decade too. Like me covering my very first Lollapalooza the year after in 2014 and going on to cover five of the next six after that before the pandemic hit in 2020. As well as covering shows and/or interviewing several other acclaimed artists. Ranging from Janet Jackson to Beyoncé, JAY-Z, Raekwon, and Rakim. Meanwhile all Kendrick has done is put out several more critically-acclaimed album’s through the famed Top Dawg Entertainment joint venture album deal with one of his mentors, Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. As well getting several more accolades and accomplishments. That range from 17 GRAMMYS to a Primetime Emmy, an Oscars nomination, heading and producing alongside TDE the No. 1 soundtrack for the Marvel Films world-renowned No. 1 movie, Black Panther with, Black Panther: The Album. Not to mention also becoming the first non-classical or jazz artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for music with his 2018 album, DAMN and being apart of history with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige & Eminem for the explosive Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show.
Kendrick also after recently completing his contract with his longtime label home, TDE. Also started his own label, pgLang. Where he has put out album’s from his cousin Baby Keem, fellow L.A.-based rapper, Tanna Leone and his own most recent critically-acclaimed latest album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. That he released last year.
Known for his stellar and mostly iconic like performances on stage as well. To go with all his other accolades and accomplishments. Plus a decade wait between the last time he performed at Lollapalooza in 2013. You can see why Kendrick’s headlining performance next month at the world-renowned festival is one of its most anticipated.