Kendrick Lamar Unites Crips and Bloods On Stage at "Pop Out" Concert in Los Angeles
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| Kendrick Lamar Unites Crips & Bloods On Stage In L.A. | Photo credit: @armenkeleshian On IG ©️ |
In a powerful display of unity and homage to fallen icons,Kendrick Lamar brought together rival gang members from the Crips and Bloods during his electrifying "Pop Out" concert in Los Angeles.
Surrounded by fellow West Coast luminaries like Dr. Dre, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Tyler, the Creator, YG, and Roddy Ricch, K.Dot concluded his performance by inviting members from both sides of L.A.’s gang divide onto the stage, symbolizing a city united.
As the concert neared its end on Wednesday (June 19), Kendrick addressed the audience with heartfelt words:
This sh!t making me emotional. We been f*cked up since Nipsey [Hussle] died. We been f*cked up since Kobe [Bryant] died. This is unity at its finest. We done lost a lot of homies to this music shit, to this street sh!t. For all of us to be together on stage, that sh!t is special. Everybody on this stage got fallen soldiers.”
- Kendrick Lamar
West Coast Unity: Kendrick Lamar Brings Crips and Bloods Together at "Pop Out" Event
Kendrick Lamar Unites Crips & Bloods On Stage In L.A.
— WhatsOnRap (@WhatsOnRap__) June 20, 2024
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Kendrick Lamar got CRIPS And BLOODS out here dancing Together
— WhatsOnRap (@WhatsOnRap__) June 20, 2024
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This gesture isn’t new for Kendrick Lamar, who previously sought to bridge gaps between the Bloods and Crips.
In 2014, both gangs were represented on the cover art of his single “i,” emphasizing his commitment to community and peace.
- Related Stories: Kendrick Lamar's ''Pop Out'' Features Touching Tribute to Nipsey Hussle and by Mustard
The "Pop Out" concert also highlighted Kendrick’s ongoing feud with Drake. In addition to performing his diss tracks "Euphoria" and "Like That," he notably played "Not Like Us" five times consecutively towards the end of the show.
During the performance, Kendrick took a direct jab at Drake, urging him to return a ring that once belonged to Tupac Shakur, purchased at auction for over $1 million.
He even altered the lyrics of "Euphoria" to emphasize this demand: “Give me Tupac’s ring back and maybe I’ll give you some respect.”
Kendrick Lamar’s concert wasn’t just a showcase of his musical prowess but also a platform for social commentary and reconciliation within the hip-hop community.
His ability to blend raw talent with meaningful messages continues to resonate deeply with fans and critics alike, solidifying his status as a cultural icon and visionary in contemporary rap music.