Kendrick Lamar headlined a Juneteenth concert at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, delivering a powerful performance that celebrated West Coast culture. The concert, dubbed "The Pop Out," featured appearances from iconic figures like Dr. Dre, Tyler the Creator, and YG. Lamar not only showcased his musical talent but also used the event to address social and political issues, highlighting the political might of his performance and delivering a new verse aimed at his ongoing beef with Drake.
The concert was a significant moment as it marked a victory lap for Lamar after his public feud with Drake, with some even referring to it as a historic and legendary performance. Lamar took the opportunity to perform his Drake diss track, "Not Like Us," multiple times, further cementing the significance of the event within the music industry. The atmosphere at the concert was electric, and fans praised Lamar's performance, especially when he engaged in a long-awaited Black Hippy reunion, where they performed a medley of songs.
However, the celebratory mood was marred by tragedy when multiple people were shot during an unsanctioned Juneteenth event at Lake Merritt in Oakland. The incident left a somber undertone on an otherwise joyous celebration, as details of the shooting unfolded amidst the musical festivities in Los Angeles. The shooting in Oakland led to injuries and police officers being assaulted, casting a shadow over the significance of Juneteenth celebrations in different parts of the country.
In summary, Kendrick Lamar's Juneteenth concert, "The Pop Out," became a momentous occasion that combined musical excellence with social commentary, set against the backdrop of Lamar's ongoing feud with Drake and the tragic events that unfolded in Oakland.