Kendrick Lamar Makes Big Move As Dallas ‘King Of Rap’: Review And Setlist

By John D. Rushing Last updated Jul 25, 2022

The post Kendrick Lamar Big Steps Into “King of Rap” Role In Dallas: Review and Setlist appeared first on Consequence.

“Is Dallas in this shit tonight?” Kendrick Lamar asked a roaring crowd before performing ‘Purple Hearts’ from his new album Mr. Morale and Big Steps. “You know it’s been five years since I’ve seen you, right?” So maybe I got a little rusty on that scene. I may need a little help. I think I need you to help me sing this… Let’s go.

The last time Kendrick Lamar performed in Dallas was on July 14, 2017, when he brought the “DAMN.” Tower” at the American Airlines Center. Then he was one of hip hop’s biggest attractions with the year’s best-selling album, on his way to becoming the first-ever rapper to receive the prestigious Pulitizer Prize the following year, and arguably the new king of rap. Exactly five years later, Lamar brought “The Big Steppers Tour” (get tickets here) to downtown Dallas on Saturday night (July 23), now accepting the gender throne and understanding its power, its responsibilities, its gifts. and its curses.

But a king is nothing without his loyal subjects, and the evening saw Lamar earn fan loyalty through confessions, appreciations and accomplishments after being away for so long.

Beginning at 9:05 p.m., Lamar, dressed in an all-black suit with a diamond-encrusted glove on his right hand and an identical ventriloquist doll, and backed by dancers and a background orchestra, took center stage to the beatings. performance of “United In Pain.”

The stage design for the show revolved around a huge white fabric that projected various images to reveal Lamar’s inner thoughts. Other props included cascading ceilings, thunderous lighting, lifting platforms, a voice-only therapist, and pyrotechnics.

Lamar’s wardrobe reflected both his idolization of the late King of Pop Michael Jackson and his immersion in the King of Rap persona. The glove was a Jackson trademark that he used to control the crowd with a simple point of the finger or a downward gesture to command silence. Lamar displayed similar gestures throughout the show to speak to the audience before returning to the setlist.

Like MJ, Lamar also broke into a signature dance sequence that fans across the arena proudly imitated. Lamar is not a moonwalker; however, his synchronized Donkey Kong-style two-step shoulder dive was quite a hit.

Throughout the evening, Lamar browsed through his latest album, Mr. Morale and Big Steps, sharing his sheer honesty about seeking advice with “Father Time” and allowing audiences to be a fly on the wall of a heartbreaking verbal confrontation with “We Cry Together.” (The raging “mAAd City” served as a buffer between the two tracks.)

At “Money Trees” and “LOVE.”, the show climaxed with the descent of a transparent box and Lamar’s automated companion. “I believe your followers are almost convinced,” the automated therapist said as the box descended.

So, Mr Morale passed a COVID-19 test. The clubbing star immediately burst into his biggest hit ‘Alright’ as he poked fun at the four individuals in hazmat suits locked inside with him as he rapped: “Uh, and when I wake up / I recognize you’re watching me during the pay cut / But the homicide is staring you in the face.

The whole show was a show of militant precision. Lamar was in sequence with the artistically expressive backdrop, while the unison dancers’ impeccable timing never missed a step. Punctuality added to the rapper’s commanding showmanship and obliterated the idea that rap shows always start late.

Baby Keem – who played an incredible set earlier in the evening as Lamar’s marquee opener – and fellow Pg Lang artist Tanna Leone joined Lamar’s set at the fiery end to perform collaborative tracks “links family” from Baby Keem’s debut album, melodic blueand MMBS “Mr Morale.” While there were no other guest appearances, Kendrick gave a nod to Kodak Black and Rihanna with crowd recited parts of their verses on fan favorite “Silent Hill.” and “LOYALTY”.

“The Big Steppers Tour” is a rare experience for most fans; while most performers with a catalog of essential hits surround their setlist with a minimum of songs from the new album around hit songs guaranteed for audiences, Lamar has focused almost exclusively on his new album. While smash hits from his repertoire like “Swimming Pools (Drank)”, “Goosebumps” and “Poetic Justice” were expected, he instead opted for aesthetically similar hits like “ELEMENT.”, “mAAd City” and “Bitch , Don’t Kill My Vibe” which most complemented the material featured on Mr. Morale and Big Steps.

Overall, the show felt like a two-hour therapy session, a redemption odyssey, and a play in one. Fans left the show immensely satisfied. It was an experience not to be missed, period.

In conclusion, Kendrick Lamar and the piano made a somber exit as he impersonated the King of Pop one last time as he raised his gloved hand to bid farewell to the sold-out American Airlines Center, saying, “Dallas , thanks I love you.”

After five years, Lamar’s star power is firmly intact with fans and no signs of descent in sight. Continuing to drive the needle into his music, fans are now patiently waiting for the king of rap’s next move.

Lamar will then travel to Miami on Sunday July 24, where he will close Rolling Loud as the final headliner of the three-day festival. The “Big Steppers Tour” will resume in Tampa, Florida on Wednesday, July 27. Tickets for this date and for the rest of the world tour are available through Ticketmaster.

Set list:

United in mourning
N95
ELEMENT.
Steppers all over the world
Rear freestyle
rich mind
HUMBLE.
Father time
mAAd City
We cry together
purple hearts
King Kunta
Bitch, don’t kill my vibe (Remix)
die hard
LUST.
DNA.
Don’t count on me
money trees
TO LIKE.
Very well
Mirror
LOYALTY.
silent Hill
Family Ties (ft. Baby Keem)
Crown
Mr. Morale (ft. Tanna Leone)
Saviour

Kendrick Lamar Makes Big Move As Dallas ‘King Of Rap’: Review And Setlist
Bryson “Boom” Paul