This morning, it was announced that Kendrick Lamar would be returning to Australia in March for two headline dates and an appearance at Bluesfest.
I was lucky enough to interview and witness Lamar on his first Australian visit back in 2012, just after the release of his major label debut Good Kid, m.A.A.d City. Having upgraded his Sydney show to The Enmore Theatre due to overwhelming demand, the set was simply unforgettable – with the audience rapping every word in unison back at the Compton native with vigour.
Fast forward three years, and Lamar has further solidified himself as one of this generation’s most important emcees. His latest album To Pimp A Butterfly was an ever bolder statement than it’s predecessor, with Australia set to finally receive the live treatment in just a few months.
Ahead of the tour, we decided to deliver our ultimate, 24-track long dream setlist from Kendrick Lamar. We’ve included songs spanning his entire career and more than a few guest verses, too – check it out below and see details of his Sydney and Melbourne gigs right here. You can also read our interview with Kendrick Lamar about his Reebok collaboration here.
1. KING KUNTA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRK7PVJFbS8
2. THE BLACKER THE BERRY
3. P & P
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg63t6SWM9c
4. FUCK YOUR ETHNICITY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWvWDu6IAyY
5. A.D.H.D.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjlFqgRbICY
6. HIIIPOWER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xRerLLcJvY
7. CARTOONS & CEREAL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbbQb9bEcDQ
8. BITCH, DON’T KILL MY VIBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF8aaTu2kg0
9. BACKSEAT FREESTYLE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZW7et3tPuQ
10. POETIC JUSTICE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyr2gEouEMM
11. M.A.A.D. CITY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10yrPDf92hY
12. SWIMMING POOLS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5YNiCfWC3A
13. MONEY TREES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtxmnBQmfZs
14. THESE WALLS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrW1LivtzJw
15. INSTITUTIONALIZED
16. COLLARD GREENS (SCHOOLBOY Q)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L2vJEb6lVE
17. THE CITY (THE GAME)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsMMuXZZUm8
18. FUCKIN’ PROBLEMS (ASAP ROCKY)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liZm1im2erU
19. NOSETALGIA (PUSHA T)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-2ckLBV21g
20. BAD BLOOD (TAYLOR SWIFT)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcIy9NiNbmo
21. NEVER CATCH ME (FLYING LOTUS)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lXD0vv-ds8
22. CONTROL (BIG SEAN)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdcNoGmt7Ws
23. I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aShfolR6w8
