One of the most important hip-hop artist alive today, Kendrick Lamar made his long-awaited return to Australia this week. Following a performance in Melbourne on Monday, Lamar visit Sydney’s Allphones Arena on March 23.
The Compton rapper, who recently won five Grammy Awards, released the seminal To Pimp A Butterfly last year (four of the awards were for TPAB.) An album that has gone on to mean so many things to so many people, it was a remarkable feat on musical, thematic and impactful levels, among others.
Following a wonderful opening set from Sydney’s Sampa The Great, Lamar performed a brilliant career-spanning set, featuring tracks from Section.80, good kid, m.A.A.d city and To Pimp A Butterfly. While the entire show was buzzing with a brilliant energy, a special moment came when Lamar spoke about the life, importance and personal influence of Phife Dawg, who passed away earlier that day.
This weekend, Kendrick Lamar will headline Byron Bay’s Bluesfest, alongside D’Angelo, Kamasi Washington, Eagles of Death Metal, Modest Mouse, Brian Wilson, Cold War Kids, Hiatus Kaiyote and a whole lot more.
All photos copyright Danielle Hansen / Howl & Echoes
