Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images
Kendrick Lamar just shut down the 2016 Grammy Awards stage and nearly everyone in hip-hop is talking about it.
The rapper had everyone talking tonight (Feb. 15) thanks to a fiery, political and show-stopping performance of his To Pimp a Butterfly singles. As one of the most anticipated live performances of the night, there was plenty of speculation about what Lamar had up his sleeve.
On the days leading up to the performance, images surfaced on Reddit of Kendrick setting up the stage, showing a set of prison imagery, references to Africa and tribal paint. LL Cool J, the host of this year’s Grammys, said to expect something “controversial.” As Lamar took the stage in the middle of the show, he started to trend on Twitter. And then, the man of the moment blew viewers all away.
The TDE signee’s performance featured himself and dancers in chains and prison uniforms, a raging bonfire and African dancers and neon war paint. And to top it all off, he gave an amazingly manic performance of “Blacker the Berry” and “Alright” along with a new freestyle.
On the heels of K. Dot’s history-making performance, rappers were vocal on social media showering him with accolades. Though the Compton native’s TPAB didn’t win Record of the Year, he has already racked up five golden gramophones tonight, not to mention the admiration of all of hip-hop. Check out how fellow MCs are responding to Kendrick’s performance.
Mann that kid from Compton just had the Best rap performance in prob the last 10 years #Grammys2016
— BZZY∞ (@BizzyCrook) February 16, 2016
@kendricklamar ✊ They all heard you !!!! pic.twitter.com/vgJuZnCeYN
— DAD (@Trinidadjamesgg) February 16, 2016
#salute @kendricklamar kilt dat congrats!
— Jon Connor (@JonConnorMusic) February 16, 2016
Thank you Kendrick.
— Chaz French (@ChazFrenchhh) February 16, 2016
great performance Kendrick.❗️
— Machine Gun Kelly (@machinegunkelly) February 16, 2016
LOOK AT THEM WHITE PEOPLE FACES
— Vince Staples (@vincestaples) February 16, 2016
It’s quiet for anybody performing after Kendrick at the Grammys
— Hugh Jefe (@BodegaBAMZ) February 16, 2016
I hear lots of young MCs saying they don’t care about the Grammys. But you can’t tell me seeing Kendrick win on his terms won’t change that.
— Bun B (@BunBTrillOG) February 16, 2016
Proud of hip hop tonight.
— acehood (@Acehood) February 16, 2016
Yes Kendrick.
— Joe Budden (@JoeBudden) February 16, 2016
Kendrick fucking Lamar. Goodnight. I’m going home. What ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Janelle Monáe, Cindi (@JanelleMonae) February 16, 2016
Goooooo Kendrick
— PETEROCK.COM (@PeteRock) February 16, 2016
salute king @kendricklamar ✨
— Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) February 16, 2016
Hip-Hop Reacts to Kendrick Lamar’s 2016 Grammy Awards Performance
Source: xxl