Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar continues to redefine the limits of hip-hop greatness, setting two massive records in 2025 that have solidified his place in music history.
On April 26, the Compton native became the highest-grossing Black male artist in U.S. concert history after headlining a sold-out show at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The concert, part of his Grand National Tour with fellow superstar SZA and producer Mustard, drew a staggering 80,000 fans and raked in over $10 million surpassing the previous record of $9.8 million set by The Weeknd at SoFi Stadium in 2022.
The momentous Texas performance wasn’t Lamar’s only milestone this year. Just months earlier, he made headlines at Super Bowl 59, delivering a historic halftime show that became the most-watched performance in the history of the event.
During the electrifying matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, which itself set a viewership record with 127 million American viewers, Kendrick’s halftime set captivated an audience of 133.5 million just edging out the legendary 1993 performance by Michael Jackson, which drew 133.4 million viewers.
In a powerful 15-minute medley, Kendrick Lamar performed some of his biggest hits including HUMBLE., Loyalty, and Money Trees. The show reached a climax when SZA joined him on stage for their Grammy-nominated track All the Stars. Adding a cinematic flair, actor Samuel L. Jackson served as the narrator, guiding Lamar’s thematic journey on stage.
With 22 Grammys to his name, Kendrick Lamar has once again proven why he remains one of the most influential and groundbreaking artists of this generation, breaking records, making statements, and pushing the boundaries of hip-hop artistry.
