Kendrick Lamar has etched his name in the history books once again, becoming the Black male artist with the highest-grossing concert in U.S. history.
The monumental achievement came during a sold-out performance at the 80,000-capacity AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on April 26, 2025. The concert was part of his joint Grand National Tour alongside fellow Grammy-winning artists SZA and Mustard.
With this feat, Lamar surpassed the previous record set by The Weeknd, who grossed $9.8 million from his 2022 Sofi Stadium concert.
“It’s bigger than just music — it’s about legacy, community, and proving what’s possible,” Lamar said in a backstage moment shared online.
The Compton-born rapper’s Arlington show was not just a musical performance; it was a cultural moment. Fans from across the country gathered to witness the Grammy-winning icon deliver an electric set featuring hits from various stages of his career.
Lamar, known for his poetic lyricism and powerful stage presence, captivated the crowd with flawless transitions and impactful visuals.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” a fan told reporters. “He didn’t just perform—he preached, inspired, and left us in awe.”
That night, Lamar’s concert reportedly grossed over $10 million, officially making it the highest-grossing show by a Black male artist in U.S. history.
But this is just one chapter in what has already become a record-shattering year for Kendrick Lamar. Just a few months earlier, he headlined the Super Bowl 59 halftime show and made history once again.
During the championship game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs — which also became the most-watched game in Super Bowl history, with 127 million viewers — Lamar’s performance captivated an astonishing 133.5 million viewers.
This edged out the long-standing halftime viewership record held by Michael Jackson, whose 1993 performance drew 133.4 million U.S. viewers.
The halftime show marked another major milestone: Lamar became the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the NFL’s grandest stage. His performance included a medley of fan-favorite tracks like “HUMBLE.,” “LOYALTY.,” and “Money Trees.”
The production was cinematic, featuring dynamic lighting, politically charged visuals, and a surprise appearance by SZA, who joined him for a powerful rendition of their Oscar-nominated song “All the Stars.” Hollywood legend Samuel L.
Jackson even made a special appearance as the show’s narrator, adding theatrical gravitas to the already unforgettable performance.
Reflecting on the moment, Lamar stated, “To stand on that stage and represent not just myself, but an entire culture — it’s humbling. Hip-hop deserves this spotlight.”
Fans and critics alike hailed the show as a landmark moment for the genre and a powerful celebration of Black excellence. Social media erupted in praise, with many calling it the greatest halftime performance of all time.
The NFL also acknowledged the significance of the moment in a post-show statement: “Kendrick Lamar elevated the halftime show to new artistic and cultural heights.”
Earlier in 2025, Kendrick Lamar also dominated the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. His politically charged track “Not Like Us” earned him five Grammy wins, including the prestigious Song of the Year and Record of the Year.
The song, which became an anthem of empowerment and resistance, solidified Lamar’s status as one of the greatest voices of his generation. “I don’t make songs just to chart,” he said during his acceptance speech. “I make them to challenge minds, to move hearts, and to build bridges.”
With those five new trophies, Lamar’s Grammy tally now stands at 22 — placing him third on the list of most Grammy wins by a rapper, just behind Kanye West (24) and Jay-Z (25).
But many fans and critics argue that Kendrick’s influence extends beyond numbers and accolades. As the culture continues to evolve, Lamar remains one of its most vital, thoughtful, and fearless contributors.
Whether he’s lighting up stadiums, breaking TV records, or sweeping award shows, one thing is clear: Kendrick Lamar isn’t just having a great year — he’s shaping history.
