Kendrick Lamar: The Super Bowl music star now in concert

Lamar has had unprecedented success and is now touring with SZA

Kendrick Lamar has had a career-defining year.

In February, he took the stage for the Super Bowl halftime show. The performance was electric, stunning and deep with symbolism. Not everyone liked the show, but it was definitely one that grabbed your attention.

Lamar went from a well-known rapper who was respected for his lyrics (he won the 2018 Pulitzer for music) to someone that made an audience of more than 127 million take notice — either by watching, cheering or reaching for the remote.

I was prepared for a great show from Lamar and his frequent collaborator, the golden voiced songstress SZA, when I attended their show Wednesday at St. Louis’ The Dome at America’s Center.

Kendrick Lamar put on a dazzling stage show with stunning visuals Wednesday in St. Louis. (Photo by John Naughton.)

Many members of the Super Bowl show audience (here’s a repeat from the NFL, if you wish to refresh your memory) were unfamiliar with Lamar before the halftime concert. Some were stunned by the performance, the choreography and the messaging.

On the other hand, I had already booked my concert ticket before kickoff. I have a diverse taste in music, love live performances and don’t mind driving a long distance for an exciting show, from Slipknot to Stevie Wonder.

The Grand National tour covers 39 dates and travels through North America and Europe.

It’s a show with striking visuals on an enormous, towering screen at the back of the stage; lively, highly stylized choreography; strong vocal performances by the stars, both solo and in duets.

SZA and Kendrick Lamar have been frequent collaborators since they were label mates in 2014. (Photo by John Naughton.)

The crowd, which was dominated by teens and adults in their early 20s, was wowed.

Yeah, and a few of us older folks enjoyed it, too.