Rap & Reason Breaks Down Kendrick’s Stadium Performance and Key Glock’s Glockaveli

It was more than just a concert. For the tens of thousands packed into Lincoln Financial Field, the Philadelphia stop of Kendrick Lamar and SZA's Grand National Tour was a statement. It was a celebration of artistry, cultural momentum, and lyrical dominance. Episode 42 of the Rap & Reason podcast captured the weight of the night with reflections that spanned concert analysis, lyrical beefs, and hip-hop legacy talk.

A Stadium Show Worth the Commute

Hosts Dr. Jeremy C. McCool and Earl Hopkins opened the episode sharing the chaos of their commute—two hours of gridlock, packed parking lots, and missed vibes. But the wait was worth it. Hopkins described the experience as "crazy," noting they arrived just in time for the show to start despite leaving early. The venue, home to the Philadelphia Eagles, holds around 65,000 seats.

Though part of it was sectioned off for stage setup, they estimated the crowd still hit at least 30,000. McCool pointed out how amazed he was at the way fans skipped the opening acts like DJ Mustard and sprinted to their seats only when Kendrick came on. Despite both being fans of more intimate venues, they agreed this was a rare exception where the massive scale actually added to the moment.

Setlist Strategy and Sonic Surprises

Kendrick's setlist sparked some debate. It wasn’t just the selections—it was the sequencing. The artists performed in eight acts, blending solo sets and collaborations. Hopkins admitted the transitions between Kendrick’s raw introspection and SZA’s sultry soul sometimes felt jarring. In hindsight, both agreed a more traditional format—SZA opening, Kendrick closing, then a final joint performance—could have made the show flow more cohesively. Still, Kendrick delivered.

Tracks like “DNA,” “Backseat Freestyle,” and “Mad City” hit hard, with mashups like Anita Baker woven into “Mad City” elevating the experience. A pairing of “Count Me Out” and “Kill My Vibe” brought an unexpected but welcome creative twist. Hopkins appreciated Kendrick’s ability to jump between projects and eras with intention, while McCool especially respected that he didn’t rely on chart-toppers, choosing instead to perform full songs, including deep cuts that demanded full attention.

SZA Steps Up in a Major Way

While McCool admitted he wasn’t fully in SZA’s target audience, both hosts praised her performance—particularly the choreography, stage design, and overall energy. Hopkins highlighted how she embraced full-on choreography, noting how rare that is for her typical live show presence. Her set included moments that were equal parts whimsical and visually stunning, like climbing atop a giant ant named Anthony and performing beside dancers dressed as praying mantises. Despite some acoustic moments not landing for McCool, both recognized the clear effort and evolution in her stagecraft. Hopkins, who’s seen SZA perform at festivals in the past, was impressed by how stadium-ready she has become.

Not Just Like Us — A Victory Lap in Motion

The night’s most impactful moment came with Kendrick’s performance of “Not Like Us,” accompanied by visuals soaked in Black cultural references and skits themed around legal battles. The performance was both theatrical and intentional, marking the one-year anniversary of his public lyrical conflict with Drake. Hopkins called the tour a “stadium victory lap,” emphasizing how Lamar hasn’t let up since releasing “Not Like Us.” McCool added that the fact Kendrick performed “Euphoria” in full—with no backing track, for six minutes straight—was a testament to his discipline and talent. Hopkins emphasized that the way Kendrick maintained breath control and clarity while delivering verses live placed him among the best performers in hip-hop history.

One Year Later: Drake vs. Kendrick in Retrospect

Reflecting on the Kendrick vs. Drake beef a year later, both hosts agreed it was one-sided. Hopkins called Kendrick’s run of diss records “the best rollout” he’d ever seen, while McCool emphasized that Drake’s lackluster responses disqualified the battle from being ranked among the greatest hip-hop feuds. Hopkins pointed out that Kendrick’s lyrical work not only hit hard in the moment but has aged well over the past year. They compared the conflict to Jay-Z vs. Nas or Pusha T vs. Drake but acknowledged that it lacked true back-and-forth tension.

While “Family Matters” got some points for wit, most of Drake’s disses were dismissed as unfocused. His passive response to “Not Like Us” and eventual legal actions were viewed as signs of defeat. Hopkins likened Drake’s final track to Jay-Z’s ill-received “Super Ugly,” arguing that it’s largely forgotten for a reason.

LL Cool J and the July 4 Legacy Stage

The episode also touched on LL Cool J being announced as a headliner for Philadelphia’s Wawa Welcome America July 4th concert alongside Jasmine Sullivan. Both hosts were thrilled to see LL Cool J, a foundational figure in hip-hop, still commanding major stages. Hopkins described him as “Def Jam’s identity,” noting his influence on the genre as its first true solo superstar. McCool looked forward to hearing tracks like “Rock the Bells” and “Mama Said Knock You Out,” highlighting LL’s continued relevance and respect within the culture. Hopkins also reflected on LL’s balance of hard-hitting rap with smooth ballads, recognizing him as a performer who helped define hip-hop’s duality in its golden era.

Key Glock’s New Project: Street Motivation with Soul

The duo wrapped the episode by reviewing Key Glock’s new album, Glockaveli, a Memphis-rooted project filled with street energy and heavy samples. While both acknowledged that not every track connected, songs like “Watch the Throne,” “BU,” and “World is Ours” earned high praise. McCool described it as “gym music, hustle music”—the kind of motivational soundtrack ideal for morning commutes or workout sessions. Hopkins noted that while Key Glock’s production and delivery stood out, he wished the artist would dive deeper into personal storytelling.

The loss of Young Dolph, who discovered Glock and helped shape his career, was referenced in fragments on the project. Hopkins stressed that exploring those emotions more fully could elevate Key Glock to another artistic tier. He pointed out that moments like “Proud” show Glock’s ability to tap into that depth and that doing so more consistently could separate him from his peers.

Memphis: A Hip-Hop Powerhouse

Closing out, McCool and Hopkins gave flowers to Memphis as one of hip-hop’s most underappreciated cities. They praised legends like Three 6 Mafia, Project Pat, Yo Gotti, and Young Dolph for shaping a distinct sound that continues to influence modern rap. Hopkins highlighted how even newer artists like Key Glock carry that legacy with pride and authenticity, while McCool pointed out the city’s cross-generational impact—from street anthems to Oscar-winning records.

Whether it’s Kendrick commanding a stadium with no backing vocals or Key Glock delivering motivational anthems rooted in Southern grit, Episode 42 of Rap & Reason proved that hip-hop continues to evolve while staying deeply grounded in its cultural roots.