Kendrick Lamar and SZA Amaze Fans with Surprise Set at TDE’s Christmas Concert
- December 22, 2025
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Kendrick Lamar and SZA surprise fans at TDE's annual Christmas Concert in LA, delivering electrifying performances and community outreach in South LA.
The season of giving took on a powerful note as hip hop heavyweights Kendrick Lamar and SZA made a surprise appearance at Top Dawg Entertainment’s 12th Annual Christmas Concert and Toy Drive. Held at the heart of South Los Angeles in Nickerson Gardens, the event not only served its traditional philanthropic aims but also rejuvenated attendees with stirring performances from TDE’s star-studded roster.
As the evening unfolded, fans were treated to unexpected live renditions of hits like “30 For 30” from SZA’s SOS Deluxe: LANA album and the electrifying “squabble up” from Lamar’s GNX album. But it was their performance of “luther” that had the crowd buzzing, a track that has contributed significantly to Lamar’s accolades, such as Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop Artist of the Year for 2025.
The yearly TDE shindig is not just a concert but a heartfelt outreach aimed at improving the community’s holiday season through entertainment, food, and gift giveaways. Attendees were asked to bring an unwrapped toy as entry, underscoring the event’s commitment to giving back. This year’s concert was just one part of a two-day celebration filled with charity and cheer. December 19 was reserved for family activities and extensive gift giveaways, all taking place within the local housing projects.
This initiative demonstrated the unyielding bond between TDE artists and their roots. Known for his deep connection to his hometown, Kendrick Lamar showed once again why his impact extends beyond the music charts. Though he officially departed from TDE in 2022 after releasing the acclaimed Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, he remains tied to the label’s community-spirited endeavors. Now working under his creative collective pgLang, Lamar still finds time to collaborate with former TDE counterparts.
Returning to Los Angeles fresh from his “Grand National Tour” in Australia, Lamar brought his A-game, reaffirming his place as a stage king. Although SZA wasn’t part of that overseas experience, the synergy she and Lamar created for the South LA audience proved they hadn’t missed a beat. The TDE family was out in full force, with performances also coming from esteemed artists like Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre, ScHoolboy Q, and many others.
Top Dawg Entertainment has been synonymous with both musical genius and social awareness. This concert didn’t just spotlight the talent of its roster but also highlighted TDE’s continued investment in the community’s well-being. For the fans, the combination of a world-class free music event and an opportunity to contribute to something larger made the night an unforgettable one.
The two days of festivities served as a poignant reminder of hip hop’s power to unify and uplift. By blending the magic of live performances with the spirit of generosity, TDE’s Christmas Concert and Toy Drive touched lives and reinforced a powerful message of community support. In a city known for its grind, the event proved a much-needed respite that drew smiles and joy across faces young and old. This, indeed, was a masterclass in connecting with a community through both beats and benevolence.
