This September sees iTunes completely take over The Roundhouse in London's music mecca, Camden. Showcasing a spectrum of artists from across the world of music, this month has already seen Lady Gaga hang flying pigs from its' rafters and Chic and Nile Rogers bring the house down with every disco anthem that ever mattered.
After his game changing album Good Kid M.A.A.D City, Kendrick Lamar headlined on Thursday 19th September to an expectant yet welcoming crowd. US rap is in a great place at the moment and Kendrick did his upmost to make his mark on the UK and the thousands that watched the streamed gig from across the world. With fellow TDE accomplice SchoolBoy Q warming up the crowd, he solely ended his set with 'Collared Greens' the track that both him and Lamar appear on minus an appearance from the main man.
After a monumental countdown, Kendrick lands. His energy infectious and his flow like no other. His cheeky and confident personality lighting up the stage whilst his quick lyrics and pristinely produced beats win over the crowd instantly. Singing every word to his best known tracks 'Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe', 'Swimming Pools' and 'Poetic Justice' the three thousand strong audience are totally engaged for every second of the fifty minute set. Short, sweet and totally on point, Kendrick holds the stage single handedly. His DJ helping to create a vibe, with simple artistry with no gimmicks to carry him.
Dropping by the gig last minute after seeing tickets on new iPhone app Y Plan, spare of the moment plans always seem to work out the best. Kendrick Lamar is a guy at the very top of his game and as the crowd with their arms in the air sing "Martin had a dream... Kendrick had a dream" his performance goes to show that if you work hard at something for long enough, dreams really do come true. Bring on his next album and the sharp witted collaborations that are guaranteed to be on their way. Leaving with the message "No matter how big or small this thing gets, I'll always come back to you London" his charismatic charm cementing just why he has the world at his feet.
Watch back the full gig here: http://www.itunesfestival.com/
His set list was as below:
Art of Peer Pressure Intro
(Kendrick enters stage)
m.A.A.d. city (2nd verse)
Backseat Freestyle
P&P
Fuckin' Problems
(A$AP Rocky cover)
R.I.P. (Remix)
(Young Jeezy cover)
Money Trees
Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe
Poetic Justice
Real (interlude)
The Recipe
HiiiPoWeR
m.A.A.d city (1st verse)
Swimming Pools (Drank)
(Kendrick freestyles after the song finishes)
Encore:
Cartoons & Cereal