Kendrick Lamar's Grammys Opening Continued To Show His Bold 'Wokeness'
By Isha Thorpe
January 29, 2018
Kendrick Lamar opened the 2018 Grammys in quite possibly the most unique, unforgettable way we've ever seen in the award show's 60-year history.
Before the show even started, the MC was already a big winner of the night. Pre-Grammys, Kung Fu Kenny copped three Grammys for Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video for "HUMBLE." So, being that he already had a lot to celebrate and feel good about, of course Lamar was going to open up the awards show like a champ.
In an interview with E!'s Live from the Red Carpet, 2018 Grammys host, James Corden, gave the 411 about the rapper's set. "Kendrick [Lamar] opens with Bono and The Edge with Dave Chapelle in what is quite possibly the most unique opening to a Grammys you've ever seen," Corden shared. "I've never seen anything like it."
And the host wasn't lying...
Lamar first started his set with a track that sheds light on police brutality, "XXX." as Bono contributed the vocals. After that, K. Dot transitioned into another smash from DAMN., which was "DNA."
When that song's performance was wrapped up, Chapelle appeared on the stage to tell the show's viewers a quick reminder. “I just wanted to remind the audience that the only thing more frightening than watching a black man be honest in America is being an honest black man in America,” the comedian stated.
Meanwhile, they don't even know or realize what they just saw. #Grammys Salute, @kendricklamar ✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/UpTa2VLkjv
— Vibe Magazine (@VibeMagazine) January 29, 2018
That's when Lamar began spitting his lyrics from Jay Rock’s “King’s Dead.” Needless to say, the rapper's Grammy performance -- like all of his shows -- was a political statement that he, once again, didn't hesitate to boldly make. And Lamar's fans greatly appreciated every second of it.
Check out some of the reactions to Lamar's performance below.
Kendrick Lamar + Bono = 🔥 start to the #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/ILY7vVGQvW
— iHeartRadio (@iHeartRadio) January 29, 2018
W-O-W! What a grand opening to the 60th #GRAMMYs from @kendricklamar, @u2, and #DaveChappelle
— Recording Academy (@RecordingAcad) January 29, 2018
Now sit back and enjoy the show. pic.twitter.com/n7CGNiGYlE
Kendrick Lamar always delivers!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾 #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/WJkggHu3ey
— xoNecole (@xonecole) January 29, 2018
"Is this okay for CBS." -- @DaveChappelle. GOD. This is brilliance. @kendricklamar is another wavelength. And shout out to the @RecordingAcad for letting this moment OPEN THE SHOW #GRAMMYs
— Gerrick D. Kennedy (@GerrickKennedy) January 29, 2018
Kendrick doesn't miss on award show performances.
— Vanson Wyck (@thisisrory) January 29, 2018
TWO WORDS... KENDRICK LAMAR
— Normani (@NormaniKordei) January 29, 2018
Photo: Getty Images