The show started with DJ Mustard, who did his best to warm the crowd up with rap standards before Kendrick and SZA hit the stage. The stage design somewhat resembled the diamond design of Kendrick’s Super Bowl halftime set,

It felt like a career-spanning celebration for two artists who changed their respective games, gradually climbed the ranks, and made it to stadium level in the most organic way possible.

The R&B singer SZA returns to her home state as she grew up in Maplewood. It will be a special night for the New Jersey native who is set to go back and forth with Kendrick Lamar performing sets of songs throughout the night.