SZA and Kendrick Lamar surprised fans with an unannounced appearance at Top Dawg Entertainment’s 12th Annual Christmas Concert and Toy Drive.
Christmas came a bit early for the residents of South Los Angeles this week. On Thursday, December 18, the beloved Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) family made their way back to the Nickerson Gardens housing projects for their 12th annual Christmas Concert and Toy Drive. The crowd was buzzing with excitement, but things really hit a high note when the night’s biggest surprise performers, SZA and Kendrick Lamar, took the stage.
Fresh off their successful “Grand National Tour,” this dynamic duo proved that even as they rise to global fame, they always find their way back home to uplift the community that raised them.
The atmosphere at Nickerson Gardens electrified the moment the opening chords of “30 For 30” filled the air. SZA, radiating her R&B queen energy, delivered a stunning performance alongside Kendrick, who has solidified his place as the iconic voice of the streets over the past year.
They treated their hometown fans to live versions of “squabble up” and, of course, the chart-topping hit “luther.” Witnessing them perform “Luther” in the heart of Watts felt like a full-circle moment, especially given that this very track earned Kendrick Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop Artist of the Year for 2025.
While the music was top-notch, the heart of the event was all about giving back. To gain entry, fans were asked to bring unwrapped toys, ensuring that countless local children would have something to unwrap on Christmas morning.
The TDE crew showed up in full force. Alongside the surprise appearance by SZA and Kendrick, the crowd was treated to performances from legends like Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Doechii, Ab-Soul, and Schoolboy Q. This wasn’t just a concert; it felt like a family reunion. The event spanned two days, with the first focusing on performances and the second on family activities, food giveaways, and gift distribution to families in Nickerson Gardens.
In a year where Kendrick Lamar has been on everyone’s lips, his choice to show up for the community speaks volumes. By joining SZA in the projects where the TDE legacy began, they reminded us all that hip-hop and R&B shine brightest when rooted in service and genuine connection.
As the sun dipped below the horizon in South LA, the message was loud and clear: no matter how high you soar, you should never forget your beginnings.
