Kendrick Lamar and SZA Surprise Fans at Top Dawg Entertainment’s Annual Christmas Concert
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A surprise performance by Kendrick Lamar and SZA electrified attendees at Top Dawg Entertainment’s (TDE) 12th Annual Christmas Concert and Toy Drive on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. The event, a cornerstone of community outreach in South Los Angeles, blended musical performances with philanthropic efforts, offering a festive experience for families in need.
A Night of Music and Giving Back
TDE’s yearly event is renowned for combining entertainment from its impressive roster of artists with charitable initiatives. This year’s concert, held in Nickerson Gardens, required attendees to donate an “unwrapped toy” for entry, ensuring a substantial contribution to the local community. Beyond the music, the two-day event included gift and food giveaways, with family activities continuing on Friday, December 19, within the Nickerson Gardens housing projects.
The concert featured a star-studded lineup, reportedly including Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre, Ab-Soul, Doechii, Isaiah Rashad, Jay Rock, Ray Vaughn, Schoolboy Q, and SiR, alongside the highly anticipated appearance by Lamar and SZA. Footage circulating online confirms the dynamic duo performed hits like “30 For 30,” from SZA’s SOS Deluxe: LANA album, and “squabble up” from Kendrick Lamar’s GNX album.
“Luther” and Lamar’s Continued Success
The performance also included a rendition of the record-breaking “luther,” a pivotal track that contributed to Kendrick Lamar being named Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop Artist of the Year for 2025. “The energy was incredible when they played ‘luther’,” one attendee shared online.
Despite technically parting ways with TDE Records in 2022 following the release of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, Lamar remains deeply connected to the label and its artists. His music is now released through his own venture, pgLang – co-founded with former TDE co-president Dave Free – and Interscope Records, but his presence at the Christmas concert underscores his continued loyalty to the TDE family.
From Australia to South Los Angeles
Lamar’s appearance came shortly after wrapping his “Grand National Tour” in Australia, where he was joined by fellow TDE artists Schoolboy Q and Doechii. While SZA did not participate in the Australian leg of the tour, her surprise performance in Los Angeles highlighted the strong bond within the TDE collective.
The concert served as a powerful reminder of Lamar’s roots. As a Compton native, his return to perform for his South Los Angeles community – and without charge – was widely praised. “A Compton native turned Hip Hop megastar coming back home to perform for his local South Los Angeles community, and for free nonetheless, is highly commendable,” a senior official stated. The event exemplified the power of music to unite and uplift, solidifying TDE’s commitment to both artistic excellence and community service.
