Kendrick Lamar made a surprise appearance at Top Dawg Entertainment’s 12th Annual Christmas Concert and Toy Drive in Los Angeles on Thursday, at one point joining SZA for a performance of their Record of the Year and Song of the Year contender “luther.”
The appearance comes mere days after Kendrick and SZA wrapped their Grand National Tour, a stadiums-focused run that concluded with back-to-back shows at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
“I love y’all,” Kendrick, whose GNX is up for Album of the Year at the 2026 Grammys, told the crowd at Thursday’s show, which saw attendees making donations to gain access. “Make some noise for yourself!”
Kendrick and SZA also gave fans a performance of “30 for 30,” a track off the latter’s SOS reissue, titled Lana. GNX single “Squabble Up” had its own moment too, as seen below.
The full lineup for TDE’s latest charity concert in Watts additionally boasted Ab-Soul, Doechii, Isaiah Rashad, Jay Rock, Lance Skiiiwalker, Ray Vaughn, Schoolboy Q, SiR, and Zacari.
At next year’s Grammys, Kendrick is joined by the following in the Album of the Year category: Bad Bunny; Justin Bieber; Sabrina Carpenter; Clipse; Lady Gaga; Leon Thomas; and Tyler, The Creator. GNX is also up for Best Rap Album. Kendrick previously clinched this category at past ceremonies with To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN, and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.
Winners for the 2026 Grammys will be announced on Feb. 1. See more nominees here.
