Influential rapper Kendrick Lamar helped Saturday Night Live kick off its 48th season last night with a pair of performances as the show’s musical guest. Lamar used the opportunity to show off a selection of cuts from his latest LP, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.
For his first of two slots, Kendrick offered up a medley of two Mr. Morale cuts, “Rich Spirit” and “N95”. Performed from a stark, powder blue box adorned only with an oscillating house fan, both songs used light and shadows to striking effect. On “Rich Spirit”, Kendrick’s shadow took on a life of its own, dancing along to the beat while the rapper remained stoically still. On “N95”, shaped spotlights and bursts of strobes toed the line between grandiosity and simplicity, expanding upon that dramatic aesthetic.
Related: Kendrick Lamar Brings ‘The Big Steppers Tour’ To New Orleans [Review]
Later in the show, host Miles Teller introduced Lamar yet again for “Father Time”, the vulnerable Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers lament about his “daddy issues” and their effect on his worldview. Set this time in front of a drab bedroom backdrop reminiscent of the album cover, the performance featured an assist from Sampha, the English singer-songwriter whose wistful hook anchors the studio track. Watch both Kendrick Lamar Saturday Night Live performances below.
Kendrick Lamar will head overseas this month for a run of European shows as part of his The Big Steppers Tour. For a complete list of upcoming Kendrick tour dates, click here. Saturday Night Live‘s 48th season continues this month with musical guests including Willow (10/9) and Megan Thee Stallion (10/15).
Kendrick Lamar – “Rich Spirit”/”N95” – Saturday Night Live
Kendrick Lamar ft. Sampha – “Father Time” – Saturday Night Live
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