(Photo Credit: Sharon Alagna)
At the festival that has become as famous for its surprise guests and celebrity cameos as it is for the bands that are actually announced to perform over the weekend, it seemed to be only a matter of time before Kendrick Lamar would be grace a stage at Coachella 2016. As the sun set upon the thousands of music fans that had braved the sweltering heat and high-velocity winds that come hand-in-hand with the world-famous music festival in Indio, CA, they were able to witness one of the most respected active hip-hop stars in the flesh performing on-stage.
King Kendrick stepped on stage in the desert to perform with fellow Top Dawg Entertainment artist Sza. The two performed her song “Babylon,” which is included on her debut LP, Z. The recorded version features a verses from Lamar and served as one of the album’s singles.
Surprise act alert: It happened! @kendricklamar joined @SZA for a performance of “Babylon!” #TDE #highpower pic.twitter.com/k1cEQO3OAF
— The Desert Sun (@MyDesert) April 24, 2016
Lamar was not the only member of TDE to make his presence felt during Sza’s set at Coachella. Also joining the rising alternative R&B star was Isaiah Rashad. Taking the stage first, Rashad’s guest spot built anticipation for the even-bigger cameo from Lamar.
Surprise act alert: @sza just welcomed fellow #TDE member @isaiahrashad onstage! @kendricklamar would be proud! pic.twitter.com/IqedKHJ9D9
— The Desert Sun (@MyDesert) April 24, 2016
Sza recently released her debut studio full-length album for TDE in 2014 after a pair of well-received EPs, 2012’s See.Sza.Run and 2013’s S. She also made an appearance on Kendrick Lamar’s surprise released untitled unmastered., adding vocals to “Untitled 04 | 08.14.2014.”