Kendrick Lamar brings passion and precision to Houston show

Fans of Kendrick Lamar outside his concert at the Toyota Center Saturday July 15, 2017. (Dave Rossman Photo) Fans of Kendrick Lamar outside his concert at the Toyota Center Saturday July 15, 2017. (Dave Rossman Photo) Photo: Dave Rossman, For The Chronicle Photo: Dave Rossman, For The Chronicle Image 1 of / 57 Caption Close Kendrick Lamar brings passion and precision to Houston show 1 / 57 Back to Gallery

Kendrick Lamar took a step back late in his set.

He had just launched into "HUMBLE." the lead single from his terrific "DAMN." album and first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 as a solo artist. The crowd quickly took over the song, rapping back every word, and Lamar's face froze in a fit of shock.

He paused and seemed to fight back tears as the crowd's cheers grew louder.

"I think we're warmed up now," he said. "Let's get it."

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Saturday's show at Toyota Center was just the third on the DAMN. Tour, but the "Humble" display has already been well chronicled in other cities. I was a little disappointed that it was a rehearsed bit.



Still, it had the intended effect as it was happening, drawing artist and audience closer together. (Janet Jackson has been doing it for years.)

Lamar occupies a unique place in hip-hop while still hitting all the necessary buttons. He's confident but not cocky. He's serious and smart but not smug. His edges aren't overly abrasive. It's a carefully curated persona and flow.

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His 90-minute set was an exercise in his appeal He hits all the needed cues -- cell phones in the air, shout outs to the city, the above-mentioned moment. And he infuses them all with a fresh perspective.

Lamar is lithe and nimble onstage, and he was mostly alone save for a pair of martial arts dancers. No band. No huge effects. The show's though-line was a '60s-inspired karate film that cast Lamar as Kung Fu Kenny.

He wore a black track suit with white lining and was flanked by vertical rows of bright lights and a large screen. They all flashed and moved around the stage in time with the music. (Press photographers were not allowed inside the venue.)

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"ELEMENT." boasted a screwed interlude. "King Kunta" rode a funk soul groove. "Untitled 07" pumped up the crowd with its call of "Levitate, levitate!" Breakout hit "Swimming Pools (Drank)" boasted a pop sensibility.

Lamar dedicted "LOYALTY." to fans who "give me the strength to share my thoughts."



The show's strongest stretch came when Lamar moved to a small stage in the center of the venue adorned with blinking lights. He ran through "Money Trees," now in a red track suit, before returning to the main stage, which now boasted a white floor and lowered ceiling.

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Against Lamar's red track suit, it was a striking visual that continued through "XXX." "LOVE." and "PRIDE." which found him suspended horizontally next to a female dancer.

"Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe" shook off some of the haze, and "FEEL." was a master class in pacing and precision. Lamar is still learning how to harness all of his power, and it's a fascinating journey to watch.

Houston native Travis Scott returned home after a May headlining show at Revention Music Center. His opening set reprised much of the same banter from that ealier date. ("If you're not here to party get the f*** out!")

His energy, however, was more subdued. He paced the length of the stage, singing snippets of song strung together by a DJ.

"Is this the best place to ever live on the world?" he asked.

Scott grew up in Missouri City and attended Elkins High School. He was once a Rockets ballboy and has recently attended several Rockets games, including one in April with Kylie Jenner.



He jumped atop an animatronic bird during "Butterfly Effect." And as has now become norm, he handed the mic to a fan near the stage for a few verses.

It was a dazzling display, the bird and Scott swooping across the first couple of rows as its eyes flashed red and blue. But it also restricted Scott's movements, more like a performance art piece than a raging performance.

Given Scott's unorthodox approach to his craft, maybe that was the point.

When he finally descended the bird during "Goosebumps," it was like a blast of bottled up energy. But it was done as soon as it started. He gave a quick goodbye and exited the stage.