Being slotted at the same time as Bjork meant that Kendrick Lamar’s Saturday night draw was a lot smaller than what acts usually attract to the White Stage at that time.  But all that were in attendance were quickly won over by the talent of the fast-rising American hip-hop artist.  Lamar endeared himself to the crowd early on by wearing a cheap clear raincoat while performing.  A must have item due to this year’s rainy weather, it’s hard not to like a performer whose fashion mirrors that of most fest-goers!

Backed by a tight five-piece band that included a guitarist, bassist, drummer, DJ, and keyboardist the live instrumentation made Lamar’s songs even more infectious and upped the party vibe that radiated off the stage.  Tracks like “Money Trees” and “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” from last year’s Good Kid, M.A.A.D City sounded great and had everyone moving, especially during the latter cut.  Pleased with the audience’s energy, after “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” Lamar coolly told the crowd to “Make some noise for yourselves.”

Lamar got everyone jumping up and down as he kicked into set closer “Swimming Pools (Drank).”  As the song’s instrumentation finished, he kicked into a minute-long freestyle rap that ended with him saying “Please believe me, I will be back” before walking offstage as the crowd roared their approval.  Wrapping things up a bit before he was scheduled too, fans kept cheering in hopes of having him return for an encore, but he didn’t re-emerge.  But if he’s a man of his word hopefully we won’t have to wait long to see him at Fuji Rock again.