On Saturday June 9, 2018 one of the most popular acts in hip-hop took the stage at upstate's most popular venue the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Everyone who is familiar with this area knows how popular this venue is every summer. We also just perfer it as SPAC. Each summer, I always look at the SPAC website to see if any of my favorite artists are in town. I remember the first time I went to SPAC it was when the Jonas Brothers were in town and it was something that I would truly never forget. Even if I was only 14 years old. It was memorable to me. But until I get that reunion from the 3 brothers, I enjoyed other acts over the years as well. From Drake to J.Cole to Blink 182. SPAC has allowed some of my favorite artists and bands to perform and give the crowd exactly what they ask for. This year I was excited to see that one of many of my favorite rappers was going to take the stage this summer. Kendrick Lamar is a name that has been swirling around in the hip-hop community for some time now. A native from Compton, he take's all the energy and controversy from his home town into each and every rhyme he's ever created. When I first heard of Kendrick I was about to graduate High School. I was introduced to a masterpiece that he called Section.80. My best friend and I listened to that thing front and back, and it was a day that I will truly never forget. That was when I declared Kendrick one of my top favorite's in hip-hop. But let's not forget that in 2013 he drooped his controversial 'Control' verse that made all of hip-hop shake in their boots. Although Kendrick is seen as calling out some of his colleagues, he was simply telling them at the time that he's here to stay. Fast forward to many Grammy's later and his most recent body of work 'DAMN.' which drooped almost a year ago and swept away many fans including myself. The day finally came where I was able to not only see another one of my favorite artists in concert, but to get a pretty DAMN good view of him as well. Not bad for a last minute purchase. Kendrick has other opening acts on his tour including other record label mate rapper SchoolBoy Q and another Grammy nominee R&B artist SZA. Unfortunately, due to a vocal interruption by doctor's orders SZA was not able to perform and will not be able to for the rest of the tour. But at least other rappers JayRock and SchoolBoy Q were able to perform. I was very excited to see SchoolBoy Q take the stage considering that I have been waiting to see his for some time now. His set opened up with one of my favorite songs off of his recent album and ended with a classic 'Man Of The Year'. Finally the man of the hour took the stage and to be perfectly honest with you, I have seen many many performers over the years but this was one that truly left me speechless. Kendrick opened up with 'DNA' off of 'DAMN.' and closed with 'All The Stars' featuring SZA. Like I said there was nothing more amazing and breathtaking than seeing the guy that all of hip-hop is talking about. Not only is Kendrick such an amazing performer but he had a band to make things more interesting and astonishing. If I could give this whole tour a review I would certainly give this an 11/10. I cannot express how amazed and fun it was the entire time. This was definetly one show that I will always remember, and that I enjoyed myself being there. One of the best concerts of the summer has to go to Kendrick Lamar and the tour itself. I'm hoping he returns to the area soon, but until then he's STILL at the top of the list!