Kendrick Lamar reveals first dates for ‘Kunta’s Groove Sessions’

Kendrick Lamar has unveiled the first string of dates for his first annual “Kunta’s Groove Sessions” tour.

The Compton rapper’s recently announced trek will see him playing eight intimate venues mixed in with a run of arena shows this fall. Today, four of these theater dates were revealed.

Joined by his backing band, the Wesley Theory, the rapper will most likely further unpack his masterful 2015 record “To Pimp a Butterfly.”

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Since its release in March, Lamar has headlined a number of festivals -- including the BET Experience at L.A. Live over the summer -- and torn through his bounty of hits, but he has yet to dig deep into the jazz- and funk-infused album that’s packed with meaty lyrics and even thicker subject matter.

Lamar kicks off the string of fall dates on Oct. 20 with a previously announced appearance at the Kennedy Center, where he will be backed by the National Symphony Orchestra.

Dallas, Atlanta, Oakland and a second appearance in D.C. are among the official “Groove Sessions” dates.

He will appear in L.A., but the hometown gig is at the Forum for local rap station the Real’s first concert -- which Lamar headlines alongside Future, Jeremih, Fetty Wap, Rae Sremmurd, Rich Homie Quan, Jidenna and Ty Dolla Sign.

10-20 Washington, D.C. - Kennedy Center
10-22 Brooklyn, N.Y. - Barclays Center
10-24 Columbus, Ohio - LC Pavilion
10-25 Chicago, Ill. - United Center
10-27 Atlanta, Ga. - The Tabernacle
10-29 Dallas, Texas - South Side Music Hall
11-01 Washington, D.C. - Lincoln Theatre
11-08 Los Angeles - The Forum
11-10 Oakland - Fox Theater

For more music news follow me on Twitter: @gerrickkennedy

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