A Toronto radio station debated whether to give away tickets to Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s concert because of their loyalty to Drake. (Courtesy: Kendrick Lamar)
In a city where loyalty to Drake runs deep, a Toronto radio station questioned giving away tickets to Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s concert following a feud between the rappers.
On Sunday, pop station CHUM 104.5 posted a video on its Instagram page discussing whether to organize a concert ticket giveaway for Lamar and SZA’s joint tour due to their loyalty to the Toronto rapper and what he’s done for the city.
“…What kind of statement are we making as Toronto broadcasters if we give away these tickets?” co-host Jamar McNeil said.
His fellow co-host Josie Dye enthusiastically responded “We can’t do this. As Toronto broadcasters, we cannot give away Kendrick Lamar tickets.”
“It’s wild because it’s the end of the tour, it’s also on Father’s Day, you know all those things Kendrick was saying about Drake not being a good father? It’s a statement, it’s a victory lap,” she added.
Dye continued to vouch for Drake by naming the initiatives the rapper has done for the city.
“I want to say Drake has put Toronto on the map…Drake donates so much to this city that we don’t even know about. Helping communities, helping the Raptors, how about the All-Star game here to Toronto. He has done so much for Torontonians and we are laughing in his face when we’re giving away Kendrick Lamar tickets,” she explained.
The radio host concludes saying, “We’re done. I’m not giving them out.”
The conversation comes amid Lamar and Drake’s ongoing feud which started back in March. Last month, the October’s Very Own founder launched two petitions against Universal Music Group to argue against the distribution of Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us,” raising concerns of integrity within the music industry.
In response to the radio station’s remarks, some online users were divided on the take.
“You are so right about Drake. He has done so much for this city. Please don’t do it,” one Instagram user said.
“Don’t give them out,” another user said.
Meanwhile, others say they will gladly take the tickets.
“I’ll take them off your hands so you don’t have to worry about feeling bad,” one user commented.
“Send them my way,” another comment read.
CONTEST GIVEAWAY
Ultimately, CHUM 104.5 did end up launching a contest giveaway for the tickets on its website.
“Listen all week to Josie & Jamar for your chance to win a pair of tickets to see Kendrick Lamar & SZA at the Rogers Centre on June 12, 2025!” the contest reads.
The contest kicked off on Monday at 2 p.m and is set to end at 5:59 p.m on Friday, Dec. 13. It’s open to all legal residents in Ontario and the value of the prize is $500.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA will hit the stage for the Grand National Tour on June 12 and 13, 2025.
