Kendrick Lamar Rings in the New Year at Drai’s

Photo Credit: Joey Ungerer

Grammy Award-winning musician Kendrick Lamar closed out 2016 with an explosive, full-length debut performance at Drai’s Nightclub at The Cromwell on New Year’s Eve. Before taking the stage, Lamar hung out in an exclusive cabana overlooking the rooftop venue’s pool deck, where he greeted the sea of fans with a special champagne toast. Then, Lamar led the crowd in a special countdown as the clock neared Midnight, ringing in the New Year against the backdrop of the Las Vegas Strip’s iconic, eight-minute fireworks presentation from 11 stories above.

Later that evening, the “Poetic Justice” rapper was met with thunderous applause as he took the Drai’s Live stage, performing a 45-minute set of hits including “m.A.A.d city,” “Swimming Pools” and others, concluding with the powerful hit song “Alright.” Celebrities spotted ringing in the New Year at the multi-level rooftop venue included rapper Machine Gun Kelly who shared words of enthusiasm with Lamar, rapper Young Thug, singer-songwriter Keyshia Cole drinking Moet Nectar Imperial Rosé, and Mr. Robot star Rami Malek taking in the performance from a luxurious VIP booth.

Following the performance, Lamar continued the evening’s celebrations late into the night at a stageside VIP booth alongside friends.

Drai’s New Year’s weekend lineup included performances by exclusive Drai’s Live resident G-Eazy on Thursday, Dec. 29, and a debut performance by Kid Cudi on Friday, Dec. 30.