New York City is one notoriously tough crowd, and just as they are quick to boo an act off stage, they are also quick to praise outstanding talent. For Top Dawg Entertainment, their artists fit into much more than just the simple praise category; they are basically worshipped.

Fans from all over the city, and even outside states, gathered inside the intimate Terminal 5 venue in midtown Manhattan, where they anticipated the 1st Annual Kunta Groove Sessions show. After attendees stood outside in a lengthy line, they were welcomed by the opening sounds of Jay Rock upon finding a set spot inside. Covering a lot of his recent 90059 album from this year, as well as some of his former records and features, the crowd warmed right up for the rest of the evening ahead. Ending his set with his signature record, “Vice City,” the crowd was already antzy in anticipation of K. Dot’s main act set up next.

During a 30-minute intermission, chants were heard throughout the audience as time trickled down to Kendrick Lamar’s call time. The man of the hour needed to come out, and come out with a full force. While many members of the crowd were estimating his entrance music, from “m.A.A.d city” and “Money Trees,” to title track, “King Kunta,” the rapper made his way to the stage. After about 5 minutes of incessant cheering from the crowd to no music, Kendrick finally uttered his first words, and they were quite unexpected. “This d*ck ain’t free,” he exclaimed, surprising folks with a “For Free?” interlude opening. While it wasn’t the most turnt up track, it set the tone for just how truly deep and groovy Kendrick was going to take the night.

While fans were expecting to continue with the theme of his latest album of this year, To Pimp A Butterfly, Kendrick upped the ante by performing “Backstreet Freestyle” early on, as well as “Swimming Pools (Drank).” He turned things over to his recent record that got the visual treatment, “These Walls,” which brought him into reflection mode. “I’ve been all over the world since I been back here,” he told the NYC crowd. “Coming back to my core spot, it ain’t nothing like it,” he says, comparing his intimate show series to performing at festivals and larger venues.