**SZA Shines at TDE Charity Concert That Raises $2M for Watts Community**
Key Takeaways:
- Over 8,000 people attended TDE’s 12th Annual Holiday Charity Concert in Watts, California.
- SZA joined Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, and others in performances that supported a large-scale toy and resource drive.
- The event raised more than $2 million worth of toys, clothes, and services for local families.
Los Angeles, CA — Music star SZA is trending after her standout performance at the 12th Annual TDE Holiday Charity Concert and Community Celebration, which brought together over 8,000 attendees and raised an estimated $2 million in support of underserved families in Watts, California. The two-day event, hosted by Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), highlighted not just massive talent, but also deep community impact.
SZA and Kendrick Lamar Headline Star-Packed Community Celebration
The concert, held on Thursday and Friday at Nickerson Gardens in Watts, featured compelling performances from SZA, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Isaiah Rashad, and Ab-Soul. The stage also welcomed surprise guests including Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mario, and Monica. The event’s high energy and community-first spirit turned it into one of the most meaningful holiday activations on the West Coast this season.
According to the label, contributions collected amounted to over $2 million worth of toys, clothes, and essential services. Families in attendance received gifts, participated in raffles, got free haircuts, and engaged in youth sports activities. The event also hosted an on-site job fair in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA).
TDE’s Growing Social Legacy in South LA
The Top Dawg Entertainment event, now in its twelfth year, was founded by Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith and originally started as a way to give back to the neighborhood that raised many of the TDE artists. The initiative’s purpose has since expanded through the nonprofit Top Dawg Love the Kids, led by TDE’s President of Marketing Brandon “Big B” Tiffith, turning it into a powerful platform for social equity, youth empowerment, and cultural celebration.
“TDE Christmas started as something deeply personal,” said Big B Tiffith in a statement. “Now, it’s grown into a movement powered by our artists, partners, and community. This isn’t just an event — it’s a legacy.”
What This Means for the Music and Local Communities
The concert’s success showcases how artists like SZA and Kendrick Lamar are using their platforms not just for performance, but for real-world impact. These efforts strengthen the bond between artists and their audience while establishing new models of community engagement. As TDE continues to scale its impact, similar events could gain traction in other urban communities grappling with underinvestment and limited access to public services.
For SZA specifically, her presence at this grassroots initiative shows her ongoing commitment to more than music — aligning her brand with community well-being and positive activism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is SZA trending?
A: SZA performed at TDE’s Holiday Charity Concert, which raised $2M for the Watts community and attracted major artists and thousands of fans.
Q: What happens next?
A: TDE plans to continue and expand the annual event in 2024, potentially mobilizing even more artist support and community partnerships.
#SZA #TDEChristmas #KendrickLamar #WattsCommunity #MusicForChange
