Kendrick Lamar Opened Grammy With Revolutionary-Themed Set

Kendrick Lamar kicked off Sunday's Grammy Awards in controversial fashion. The rapper opened the 60th staging of arguably music's most prestigious ceremony with “XXX” and dancers dressed in army fatigue.

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The multiple-award-winning performer elicited the help of U2's Bono and The Edge as well as veteran comedian Dave Chappelle to complement his revolutionary-themed set.

Bono and The Edge joined Lamar on stage before Lamar transitioned into DNA and before Chappelle made his appearance.

“Hi, I’m Dave Chappelle,” the comedian said. “And I just wanted to remind the audience that the only thing more frightening than watching a black man be honest in America is being an honest black man in America. Sorry for the interruption.”

In one segment, Lamar was accompanied by dancers clad in red for a special choreography in which each player mimicked being fatally struck by gunshots synced to musical cues.

“Is this OK with CBS? Cause it looks like he’s singing and dancing but this brother’s taking enormous chances. Rumble, young man, rumble,” Chappelle urged.

Before the show began, host James Corden said viewers could expect “the most unique and bold opening you could ever imagine.”

At the 2016 ceremony, Lamar had dished out an equally memorable performance – with extras cast as members of a chain gang and his band members performing from jail cells.

Lamar was nominated for seven awards and won five. He took home best rap album (DAMN), best rap/sung performance (Loyalty featuring Rihanna), best music video (Humble), best rap song (Humble) and best rap performance (Humble).

“This is special, man. I got a lot of guys in this building that I still idolize today,” said Lamar, after collecting one of his many awards.

Lamar has now won 11 Grammy awards in total.

The rapper will feature prominently in the production of the soundtrack to Marvel's highly anticipated “Black Panther” film.