SZA, Doechii Ignite Watts With Grammy-Fueled TDE Toy Drive Concert
SZA and Doechii will headline Top Dawg Entertainment’s 12th annual toy-drive concert on December 18 at Nickerson Gardens in Watts, infusing Grammy energy into a holiday celebration rooted in Hip-Hop culture and local pride. Their star power and past Grammy wins elevate this community-driven tradition.
On December 19, the label will host a community giveback in the same location, offering free haircuts, family-friendly activities and employment support aimed at people reentering society after incarceration. Booths will feature resume workshops, legal advice and holiday meals at no cost. Health screenings and holiday treats will also be provided.
Both artists arrive at the concert amid key career moments. In December 2024, SZA released a deluxe edition of Lana and announced her Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar, set to launch in April 2025 as a 19-date stadium run. She has already returned to the studio and told GQ she “went right into some bullsh*t” after finishing her previous tour.
Doechii will kick off 2025 fresh from her Grammy win in February for Best Rap Album, awarded to her mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal. It was her first Grammy win, cementing her status among rap’s rising stars. She told Variety her debut full-length release is expected in 2025 and will include live instrumentation, highlighting her growing musical confidence.
This concert serves as a tribute to TDE’s roots. Nickerson Gardens, the housing project where founder Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith grew up alongside Jay Rock and Punch, has hosted the event from its early days. Last year’s show drew roughly 10,000 attendees and generated about $750,000 in donated toys and clothing.
Kendrick Lamar’s departure earlier this year marked a shift in the label’s lineup. Yet SZA’s widespread appeal and Doechii’s critical acclaim signal that TDE’s momentum remains strong. The giveback event will follow the concert on December 19 at Nickerson Gardens, reinforcing the label’s enduring commitment to its local community.
