Kendrick Lamar, one of the world’s most recognized and talented rappers, took center stage at the Super Bowl 59 on Sunday night, delivering a halftime performance that will go down as one of the most talked-about in history.
As the first solo rap artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, Lamar stormed the Super Bowl stage and commanded the global spotlight with an electrifying set that fused social commentary, lyrical genius, and controversy, keeping the audience on edge until the very last note. Fans left the event feeling
Kendrick Lamar Played A Setlist Fueled by Tension and Anticipation
Long before the Super Bowl 2025 happened, there were several questions being asked by fans about what Kendrick Lamar would do when he eventually took the stage. But, the biggest question leading up to the event was “Would Lamar perform the track, “Not Like Us”?”
For the record, “Not Like Us”, the explosive diss track, which served as the final blow in his highly publicized rap battle with Drake, had already cemented its place in hip-hop history. And fans were eager to know if he would perform it right there in front of the world.
Well, Lamar did not disappoint. In a moment that set social media ablaze, the answer was a resounding yes.
Kicking off with hits like HUMBLE. and DNA., Kendrick Lamar built anticipation before launching into “Not Like Us”—a move that sent shockwaves through the stadium and beyond. While he omitted explicit language and toned down some of the song’s most inflammatory lyrics, he didn’t shy away from the song’s central message, rapping, “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young,” while staring directly into the camera.
It was clear what was happening! With over 100 million viewers watching live, Lamar didn’t just perform—he made a statement.
Symbolism, Social Commentary, and Surprise Guests
Beyond just the music, Kendrick Lamar’s incredible Super Bowl halftime performance was also layered with symbolism and cultural critique. To start with, the set was narrated by none other than the legendary Hollywood star, Samuel L. Jackson, who was dressed as Uncle Sam—a direct nod to American patriotism and propaganda.
At one point, Jackson’s voice rang out: “Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto. Mr. Lamar, do you really know how to play the game?”
Kendrick Lamar was accompanied on stage by a choreographed formation of dancers in red, white, and blue. It goes without saying that this made the performance subtly underscore themes of race, systemic injustice, and hip-hop’s place in mainstream American culture.
Adding to the spectacle, SZA joined Lamar on stage for a powerful duet of All the Stars from the Black Panther soundtrack. And in a surprise appearance, tennis icon Serena Williams, who shares a connection with both Lamar and Drake, made a cameo—fueling even more conversation.
The Kendrick Lamar Performance Witnessed Protests and Unplanned Disruptions
As Lamar performed, the night took an unexpected turn when a protestor climbed onto the rapper’s centerpiece car, unfurling a flag in support of Gaza and Sudan. The moment, which was not part of the official production, briefly disrupted the performance before security intervened.
The NFL later confirmed that the protestor had concealed the flag before making his appearance, and was swiftly removed from the field. The images, however, circulated widely online, sparking further debate about the intersection of sports, politics, and music.
The Fallout: Legal Battles and Industry Shockwaves
Kendrick Lamar’s decision to perform “Not Like Us” could have significant legal ramifications. Drake recently filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, which also represents Lamar, accusing the label of boosting the track’s streaming numbers.
While Drake has not sued Lamar directly, industry insiders speculate that the Super Bowl performance could open the door to further legal action.
Regardless of the fallout, one thing is clear: Kendrick Lamar just delivered one of the boldest Super Bowl halftime shows of all time.
