Kendrick Lamar, one of the most influential and respected hip-hop artists of his generation, took the stage at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The event was highly anticipated, not only because of Lamar’s legendary discography but also due to the ongoing tension between him and fellow rapper Drake, which reached new heights following the show.
The performance was a record-breaking event, attracting over 133.5 million viewers in the U.S., surpassing even Michael Jackson’s 1993 halftime show, which had long been considered one of the most-watched Super Bowl performances in history. The show blended powerful storytelling, mesmerizing visuals, and an all-star lineup of guest appearances, including SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams, and DJ Mustard.
This article explores every aspect of kendrick lamar super bowl 2025 Halftime Show, from the stunning visuals and guest performances to the cultural impact and controversy surrounding the event.
The Road to kendrick lamar super bowl
The Super Bowl halftime show has featured a long list of legendary performers, including Prince, Madonna, Beyoncé, and The Weeknd. However, kendrick lamar super bowl selection marked a significant milestone for hip-hop, as it was a rare instance where a rapper was given full control over the show without being part of a multi-artist lineup.
The decision to feature Lamar was based on:
- His unparalleled lyricism and storytelling, which aligns with the NFL’s desire for high-caliber performances.
- The success of his 2022 album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, which further cemented his legacy as an artist with a deep cultural impact.
- His previous performance at the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show in 2022, where he performed alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige. His brief but electrifying performance of Alright proved he could command the Super Bowl stage on his own.
The Build-Up and Speculation
As news broke that Lamar would headline the Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show, fans and critics speculated about what songs he would perform and whether he would address the ongoing rap feud with Drake. The industry had been buzzing with speculation, as Lamar had recently dropped diss tracks that directly targeted the Canadian rapper.
Would he perform the now-infamous “Not Like Us”, a song widely interpreted as a diss aimed at Drake? Would he bring out surprise guests? The anticipation was sky-high, and the stakes were even higher.
The Performance kendrick lamar super bowl
Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show began with an artistic and cinematic opening, reminiscent of his music videos. The performance started with a visual montage of his journey from Compton to superstardom, showcasing footage of his early struggles, rise to fame, and artistic milestones.
Dressed in a custom-designed black-and-gold outfit with the word “Gloria” embroidered on the back, Lamar emerged from a massive, futuristic stage setup, with the Superdome transformed into a dystopian yet elegant landscape. The opening notes of “Bodies” echoed through the stadium as the crowd erupted into cheers.
Setlist: A Perfect Blend of Classics and New Hits
Lamar delivered a powerful setlist, blending his biggest hits with newer tracks. His 11-song setlist was:
- “Bodies” (with elements of Wacced Out Murals)
- “Squabble Up”
- “HUMBLE.”
- “DNA.”
- “Euphoria”
- “Man at the Garden”
- “Peekaboo”
- “Luther” (with SZA)
- “All the Stars” (with SZA)
- “Not Like Us”
- “TV Off” (with DJ Mustard)
Each song was meticulously choreographed, blending intense visuals, pyrotechnics, and social commentary.
Special Guest Appearances
Kendrick lamar super bowl halftime show was elevated by several surprise appearances that stunned the audience.
SZA Joins Lamar for “Luther” and “All the Stars”
One of the most talked-about moments of the night was the duet with SZA. She joined Lamar on stage for “Luther,” a song that had been climbing the charts, before transitioning into their Oscar-nominated hit “All the Stars” from the Black Panther soundtrack.
Dressed in a gold-embroidered gown, SZA delivered flawless vocals as the two artists seamlessly blended their voices, creating a breathtakingly beautiful moment in the performance.
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Samuel L. Jackson and Serena Williams Make Cameos
Another unexpected but welcome surprise was Samuel L. Jackson and Serena Williams making brief but powerful appearances.
- Samuel L. Jackson introduced the second half of the performance with a dramatic monologue about “Black excellence and resilience.”
- Serena Williams, in a rare non-sports-related performance, walked onto the stage as part of a symbolic moment in DNA., highlighting themes of perseverance.
The Most Controversial Moment: “Not Like Us”
The most polarizing and talked-about moment of the night came when Kendrick Lamar performed “Not Like Us,” a song widely believed to be aimed at Drake.
This moment sent social media into a frenzy. The track, originally released in late 2024, contained subliminal shots at Drake, and performing it on the biggest stage in the world only fueled speculation about their ongoing feud.
- The crowd erupted as Lamar delivered the song’s hard-hitting lyrics with intense passion.
- Visuals behind him depicted imagery referencing the rap industry’s power struggles.
- As the performance concluded, the camera panned to celebrities in the audience, many of whom were visibly reacting to the diss.
Following the performance, Drake responded by filing a lawsuit against Universal Music Group, alleging defamation related to this song.
Reception: Critical and Public Response kendrick lamar super bowl
- 133.5 million viewers tuned in, making it the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show in history.
- The performance dominated social media, trending for days across platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.
- Music streams for Lamar’s songs skyrocketed, with “Not Like Us” seeing a 2,000% increase in streams within 24 hours.
Critical Acclaim
Music critics universally praised Lamar’s halftime show for its artistry, energy, and social commentary.
- Rolling Stone called it “a performance that will be studied for years.”
- Billboard described it as “a masterclass in storytelling and stage presence.”
- Pitchfork said, “Kendrick Lamar didn’t just perform; he made a statement.”
Many fans and commentators even ranked it among the greatest Super Bowl halftime performances ever, alongside Prince (2007), Beyoncé (2013), and Michael Jackson (1993).
Backlash and Controversy
Despite its overwhelming success, Lamar’s performance was not without controversy.
- Some critics argued that his performance of “Not Like Us” was too divisive for a Super Bowl stage.
- The NFL received complaints from certain viewers who felt the show was too politically charged.
- Drake’s legal team responded swiftly, claiming that the performance further defamed their client.
Conclusion
Kendrick lamar super bowl LIX Halftime Show was more than just a concert—it was a cultural moment, a statement, and a masterful display of artistry. With stunning visuals, powerful guest performances, and a bold move in reigniting the Drake feud, Lamar ensured that his performance would be remembered for years to come.
Whether you loved it or found it controversial, one thing is undeniable: Kendrick Lamar delivered one of the most unforgettable halftime shows in Super Bowl history.
