Kendrick Lamar's historic Super Bowl halftime show was full of surprises, including a tease of his hit "Not Like Us" and an electrifying mix of music and visuals.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was a memorable moment for many reasons. The rapper, who made history as the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl, brought a unique mix of energy, clever staging, and a few surprises. One of the most talked-about aspects of his performance was the teasing of his hit song “Not Like Us.” The track, which made waves in the music world, features bold lyrics, including a controversial diss to fellow rapper Drake.
When Kendrick Lamar stepped onto the stage, it was clear that he was aware of the legal tensions surrounding the song. He joked early in his performance, “I want to play their favourite song… but you know they love to sue,” referencing the ongoing legal issues related to his lyrics about Drake. In the song, Lamar calls Drake a "certified paedophile," a line that has led to a defamation lawsuit from Drake’s legal team. However, Lamar didn’t shy away from addressing the situation. During the show, he played the song, but with a notable adjustment. He self-censored the controversial lyric but still made a bold statement by calling out Drake’s name and leaving the line, "Tryin' to strike a chord and it's probably A minor," intact. The audience at the Caesars Superdome in Louisiana seemed to enjoy the performance, and it was clear that Lamar’s artistry was too strong to be overshadowed by legal drama.
The performance was packed with energy, helped by the surprise appearance of tennis star Serena Williams. She added a bit of flair to the show, performing the Crip Walk, a famous Los Angeles dance move, as Lamar performed on stage. The event reached a massive audience, with more than 120 million viewers tuning in to watch the Philadelphia Eagles win against the Kansas City Chiefs.
In addition to the hype around "Not Like Us," Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show was filled with other big moments. He performed some of his biggest tracks like “Humble” and “DNA,” both from his Pulitzer Prize-winning album DAMN. These songs brought heavy beats and an electrifying atmosphere to the stadium. The show’s staging was clever and dynamic, keeping the momentum going through the entire performance, especially during tracks like “Peekaboo.” Lamar’s charisma, while not known for fast-paced dance moves, was undeniable as he walked in sync with his dancers.
Another highlight was Lamar's performance of “All the Stars” with R&B singer SZA. The duo received praise for their smooth vocals and engaging chemistry. Actor Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as Uncle Sam, also added an element of humor and commentary. His remarks about Lamar’s performance, including his critique of the rapper's more intense moments, were part of a playful skit that seemed to comment on Lamar’s willingness to stay true to his artistic self despite mainstream expectations.
While the performance was filled with excitement, there were also moments that stood out for their deeper meaning. Many fans were waiting to hear Lamar’s civil rights anthem, “Alright,” especially considering the NFL’s decision to remove the "End Racism" slogan from the field. However, Lamar chose not to perform the song, which many had hoped would serve as a powerful statement during the event.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Lamar’s show was the way he blended his more introspective, complex tracks with the crowd-pleasing hits. His set took place on a giant noughts and crosses board, with introspective deep cuts performed inside the “X” spaces, while hits that got the crowd hyped took place in the “O” spaces. This visually striking stage design symbolized Lamar’s inner conflict between personal reflection and the need to entertain.
The show concluded with “TV Off,” a track with a bouncy West Coast feel. Lamar, joined by the song’s producer Mustard, made a final statement with the line “Game Over,” which seemed to signify the end of a performance that blended the personal and the popular. The entire performance, which is now available to watch on YouTube, also included a sneak peek of an unreleased song, “Bodies,” adding another layer to an already packed set.
Despite some of his more complex lyrics being hard to understand due to the stadium’s acoustics, Lamar’s halftime show was still a powerful moment in Super Bowl history. His performance was a celebration of his artistic journey, blending playful teasing, energy, and introspection in a way that only Kendrick Lamar could pull off.
Lamar’s Super Bowl performance may have left some wanting more, particularly in terms of social commentary, but it certainly proved that he was the right artist to bring something fresh to the halftime stage. Whether it was through the teasing of his controversial lyrics or his energetic performance, Kendrick Lamar demonstrated that he knows how to captivate an audience and make his mark on one of the biggest stages in the world.
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