On February 9, 2025, Kendrick Lamar delivered a groundbreaking halftime show at Super Bowl LIX, held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. His performance not only showcased his exceptional artistry but also made history as the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show, attracting a staggering 133.5 million viewers (Thompson). Clearly, Lamar’s ability to blend socially conscious themes with high-energy entertainment resonated with fans worldwide.
A Star-Studded Introduction
To begin with, the show opened in a cinematic fashion with Samuel L. Jackson, who portrayed a modern take on "Uncle Sam." This clever introduction immediately set a bold, patriotic tone. As the stage lights brightened, Lamar emerged, kicking off the performance with "Squabble Up", a track from his latest album, GNX. Meanwhile, a synchronized team of dancers dressed in red, white, and blue moved in unison, reinforcing the show’s strong visual storytelling (Jones). Without a doubt, Lamar’s entrance captivated the audience from the very first beat.
Musical Highlights and Surprise Guests
As the show progressed, Lamar continued to amaze the crowd by performing some of his biggest hits. "HUMBLE.", "DNA.", and "Alright" were all met with enthusiastic applause. To enhance the experience, he brought out SZA, who joined him for electrifying renditions of "Luther" and "All the Stars" (Williams). Their chemistry on stage created one of the night’s most memorable moments.
In addition, tennis legend Serena Williams surprised everyone by making a brief but powerful appearance. As the crowd erupted in cheers, Williams showcased her dance moves alongside the performers. This unexpected cameo added an extra layer of excitement to an already star-studded event (Peterson).
Addressing the Drake Feud with "Not Like Us"
Beyond the incredible music and production, one of the most talked-about moments was Lamar’s performance of "Not Like Us." This track, which gained notoriety for its pointed jabs at Drake, played a central role in Lamar’s recent rap feud. Even though the rivalry had sparked significant controversy, Lamar strategically adjusted some lyrics to keep the performance suitable for the massive Super Bowl audience (Miller). By incorporating this song, Lamar demonstrated both his lyrical skill and his willingness to address real-life conflicts through his music.
Cultural Impact and Public Reception
Unsurprisingly, Lamar’s halftime show was met with widespread acclaim. Many praised his ability to balance political commentary, high-energy performance, and mainstream appeal all in one set. Furthermore, critics highlighted how the record-breaking viewership signified a shift in the representation of hip-hop on one of the world’s biggest stages (Thompson).
Overall, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance was a defining moment in his career. By seamlessly blending music, visual storytelling, and cultural messaging, he set a new standard for future halftime shows. More importantly, his performance underscored the global impact of hip-hop as a dominant force in music and entertainment.
Watch the Full Performance
For those who missed the live broadcast, you can watch Kendrick Lamar’s full Super Bowl Halftime Show here.
A Star-Studded Introduction
To begin with, the show opened in a cinematic fashion with Samuel L. Jackson, who portrayed a modern take on "Uncle Sam." This clever introduction immediately set a bold, patriotic tone. As the stage lights brightened, Lamar emerged, kicking off the performance with "Squabble Up", a track from his latest album, GNX. Meanwhile, a synchronized team of dancers dressed in red, white, and blue moved in unison, reinforcing the show’s strong visual storytelling (Jones). Without a doubt, Lamar’s entrance captivated the audience from the very first beat.
Musical Highlights and Surprise Guests
As the show progressed, Lamar continued to amaze the crowd by performing some of his biggest hits. "HUMBLE.", "DNA.", and "Alright" were all met with enthusiastic applause. To enhance the experience, he brought out SZA, who joined him for electrifying renditions of "Luther" and "All the Stars" (Williams). Their chemistry on stage created one of the night’s most memorable moments.
In addition, tennis legend Serena Williams surprised everyone by making a brief but powerful appearance. As the crowd erupted in cheers, Williams showcased her dance moves alongside the performers. This unexpected cameo added an extra layer of excitement to an already star-studded event (Peterson).
Addressing the Drake Feud with "Not Like Us"
Beyond the incredible music and production, one of the most talked-about moments was Lamar’s performance of "Not Like Us." This track, which gained notoriety for its pointed jabs at Drake, played a central role in Lamar’s recent rap feud. Even though the rivalry had sparked significant controversy, Lamar strategically adjusted some lyrics to keep the performance suitable for the massive Super Bowl audience (Miller). By incorporating this song, Lamar demonstrated both his lyrical skill and his willingness to address real-life conflicts through his music.
Cultural Impact and Public Reception
Unsurprisingly, Lamar’s halftime show was met with widespread acclaim. Many praised his ability to balance political commentary, high-energy performance, and mainstream appeal all in one set. Furthermore, critics highlighted how the record-breaking viewership signified a shift in the representation of hip-hop on one of the world’s biggest stages (Thompson).
Overall, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance was a defining moment in his career. By seamlessly blending music, visual storytelling, and cultural messaging, he set a new standard for future halftime shows. More importantly, his performance underscored the global impact of hip-hop as a dominant force in music and entertainment.
Watch the Full Performance
For those who missed the live broadcast, you can watch Kendrick Lamar’s full Super Bowl Halftime Show here.
Works Cited
- Jones, Michael. “Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Review: A Performance to Remember.” Pitchfork, 10 Feb. 2025, https://pitchfork.com/news/kendrick-lamar-plays-2025-super-bowl-halftime-show-watch.
- Miller, Rachel. “Kendrick Lamar Rewrites ‘Not Like Us’ for Super Bowl: A Subtle Yet Powerful Move.” Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025, https://www.rollingstone.com/kendrick-lamar-drake-super-bowl-performance.
- Peterson, Mark. “Serena Williams Joins Kendrick Lamar on Stage at Super Bowl Halftime Show.” People Magazine, 10 Feb. 2025, https://people.com/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-2025-halftime-show-best-photos.
- Thompson, Alex. “Super Bowl LIX Breaks Records: Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show Draws 133.5 Million Viewers.” ESPN, 10 Feb. 2025, https://www.espn.com/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-viewership-record.
- Williams, Sarah. “Kendrick Lamar and SZA Reunite for a Powerful Super Bowl Performance.” Billboard, 10 Feb. 2025, https://www.billboard.com/kendrick-lamar-sza-super-bowl-2025.
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