Rap star Kendrick Lamar performed at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show at the Caesars Superdome Stadium on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His appearance was announced in September of 2024 when Lamar posted “Super Bowl LIX New Orleans” on social media.
Lamar’s performance included SZA and Samuel Jackson. World-renowned tennis Star Serena Williams danced on the field along with record producer Mustard, who has produced songs for 2 Chainz, Roddy Rich, and Kendrick’s Grammy-winning hit, “Not Like Us.”
Why was the Super Bowl Halftime Show so Controversial?
In truth, the show sparked much controversy regarding the political state of America, such as the new presidency and new rules. Although Lamar never directly mentioned any political figures, it was clear he wanted to send a message about the lack of culture in the US.
Lamar took it into his own hands to send a message without sugarcoating the truth. The football field layout conveyed a tic-tac-toe board and was “controlled” by Uncle Sam, which actor Samuel Adams played.
Similar to a video game, Uncle Sam would “deduct a point” after each of Lamar’s songs in response to how rap was portrayed negatively.
Lamar’s performance included all Black dancers dressed in red, white, and blue outfits, symbolizing how America was built, in large part, by the Black community.
In addition to the political side of the performance, Lamar also performed his hit song, “Not Like Us,” which was a diss to rapper Drake during their feud last year. Lamar directly called Drake out during the performance, stating “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young,” but removed the word “pedophile”.
In January 2025, Drake sued Universal Music Group, the label they both share, for releasing “Not Like Us”, alleging that the song was defamatory. UMG has since filed to dismiss the lawsuit stating Drake “lost a battle he provoked.”
Williams, the Women’s tennis singles champion and allegedly Drake’s ex-girlfriend, did the Crip Walk at the halftime show, a controversy dating back to when she did it at the 2012 Wimbledon match after winning the gold medal. Williams is originally from Compton, California, where the Crip Walk originated. When Williams danced the c-walk, the media scolded her for “glorifying gang culture” according to yahoo.com.
Not his First Show
Though this was Lamar’s first time being the headliner at the Super Bowl, this was not his first time performing in the halftime show. Three years ago, in 2022, Lamar tagged along with Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent to put on an entertaining night.
The 2022 performance was the first Super Bowl show to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live), and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special, and the Outstanding Music Direction. Ultimately, Lamar performed in two of the most critically acclaimed halftime performances.
What’s next for Lamar?
Lamar and SZA will be touring beginning in Inglewood, California on March 21, 23, and 24 at the SoFi Stadium to promote his new album, “GNX”.
Next, Lamar is working on the new “South Park” movie with creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. According to Hot 97, he believes South Park is a good show to pair with due to its widespread viewing and enjoyable rap-type humor.
