On February 9, 2025, Kendrick Lamar made history as the first solo hip-hop artist to head the Super Bowl LIX halftime show in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Through great mixing of music, social critique, and unannounced guest appearances, his performance established his reputation as a transformative agent in modern music.
A Historic Opening
Actor Samuel L. Jackson opened the programme by playing Uncle Sam, introducing Kendrick Lamar. Emerging from a Buick Regal vehicle from the 1980s, Lamar set the stage for a performance combining social critique with music.
Dynamic Setlist
Combining his highly regarded hits with current releases, Lamar’s setlist was evidence of his breadth and adaptability as an artist:
- “Squabble Up”
- “HUMBLE.”
- “DNA.”
- “Euphoria”
- “Man at the Garden”
- “Peekaboo”
- “Luther” (with SZA)
- “All the Stars” (with SZA)
- “Not Like Us”
- “TV Off” (with Mustard)
Notable Guest Appearances
Several unexpected guests enhanced the performance:
SZA
The highly regarded vocalist sang “Luther” and their smash “All the Stars,” highlighting their indisputable musical connection and chemistry.
Serena Williams
In Lamar tennis, star Serena Williams paid a surprise visit that attracted a lot of attention during “Not Like Us.” Originally linked to Drake and with Compton roots, Williams danced alongside Lamar to give the performance a poignant touch.
From Compton to NOLA. @SerenaWilliams @KendrickLamar #AppleMusicHalftime pic.twitter.com/mnzuP7fJ1N
— NFL (@NFL) February 10, 2025
Mustard
Renowned producer came to Lamar for “TV Off,” giving the Super Bowl stage his trademark sound.
Social Commentary and Thematic Elements
Samuel L. Jackson’s Uncle Sam persona interrupted throughout the performance, calling out elements of the play as “too loud, too reckless, too ghetto,” which caused Lamar to react with tunes like “HUMBLE,” and “DNA.” This interaction brought to light cultural identity and society expectations.
“Not Like Us” Performance and Drake Feud
Lamar’s performance of “Not Like Us,” a song generally taken as a diss directed against Drake, was among the most awaited events. Lamar said, “I want to play their favourite song, but you know they love to sue,” referencing Drake’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group claiming defamation linked to the single before delving into the song. Particularly, Lamar omitted the word “paedophile” from the songs’ lyrics throughout the performance, allowing the crowd to fill in the blank and underlines the song’s impact and public engagement with its message.
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Audience and Critical Reception
Widespread appreciation welcomed the halftime show. Lamar’s ability to combine deep messages with explosive performances won many admirers. Serena Williams’s unexpected arrival was especially praised as, considering her past with Drake, many saw her involvement as meaningful. Critics have out Lamar’s skilful handling of difficult subjects and his eagerness to confront social and personal concerns on such a big platform.
wouldn’t be the first time drake died on tv
— Monèt Trees (@bigfatmoosepssy) February 10, 2025
Serena Williams crip walking to a song about you being a pedophile has to hurt existentially
— Zito (@_Zeets) February 10, 2025
Conclusion
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance was more of a cultural than merely a musical one. Lamar created a show that would be remembered as a turning point in Super Bowl history for skilfully integrating his creative vision with relevant social message and unexpected alliances.