Kendrick Lamar made a powerful statement at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, delivering a performance that blended artistic excellence with cultural significance. The Compton rapper took center stage with an electrifying set featuring surprise appearances from SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams, and Mustard. What followed was not just a halftime show but a defining moment in hip-hop history.
A Theatrical Ode to Compton
Lamar’s performance was a visually striking tribute to his roots, draped in an American flag-inspired aesthetic. He performed songs from his recently released album GNX alongside some of his most iconic tracks. Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as Uncle Sam, played the role of the master of ceremonies, setting the stage for Lamar’s tour through his discography. Fans were treated to high-energy renditions of DNA, Peekaboo, Squabble Up, and Humble, all delivered with the precision and intensity that have become Lamar’s trademarks.
The Moment Everyone Was Waiting For
In the lead-up to the Super Bowl, speculation was rampant: Would Lamar perform Not Like Us, his blistering diss track aimed at Drake? The track, which dominated 2024 and earned multiple Grammy Awards, had become a cultural phenomenon.
Lamar didn’t shy away. Before launching into Not Like Us, he stood in the middle of the field, forming an “X” shape, and declared, “I want to perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.” The comment was a clear nod to Drake’s legal action against Universal Music Group over the track’s release and promotion. Then, with the energy of a victory lap, Lamar performed the song as dancers filled the field—joined by none other than Serena Williams, who had once been linked to Drake. Though Lamar omitted a controversial lyric, he let the crowd chant “A minor” in unison, reinforcing the song’s impact.
As the track reached its climax, Lamar turned to the camera and smiled, just as the words “Game Over” flashed across the stadium, marking the final punctuation on his lyrical war with Drake.
Beyond the Feud: A Show for the Ages
While the battle with Drake provided a dramatic centerpiece, Lamar’s halftime show was much more than just a victory celebration. He started the performance with a brand-new, unreleased track, which had been teased in a YouTube drop just hours before GNX was released.
During Humble, dancers formed a living American flag, reinforcing the show’s visual theme. For Man at the Garden and Peekaboo, Lamar navigated a long rectangular stage lined with lampposts, delivering bars with a commanding presence. SZA then made her grand entrance, joining him for Luther and All the Stars, before Lamar wrapped things up with his now-iconic slide toward the end zone.
A Historic Super Bowl Legacy
This wasn’t Lamar’s first Super Bowl appearance—he previously performed at Super Bowl LVI in 2022 alongside legends like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, and Anderson .Paak. However, this time, the stage belonged to him alone, and he delivered a masterclass in performance, storytelling, and cultural commentary.
A Year of Unstoppable Momentum
Lamar’s Super Bowl triumph comes at the tail end of a remarkable year. His verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s Like Thatignited the biggest rap feud in recent memory, leading to a series of diss tracks between him and Drake. Not Like Usemerged as the defining song of the battle, breaking streaming records and becoming Lamar’s first solo No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, the track cemented its legacy by winning Song and Record of the Year, along with multiple other honors.
Meanwhile, Lamar’s surprise album GNX, released in November, topped the Billboard 200 and saw all 12 of its tracks chart on the Hot 100. The album’s success only further solidified his place at the top of the rap game.
The Final Word?
Lamar’s Super Bowl performance was more than just a halftime show—it was a statement. It was a celebration of his artistry, a nod to his Compton roots, and a definitive moment in hip-hop history. And with “Game Over” as his final message, he left little doubt about who won the battle.
