by On February 9, 2025, Kendrick Lamar made history as the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The performance commenced with actor Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as Uncle Sam, introducing Lamar. Lamar then emerged atop a black 1987 Buick Grand National GNX, a nod to his album “GNX”. He opened with a snippet from an unreleased track, referencing Gil Scott-Heron’s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” by declaring, “The revolution ’bout to be televised.”
Throughout the show, Lamar delivered a series of his hits, including “Squabble Up,” “HUMBLE,” “DNA,” “Euphoria,” “Man at the Garden,” and “Peekaboo.” He was joined on stage by SZA for their collaborations “Luther” and “All the Stars.” Producer Mustard also made an appearance during the performance of “TV Off.”
A highlight of the halftime show was Lamar’s performance of “Not Like Us,” a track known for its critique of fellow rapper Drake. Despite ongoing legal disputes over the song, Lamar included it in his set, with certain explicit references strategically censored. Tennis star Serena Williams, who has a history with Drake, made a brief appearance during this segment, dancing alongside Lamar.
The performance was characterized by its patriotic theme, with dancers clad in red, white, and blue tracksuits forming the shape of the American flag during “HUMBLE.” Lamar himself wore a red, white, and blue jersey, complemented by a necklace featuring a lowercase “a.”
The halftime show was met with critical acclaim, with many praising Lamar’s storytelling and stage presence. His set was described as a “daring and triumphant performance,” solidifying his status as one of the most influential artists of his generation.
For a visual recap of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance, you can watch the full performance here:
