Kendrick Lamar's recent performance at Super Bowl LIX has stirred debate and excitement, marking not only his substantial presence at one of music's most-watched stages but also intensifying his well-publicized feud with fellow rapper Drake. The event, held on February 11, 2025, witnessed record-breaking viewership, with fans eagerly anticipating Kendrick's show.
Just days before the Super Bowl, Kendrick was celebrated for sweeping five Grammy Awards, underscoring his status as one of the leading voices in hip-hop. With the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles taking center stage, Kendrick's halftime show quickly became the most talked-about topic, captivating millions as they tuned in.
This year marked the first time Kendrick, at 37 years old, performed solo as a rap artist during the halftime event, setting the bar high for future performances. He adorned himself with unique fashion choices, donning a custom blue, white, and red Martine Rose varsity jacket paired with $1,300 Celine boot-cut flares, accentuating his stylish flair and drawing comparisons to actor Timothée Chalamet. Reports indicated these jeans were originally set aside for Chalamet, but Kendrick made them his own on this iconic night.
Fans were particularly drawn to Kendrick's performance of his track, "Not Like Us," which directly takes aim at Drake. During the show, Kendrick teased the audience by hinting at the possibility of performing the notorious lyrics: "Say Drake, I hear you like 'em young, Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles." This audacious declaration has fueled the fire between the two artists, who have had longstanding tensions, primarily through music. Speculation ran high about how the two-powerful forces would handle their past disputes during such a mainstream event.
One of the highlights of the performance was the involvement of tennis superstar Serena Williams, who made waves by joining Kendrick on stage. Her appearance is perceived as not just a delightful surprise but also as another implied jab at Drake, especially considering their past relationship history. Meanwhile, SZA participated as well, enhancing the show with collaborative performances of their joint hits, "All the Stars" and Kendrick's fan-favorite, "HUMBLE."
Kendrick's halftime performance was more than just showcasing his artistry; it felt like narrative storytelling. Samuel L. Jackson played the role of narrator, lending his iconic voice to the overall presentation, and showcasing Kendrick’s creative vision, particularly with less mainstream songs like "Man at the Garden" and "Peekaboo" from his latest album, GNX.
Despite the thrill, not everyone was impressed. Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher shared his disdain for the halftime show. On TalkSport, he expressed his criticism candidly, stating, "I had to switch it off. It was absolute nonsense... It was like 300 people getting out of the car in the first two minutes." Though he acknowledged his fondness for the Super Bowl itself, Gallagher's remark highlighted the divide between his preference for traditional rock performances and contemporary hip-hop spectacles.
Adding to the drama, the day after Lamar's performance, Drake subtly altered one of his own lyrics during his concert. The rapper modified the line, "Beef is live, spoiler alert — this n---- dies" to "I never died," hinting at the curtain of conflict between him and Kendrick. It’s clear both musicians are aware of the stakes at play; the beef between them has evolved over the years, especially after Kendrick's famed diss tracks, which many believe have substantially affected Drake's career. Considering rap's competitive nature, each performance and lyric carries weight.
Kendrick's bold statements about his artistic growth reflect his philosophy. After the show, he told Apple Music, "How I process it all is just… I continue to do what I was doing 10 years ago, and that's, like, get […] to myself in the mirror rather than looking at the crowd or, you know, fame and attention." This sentiment reveals his focus on personal and artistic evolution rather than merely seeking public approval.
With the conclusion of Super Bowl LIX, Kendrick Lamar not only made history as the first solo rap artist to dominate its halftime show but also solidified his legacy of bold, unapologetic artistry. The aftermath of his performance and the ensuing buzz will likely set the scene for the next chapter of the Drake and Kendrick saga, as fans and critics alike remain captivated by their continuous rivalry. The boys of hip-hop have handed us quite the spectacle, and undoubtedly, more twists await.