Rap isn’t just a genre; it’s a cultural movement, a sonic rebellion, a poetic tapestry woven with the threads of struggle, triumph, and raw authenticity. At Super Bowl LIX, Kendrick Lamar, the Grammy and Pulitzer-winning rap visionary, etched his name in history by delivering a halftime performance that wasn’t just a show—it was a statement. His electrifying, metaphor-laden set transcended the confines of entertainment, serving as both a celebration and a critique of the American experience.
Breaking Barriers: The First Solo Rap Headliner
At 37 years old, Kendrick Lamar became the first solo rap artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. This was more than an accolade; it was a groundbreaking moment for hip-hop, signaling the genre’s undeniable dominance in global pop culture. Lamar stood not just as an artist but as a cultural ambassador, representing decades of rap evolution from the streets of Compton to the grand stage of the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Setting the Stage: Symbolism and Storytelling
Lamar’s performance began with a cinematic flair. Samuel L. Jackson, draped in a full Uncle Sam outfit complete with a towering top hat, emerged as both narrator and symbolic conscience. His booming declaration, “This is a great American game!”, set the tone for a performance steeped in political undertones and cultural commentary.
Kendrick appeared atop a raised platform beside a sleek Buick GNX, a nod to his latest album “GNX”. This wasn’t just a car; it symbolized power, legacy, and the intersection of past and present—themes central to Lamar’s music.
The Performance: A Sonic Odyssey
Dressed in jeans, a backward baseball cap, black gloves, and a pgLang jacket emblazoned with “Gloria,” Kendrick exuded effortless swagger. The stage came alive with dancers clad in red and white, their formations morphing into symbolic imagery—at one point resembling the stripes of the American flag, a powerful visual juxtaposed against the raw lyrics of “HUMBLE.”
Setlist Highlights:
- “Squabble Up” – The opening track burst forth with unrelenting energy, a sonic punch that captivated millions.
- “HUMBLE.” – A fan favorite, reimagined with marching formations echoing themes of discipline and rebellion.
- “Peekaboo” – Performed on an X-shaped stage at the 30-yard line, symbolizing crossroads and critical choices.
- “Luther” (feat. SZA) – A soulful ballad that introduced SZA, dressed in a striking red ensemble, adding emotional depth to the set.
- “All the Stars” – The anthem reignited the crowd’s energy, with lyrics resonating amidst the grandeur of the event.
- “Not Like Us” – Perhaps the most controversial moment, as Lamar directly trolled Drake, even inviting Serena Williams onstage to dance, escalating their well-documented feud.
- “TV Off” – A powerful closer with references to New Orleans, sports culture, and the spectacle of fame itself.
The Feud: Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake
The Super Bowl stage became an unexpected battlefield for Lamar’s ongoing rivalry with Drake. Their feud, simmering for over a decade, exploded into public view through diss tracks and lyrical jabs. “Not Like Us” wasn’t just a song; it was a declaration. Bringing Serena Williams—Drake’s former flame—onstage was a masterstroke of both performance art and personal provocation.
Their rivalry, rooted in artistic differences and personal grievances, added a layer of real-world drama to Lamar’s set, blurring the lines between performance and reality.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Kendrick’s halftime show wasn’t just about music; it was a cultural critique wrapped in beats and bars. His collaboration with Samuel L. Jackson, the symbolic use of American iconography, and the fearless confrontation of personal and societal conflicts marked the performance as a watershed moment.
In the weeks following the Super Bowl, Lamar’s influence continued to ripple. He secured five Grammy Awards at the 2025 ceremony, bringing his total to 22. His surprise album, “GNX,” released in late 2024, dominated charts and set the stage for the upcoming Grand National Tour with SZA, starting April 19 in Minneapolis.
The Bigger Picture: Rap as a Movement
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX performance was more than entertainment. It was a reminder that rap isn’t just a genre—it’s a movement, a mirror reflecting society’s truths, and a megaphone for voices often unheard. Lamar didn’t just perform; he provoked, inspired, and cemented his place as one of the most influential artists of our time.
