Kendrick Lamar dazzled the crowd during the halftime show of NFL Super Bowl 59, where the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, February 9, 2025, in New Orleans. Making history, Lamar became the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
The acclaimed artist, winner of 22 Grammys and a Pulitzer Prize, took to the stage in a show introduced by Samuel L. Jackson dressed as Uncle Sam. Lamar’s performance featured special appearances by SZA, Serena Williams, and DJ Mustard, adding to the electrifying atmosphere.
Clad in red, white, and blue tracksuits, Lamar delivered a captivating set of his chart-topping hits such as “Squabble Up,” “HUMBLE,” and “DNA.” His career has been on an upward trajectory, with his song “Not Like Us” earning numerous accolades at the Grammys and his album GNX reaching the top of the Billboard 200 chart upon its release.
Despite legal issues surrounding “Not Like Us,” which prompted a lawsuit from Drake against Universal Music Group, Lamar included the controversial track in his halftime performance, much to the delight of the audience. When discussing his show beforehand, Lamar emphasized the importance of storytelling and his ongoing artistic journey.
Highlights of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show included performances of various tracks, starting with an unreleased song featured in GNX promotions. Alongside SZA, he sang hits like “Luther” and “All the Stars,” while DJ Mustard joined him for “Not Like Us” and “TV OFF.”
In a standout moment, tennis superstar Serena Williams joined Lamar on stage, showcasing her dance moves to “Not Like Us.” The performance was emceed by Samuel L. Jackson, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already unforgettable show.
Kendrick was seen sporting a striking ensemble of a red, white, and blue jersey paired with a necklace featuring a lowercase “a” pendant, sparking speculation among online fans that it could be a nod to his “a minor” lyric. Accompanying him were dancers clad in vibrant red, white, and blue track suits, who creatively arranged themselves to form the shape of the American flag as Kendrick belted out his popular track “HUMBLE.” Notably, some of the dancers sported eye-catching red-and-blue two-toned wigs, adding to the visual spectacle.
The attention to detail didn’t stop there, as Kendrick’s choice of flared jeans also garnered significant online buzz. Throughout the performance, there were whispers about potential references to fellow artist Drake. At one moment, Kendrick addressed four individuals onstage, teasing that he wanted to perform their favorite song but hinted at potential legal issues, suggesting that “they love to sue.”
The audience enthusiastically joined in a chant of “a-minorrr,” a clever play on words from the lyrics of “Not Like Us,” which allude to alleged controversies surrounding Drake’s relationships with younger women—claims that Drake has vehemently refuted. Kendrick concluded his set with a powerful visual display, spelling out “Game Over” with the help of the crowd behind him. Given that the football game was only halfway through, it seemed apparent that this message was aimed squarely at Drake.
Amidst the excitement, a daring spectator managed to breach the performance area, brandishing a Palestinian flag before swiftly being escorted off the field. The electrifying performance left a lasting impact on viewers and attendees alike. Should you have any feedback or inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at letters@time.com.
