Kendrick Lamar made history as the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, delivering a spectacular performance that captivated audiences worldwide. The 2025 Super Bowl at New Orleans' Caesars Superdome was the setting for this groundbreaking event, with Lamar bringing his unique blend of artistry and social commentary to the forefront.
Samuel L. Jackson, donning the persona of Uncle Sam, introduced Lamar with a resounding Salutations!—a prelude to the powerful cultural statements that would pepper the performance. Emerging from a Buick GNX with a team of dancers, Lamar began with an untitled new song teased online, setting a dynamic tone from the outset. The rapper then transitioned into “Squabble Up,” commanding the field for a high-energy 13-minute showcase.
Decked out in red, white, and blue, Lamar and his dancers filled the stage with fervor. Despite their patriotic attire, Jackson’s character labeled them as too loud, too reckless, too ghetto—a nod to the societal challenges and expectations of artists and their communities. Lamar responded by seamlessly integrating hits such as “Humble.” and “DNA.,” along with beloved tracks “Euphoria” and “man at the garden.”
Adding to the richness of the occasion, SZA joined Lamar on stage as part of their ongoing collaboration, appearing during performances of Luther and All the Stars. Their synergy highlighted not just their artistic chemistry but also the diverse range of Lamar's storytelling capabilities. Slated to co-headline a North American tour, they provided a preview of what fans can expect from their forthcoming concerts.
Expectations were sky-high regarding Lamar's performance of the viral anthem “Not Like Us.” This track, with over a billion streams on Spotify, is synonymous with Los Angeles pride and a challenge to cultural appropriation. The song also features prominently in Lamar’s well-publicized rivalry with Drake, who sued for defamation due to its pointed lyrics. Despite the controversy, Lamar made waves by performing a modified version during the show, excising particular contentious phrases.
The halftime show’s surprise elements kept viewers on their toes, including a guest appearance by producer Mustard and an unexpected sight of tennis legend Serena Williams dancing along to the beats. Such integrations amplified the excitement and demonstrated Lamar's broad appeal across both music and popular culture.
Lamar is no stranger to the Super Bowl's grand stage, having performed alongside icons like Dr. Dre and Eminem in 2022. Yet this year, as the main act, he firmly cemented his status as a chief architect of contemporary rap’s influence. Reflecting on his announcement as the halftime performer, Lamar stated, “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date, and I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.” His performance did just that, reiterating the genre's power and relevance.
Lamar's Super Bowl appearance isn't solely about commanding the spotlight; it signifies a victory lap that celebrates his continued success while reasserting hip-hop's critical role in music and culture. His performance underscored not just his artistry but also his capacity to bring critical social dialogues to the forefront of mainstream entertainment.
