Kendrick Lamar Delivers a Showstopping Performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show
Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime show lived up to the hype, as the renowned rapper delivered a performance packed with hits, controversy, and a touch of trolling. Lamar, who had promised to tell some stories through his music, kicked off his set with a bang, performing some of his most popular tracks, including “Squabble Up,” “Humble,” “DNA,” and “Peakaboo.” The audience was fully engaged, singing along and waving their hands in the air. Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as Uncle Sam, set the tone for the show, adding a dramatic flair to Lamar’s entrance. Lamar also teased the crowd with his song “Not Like Us,” which has been at the center of a viral rap battle with Drake that led to a legal case. “I want to perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue,” Lamar quipped, sparking laughter and anticipation from the crowd.
A Star-Studded Performance with SZA and a Special Appearance by Serena Williams
Lamar’s performance was not just a solo act; he was joined by SZA, a fellow artist and collaborator, who brought her own energy to the stage. Together, they performed “Luther” and “All the Stars,” two of their most iconic songs. Lamar also gave the audience what they wanted by performing his biggest hit yet, “Not Like Us.” The song, which has been controversial due to its lyric targeting Drake, saw Lamar avoiding the use of the word “pedophile” during the performance. The crowd stepped in, singing the famous “A Minor” line, turning the moment into a collective celebration of music and artistry.
In a surprise appearance, tennis legend Serena Williams also joined Lamar on stage, dancing and representing her hometown of Compton, California. Lamar, who also hails from Compton, used the moment to celebrate their shared roots and success. Williams’ appearance was seen by many as a subtle jab at Drake, with whom she had a rumored on-again, off-again relationship starting in 2011. Lamar, who has been known for his storytelling through music, seemed to use the moment to send a message, as Drake had previously mentioned writing his song “Too Good” for Williams. The crowd loved it, and social media quickly lit up with reactions, calling it top-level trolling on Lamar’s part.
A Controversial Flag Incident During the Performance
While Lamar’s performance was the main focus of the evening, an unexpected incident grabbed attention during the show. A person waving a flag that appeared to be a combination of the Sudanese and Palestinian flags, with the words “Gaza” and “Sudan” written on it, was spotted near the end of Lamar’s set. Security personnel quickly detained the individual, who was later identified as part of the 400-member field cast brought in for the performance. A spokesperson for the NFL explained that the individual had hidden the item on their person and revealed it late in the show, adding that no one involved with the production was aware of their intent. A representative for Roc Nation, the company responsible for producing the halftime show, corroborated the statement, saying that the act was neither planned nor part of the production and had not been rehearsed.
Lamar’s Triumphant Return to the Super Bowl Stage
Sunday’s performance marked Lamar’s second time performing at the Super Bowl halftime show, following his appearance during Super Bowl LVI in 2022. That show, held in Los Angeles, was a celebration of hip-hop music, featuring an all-star lineup that included Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Eminem, and more. Lamar closed Sunday’s show with “TV Off,” leaving the audience with a lasting impression of his talent and artistry. His performance came just one week after he made history at the Grammy Awards, where he won five awards, including Song and Record of the Year for “Not Like Us.”
Speculation and Surprise: What Didn’t Happen at the Halftime Show
Leading up to the game, there was plenty of speculation about Lamar’s performance. Many wondered if he would perform his controversial diss track, “Not Like Us,” or if he would be joined by Taylor Swift, who was rumored to be in attendance to support her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce. The two had previously collaborated on Swift’s 2014 song “Bad Blood.” However, Swift did not make an appearance during the show. As for Drake, who has been embroiled in a rap battle with Lamar, he was reportedly in Melbourne, Australia, for a concert. SZA, who performed alongside Lamar, also made headlines ahead of the game by dropping four new songs as part of her “Lana” deluxe edition. The two are set to go on tour together in April, adding to the excitement surrounding their collaboration.
The Legacy of Lamar’s Halftime Show
In the end, Lamar’s performance was a testament to his talent, creativity, and ability to tell stories through his music. The show was a celebration of hip-hop, Compton, and the resilience of the people who rise from the streets to achieve greatness. Lamar’s music has always been about more than just rhymes and beats; it’s about the stories of the people who have shaped him and the world around him. Sunday’s performance was no different, blending personal narrative with cultural commentary, and leaving the audience in awe of his artistry. As the dust settles on another Super Bowl halftime show, one thing is clear: Kendrick Lamar’s performance will be remembered for years to come.
