Kendrick Lamar’s Electrifying Super Bowl Performance Teases Fan Favorites

Sun Oct 19 2025 00:30:22 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Kendrick Lamar made history as the first solo rapper to headline a Super Bowl, delivering a set filled with anticipation and surprises.

In a groundbreaking Super Bowl performance, Kendrick Lamar captured audience attention by teasing his hit "Not Like Us," the subject of a lawsuit by rival Drake, while simultaneously engaging them with high-energy tracks and striking visuals.

Kendrick Lamar shone at the Super Bowl halftime show as he became the first solo rapper to take the stage. The performance, which aired to an audience of over 120 million, turned into a delightful tease for listeners as Lamar hinted at performing "Not Like Us," a fierce diss track aimed at Drake embroiled in a defamation lawsuit. While he ultimately played the song, Lamar self-censored the most provocative line, cheekily acknowledging Drake directly while retaining some of the song's sharp lyrics.

The set enhanced excitement with a surprise appearance from tennis great Serena Williams, who showcased the Crip Walk, adding to the entertainment as Lamar owned the stage. Bacground legal issues from Drake’s lawsuit against Lamar's label hinted at the tension but did not overshadow the performance's electric atmosphere.

Lamar's staging, featuring a giant noughts and crosses board and multiple special guests, provided striking contrasts between his introspective and upbeat tracks. Notable highlights included his Pulitzer Prize-winning album favorites "Humble" and "DNA," which resonated powerfully within the stadium.

Although the performance was engaging, some feared it lacked the deeper socially relevant themes typically associated with Lamar, particularly as he did not include significant anthems like "Alright," particularly poignant in the context of current social issues. The absence of political sentiment was felt as a lost opportunity, especially with President Trump in attendance.

Lamar's performance ended with a flourish as he played "TV Off," followed by an unexpected protest during "Not Like Us," where a protester unfurled a flag before being removed by security. The tightly packed 13-minute set included songs totaling 11 hits, making it a moment of celebration for fans, despite its more subdued political undertones.

The excitement from the audience was palpable as celebrity attendees like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga contributed to the high-profile affair, culminating in a riveting showcase by Lamar that walked the line between entertainment and controversy.