Kendrick Lamar Kept Fans Guessing During His Super Bowl Spectacle
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Kendrick Lamar made headlines during his Super Bowl halftime show by teasing his hit song *Not Like Us*, a track that has been at the center of a feud with fellow rapper Drake. The song, which accuses Drake of serious allegations—claims Drake denies and has led to a defamation lawsuit—has been a massive success, racking up billions of streams and winning multiple Grammy Awards. Fans were curious if Lamar would perform it at the Super Bowl, given the legal drama. Lamar played with the tension, hinting at the song throughout his set before finally delivering it, albeit with a censored version of the most controversial line.
The performance was a highlight of the night, with Lamar cleverly navigating the legal tightrope. He kept the crowd buzzing, especially with the line, “Tryin’ to strike a chord and it’s probably A minor,” which got a huge reaction. The song’s popularity was undeniable, echoing through the stadium despite the ongoing legal battle. Lamar’s set reached over 120 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched performances of the year.
Adding to the spectacle, tennis legend Serena Williams made a surprise appearance, joining Lamar on stage to perform the Crip Walk, a nod to Los Angeles street culture. The collaboration added an extra layer of excitement to an already electric show.
Drake’s legal team has taken issue with the song, suing Lamar’s record label, Universal Music Group, claiming the track spreads false allegations. But Lamar didn’t let the lawsuit dampen his performance. He brought a high-energy, visually stunning show to the Super Bowl, complete with dancers, fireworks, and special guests like actor Samuel L. Jackson, who played the role of a critical emcee, balancing praise and playful scolding.
Lamar’s setlist was a mix of introspective tracks and crowd-pleasing hits, showcasing his range as an artist. Songs like *Humble* and *DNA* from his Pulitzer Prize-winning album *DAMN.* got the stadium rocking, while collaborations with SZA added a softer, more melodic touch. The performance also included *Euphoria*, another diss track aimed at Drake, keeping the rivalry alive in the minds of fans.
The climax of the show was undoubtedly *Not Like Us*, but Lamar closed things out with *TV Off*, a West Coast anthem that had the crowd hyped. He was joined on stage by the song’s producer, Mustard, who brought some playful energy with his oversized jeans and a football in hand. Lamar ended the set by pointing an imaginary remote at the camera and declaring, “Game Over,” leaving fans buzzing.
While the show was packed with Easter eggs for die-hard fans, including a snippet of an unreleased track, *Bodies*, some casual viewers might have found Lamar’s more complex lyrics hard to follow in the stadium’s echoing acoustics. Notably absent was *Alright*, Lamar’s civil rights anthem, which many expected him to perform given the NFL’s decision to remove “end racism” from the end zones this year.
The only disruption came when a protester climbed onto Lamar’s car during the finale, waving a combined Palestinian and Sudanese flag before being removed by security. The NFL later confirmed the protester was part of the show’s cast.
Overall, Lamar’s performance was a bold, unapologetic statement, blending artistry with controversy. While he avoided overt political statements, his set was a reminder of his ability to command the stage and keep audiences talking—whether they were fans or critics. And for Drake, the message was clear: Lamar isn’t backing down.
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