Kendrick Lamar Shakes Super Bowl with Bold Performance Amid Drake Controversy

New Orleans, Louisiana – Kendrick Lamar electrified the Super Bowl halftime show with a bold performance that featured his hit diss track “Not Like Us,” captivating an audience of over 120 million viewers on Sunday. The performance took place against a backdrop of ongoing legal disputes with fellow rapper Drake, who is suing Lamar’s record label for alleged defamation.

Lamar’s set opened with the highly anticipated track, alluding to its controversial lyrics that label Drake a “certified paedophile.” Though he self-censored during the performance, the rapper engaged directly with the camera, teasing the crowd and heightening the tension surrounding the song’s notoriety.

“I want to play their favourite song… but you know they love to sue,” Lamar joked early in the set, setting the stage for what would become a complex interplay of art and rivalry. Much of the performance showcased Lamar’s unique ability to blend introspection with crowd-pleasing hits, as he walked the fine line between vulnerability and bravado.

The performance not only included his diss track but also featured powerful anthems like “Humble” and “DNA,” taken from his Pulitzer Prize-winning album, “DAMN.” Each song elicited enthusiastic responses from fans, especially the climactic performance of “Not Like Us.”

Joining Lamar on stage were notable guests, including tennis legend Serena Williams, who made a surprise appearance to perform the Crip Walk, drawing cheers from the crowd. Actor Samuel L. Jackson emceed the event, providing a humorous critique of Lamar’s performance style and expectations.

“That’s what America wants, nice and calm,” Jackson quipped after a duet with R&B singer SZA on “All The Stars.” Jackson’s comedic presence highlighted Lamar’s reluctance to conform and his commitment to authenticity, stating, “The revolution about to be televised.”

In addition to the exhilarating performances, the event made headlines due to a protester who climbed atop a Buick GNX car, unfurling a combined Palestinian and Sudanese flag before being subdued by security. The NFL later confirmed the individual was part of the halftime show’s cast.

Lamar’s halftime set lasted 13 minutes and packed 11 songs, demonstrating his impressive ability to engage with audiences while addressing personal and societal themes—a hallmark of his music.

Before the big game, speculation rose regarding a potential collaboration with Taylor Swift, who chose to watch from the audience alongside other celebrities, including Paul McCartney and Lady Gaga. Despite expectations, Swift did not join Lamar on stage, possibly due to the overwhelming support for the Philadelphia Eagles.

On the pregame front, Lady Gaga performed on Bourbon Street, offering a tribute to the victims of recent tragedies in New Orleans and emphasizing the city’s resilience. This heartfelt segment by former NFL player Michael Strahan complemented the celebratory atmosphere of the Super Bowl.

As Lamar closed his performance with “TV Off,” he left audiences with a resounding message: “Game Over.” The night was undoubtedly a milestone, marking the first time a solo rapper headlined the Super Bowl, further cementing Kendrick Lamar’s status as a transformative figure in music.