Kendrick Lamar Sets a New Standard for Hip-Hop at Super Bowl LIX

After winning five awards at the Grammys on February 2, Kendrick Lamar made history at Super Bowl LIX with a halftime show that was pure hip-hop. Held at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Lamar’s performance was unapologetically rap-driven, avoiding pop gimmicks for a raw and powerful setlist.

A Hip-Hop Showcase

K. Dot opened the show with an unreleased verse, declaring, "The revolution about to be televised," setting the stage for a bold and celebratory performance.

Samuel L. Jackson, playing an Uncle Sam character, interrupted Lamar early on, calling his set "too ghetto" and questioning if he knew “how to play the game.” Lamar answered by delivering two of his other Hot 100 chart-toppers, “Humble” and “DNA,” before diving straight into “Euphoria.”

The "Not Like Us" Moment

The biggest question leading up to the show was whether Lamar would perform "Not Like Us," his five-time Grammy-winning diss track aimed at Drake. And he did, with dancers moving perfectly in sync.

He told the crowd, “I want to play their favorite, but you know they love to sue,” as the beat for “Not Like Us” quickly came in and out. As all this unfolded, there was plenty to take in. The dancers, dressed in the colors of the American flag, stepped in flawless rhythm. The camerawork echoed his “Pop Out” concert from last year.

The highlight came when the tennis legend and Drake's ex-girlfriend Serena Williams crip walked on stage, and the clip quickly went viral online.

Another highlight was when Lamar locked eyes with the camera as he rapped, “Say, Drake, I hear you like ‘em young.”

Kendrick really said this in front of all of America he’s actually a psychopath pic.twitter.com/uMbojWLaEe

— SB Nation (@SBNation) February 10, 2025

Guest Appearances and Setlist

Lamar brought out SZA to perform "Luther" and "All the Stars," adding a melodic break before diving back into his high-energy set. His performance included tracks like “Squabble Up,” "Man at the Garden," and "Peekaboo," all while Jackson continued playing his role as the critical narrator.

Reactions and Impact

The internet erupted with praise. Fellow rapper JPEGMAFIA tweeted, “It’s over. Never beef with Kendrick.”

Another user posted an image of the “GAME OVER” sign that lit up the stadium at the end of Lamar’s set, writing, “Kendrick killed it. Game over.”

The lights in the crowd during Kendrick Lamar's Halftime Show read "Game Over" pic.twitter.com/wWBGIGVpql

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) February 10, 2025

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show was a defining moment for hip-hop, leaving a mark on one of the world’s biggest stages.

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• Kendrick Lamar Joins Taylor Swift And Drake Achieving Top 5 In Billboard Top 100