The Super Bowl LIX showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs wasn’t the only thing heating up this Sunday in New Orleans. Fans were buzzing with excitement not just about the game but also about the highly anticipated Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show. Expectations were sky-high—so did he deliver?
Anticipation Was Off the Charts On & Off the Turf
Leading up to kickoff, Super Bowl LIX was already shaping up to break records. Predictions suggested it could become the most-watched event yet, though we’re still waiting for the official count. With Kendrick Lamar taking the stage at the Caesars Superdome, the stakes felt even higher.
Fresh off winning five Grammys for “Not Like Us” just a week ago, the LA rap legend had the world wondering. Would he open with his viral diss track? Would he surprise fans with new material? Could there be a special guest beyond SZA? And with California’s devastating wildfires, would he pay tribute to his hometown with “The Recipe?”
One thing was certain—Eagles and Chiefs fans weren’t the only ones bracing for an intense night. Drake fans, from the stands to their screens at home, were also on edge. With Drake pursuing legal action against Kendrick’s hit song, tension was at an all-time high. Would Kendrick go all in and perform “Not Like Us” on the biggest stage on television? Naturally, the world planned to tune in—not just for football, but for what could be the most drama-filled night of the year.
Pressure to Top Himself?
Kendrick Lamar is no stranger to the Super Bowl stage. Back in 2022, he joined hip-hop icons Eminem, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg for an unforgettable halftime show at SoFi Stadium. His performance of “m.A.A.d city” was one of the night’s most electrifying moments, proving he doesn’t just bring fire bars—he brings an energy that can command an entire stadium.
But this time, he wasn’t just a featured guest. This was his show. With the entire world watching, could he outdo himself and deliver a performance that would go down in history?
A Grand Entrance
Kendrick Lamar’s Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show begins with a commanding voice. “Saaaaaalutations, it’s your uncle, Sam, and this is the great American game.” But this time, “Uncle Sam” isn’t just a man on a poster—it’s Samuel L. Jackson, draped in red, white, and blue, standing center stage.
The camera quickly cuts to a sweeping wide shot of Kendrick Lamar. Flanked by dancers in American flag-inspired outfits, he hops down from the hood of a lowrider packed with performers, like a magician pulling off an impossible trick. Then, without hesitation, he answers many fans’ questions on if he’ll perform any new music by launching into an unreleased track, delivering relentless bars over a fresh beat.
Playing the Game
Moments later, he transitions into “Squabble Up” from his latest GNX album. But before he can get far, Jackson’s “Uncle Sam” interrupts. “Tighten up,” he warns. “You know how to play the game?”
Suddenly, the scene shifts. Lamar’s dancers close in, forming a human-choreographed American flag as the opening notes of “HUMBLE.” hit. The energy is undeniable, but the symbolism runs deeper.
The Message Unfolds
As the performance builds, Jackson’s Uncle Sam transforms from a narrator into an enforcer. Dancers in patriotic colors move in sync as he steps onto the stage. “I see you brought your homeboys with you—the old culture cheat code,” he says with a smirk. “Scorekeeper, deduct one life.”
Lamar pivots into “peekaboo,” the tension rising. Then, the moment everyone was waiting for—he teases “Not Like Us.”
“I want to perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.”
Immediately, the unmistakable synth from “Not Like Us” flickers in and out. The crowd erupts. The energy peaks. And then, he swerves—launching instead into “Luther,” joined by guest artist SZA, who stands out in a striking all-red outfit against Kendrick’s predominantly blue.
A Meteoric Finale
A minute in, their performance is cut short by Sam’s booming voice. “Now this—this is what America really wants to see,” he projects to the crowd. “You’re almost there, don’t mess this u—”
Before he can finish, the beat from “Not Like Us” drops in full force. “They tried to rig the game, but you can’t fake influence,” Lamar declares, diving headfirst into the song.
The entire stadium joins in, roaring in unison for the track’s most iconic line:
“Ain’t you tired, tryna strike a chord, and it’s probably a minorrrrrrrr.”
Swiftly, the camera pans to guest star Serena Williams and then Kendrick erupts chanting “Mustaaaaaaaaard.” Abruptly, producer Mustard pops out of the crowd and joins the other Compton talents soaking in the moment during the closing song, “tv off.”
Who Took the Cake?
When the final whistle blew, the Philadelphia Eagles emerged victorious. But Kendrick’s performance ensured halftime was just as much of a headline-stealer as the game itself. Whether fans were celebrating a win or mourning a loss, his set was a moment they wouldn’t soon forget.
And with Kendrick Lamar’s bold statements on stage, expect the fallout to be just as captivating as the performance itself. As always, keep an eye on social media—because you know Drake’s tweets might be just as entertaining as the game.
The Complete Set List (In Order)
- Unreleased Song
- “squabble up”
- “HUMBLE.”
- “DNA.”
- “man at the garden”
- “peekaboo”
- “luther (ft. SZA)”
- “All the Stars (ft. SZA)”
- “Not Like Us”
- “tv off”
Be sure to check out the performance on YouTube.
