Super Bowl 2025: Kendrick Lamar’s Performance in Focus

The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most anticipated musical events of the year, and for 2025, Kendrick Lamar took on the challenge of delivering a performance that balanced entertainment, social commentary, and personal narratives.

Held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, the show included high-profile guest appearances, unexpected moments, and a direct nod to one of hip-hop’s biggest ongoing feuds. Lamar’s set was meticulously crafted, from its cinematic staging to the song choices that seemed to double as statements.

A Theatrical Opening and Narrative Structure

Lamar’s performance began with a bold visual: he and a team of dancers arrived on stage in a 1980s Buick GNX, setting a distinctively nostalgic and cinematic tone. The stage itself was designed to resemble a massive PlayStation controller—an apparent nod to gaming culture and the idea of “playing the game” in the music industry. This choice was widely interpreted as symbolic of Lamar’s control over his artistic and industry moves.

The performance opened with a segment of an unreleased track titled “Bodies,” which immediately set an intense atmosphere. Adding to the theatricality, actor Samuel L. Jackson made recurring appearances as “Uncle Sam,” delivering satirical interludes that offered social commentary on fame, power, and America’s cultural landscape. The inclusion of Jackson gave the performance an additional layer of storytelling, framing the show as more than just a musical set but rather a statement-driven production.

Guest Appearances and Notable Moments

One of the most talked-about moments of the night was the appearance of tennis legend Serena Williams. Williams joined Lamar on stage during the performance of “Not Like Us”, a diss track directed at fellow rapper Drake. As the beat dropped, Williams performed the “Crip Walk,” a dance move she famously did after winning Olympic gold in 2012. Given Williams’ past rumored relationship with Drake, her presence during this song added a layer of perceived personal commentary.

Social media exploded following the moment, with fans debating whether Williams’ involvement was simply a nod to her Compton roots or a pointed message toward her former associate. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith voiced his disapproval, arguing that Williams’ presence in such a pointed diss track performance was inappropriate given her status as a cultural icon. On the other hand, her husband, Alexis Ohanian, dismissed the criticism, stating that Williams was simply embracing her identity and having fun.

Lamar didn’t stop at one surprise guest. He was later joined by singer SZA for a performance of their hit All the Stars, a song from the “Black Panther” soundtrack. This segment of the show received widespread praise for its energy and seamless transition from Lamar’s solo acts to a powerful duet.

Addressing the Drake Feud on a Major Stage

Lamar’s decision to perform “Not Like Us” at the Super Bowl had clear implications. The track, which took home Song of the Year and Record of the Year at the 2025 Grammys, is central to his highly publicized conflict with Drake. By featuring it on one of the world’s biggest stages, Lamar amplified the song’s impact and underscored the dominant narrative that he currently holds the upper hand in their rivalry.

Drake has largely refrained from responding to Lamar’s attacks, with his only notable rebuttal being the track “Family Matters”, released in mid-2024. However, “Not Like Us”quickly overshadowed Drake’s response, becoming an anthem that many believe solidified Lamar’s position in their dispute.

Following the halftime show, reports surfaced indicating that Drake’s social media following had taken a hit, with an average loss of 345,000 Instagram followers per month since “Not Like Us” was released in May 2024. Industry analysts suggest that the impact of the track—and Lamar’s public positioning of himself as an artist who prioritizes lyricism and authenticity—has reshaped public perception of the feud.

Audience and Industry Reactions

Lamar’s halftime performance has been met with a spectrum of responses. Many praised its creativity, depth, and willingness to push boundaries. Fans on social media lauded Lamar’s ability to blend storytelling with spectacle, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) writing, “Kendrick Lamar just delivered the most cinematic halftime show ever. Layers upon layers of meaning in every detail.”

However, not everyone was impressed. Some critics argued that the performance was too personal for a Super Bowl event, which traditionally aims for broad, family-friendly appeal. Others questioned whether the inclusion of “Not Like Us” was appropriate for a platform as mainstream as the NFL’s halftime show. Sports commentator Skip Bayless noted on his podcast, Undisputed, that the show felt “too inside baseball,” suggesting that casual fans unfamiliar with the Lamar-Drake feud might not have fully grasped its significance.

From an industry perspective, Lamar’s Super Bowl performance was a definitive statement about where he stands in hip-hop culture. It reaffirmed his role as an artist who doesn’t shy away from confrontation or social commentary, even on one of the world’s most commercialized stages.

Takeaways

Lamar’s halftime show marked a shift from the usual pop-heavy Super Bowl performances. His approach was more introspective, with less emphasis on big-stage theatrics. Whether it was a hit or a miss depends on perspective, but it was undeniably one of the most talked-about halftime performances in recent years.