Kendrick Lamar took center stage at Super Bowl LVIII’s halftime show on Sunday, delivering an electrifying performance that cemented his status as one of rap’s greatest artists. The Compton native became the first solo rap act to headline the coveted halftime slot, offering a mix of classics and new material while teasing fans with his viral diss track “Not Like Us.”
The highly anticipated set featured Lamar performing hit songs such as “Humble” and “DNA,” along with tracks from his latest album GNX. He opened the performance atop a Buick Grand National, a nod to the album’s title, before diving into “Squabble Up.” The tension in the stadium rose as he hinted at performing “Not Like Us,” the song that shook the rap world in 2024 by taking aim at Drake.
During the 13-minute performance, Lamar strategically dropped explicit references while still delivering a cutting rendition of the track. The crowd erupted when he rapped, “tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A-minoooooor,” a pointed lyric aimed at Drake. While omitting explicit accusations, he made his stance clear, locking eyes with the camera and showcasing a chain with a lowercase ‘a’ pendant, a likely jab at his rival.
Lamar’s decision to include “Not Like Us” in the set comes amid ongoing legal battles. Drake recently filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), which also represents Lamar, rather than targeting the rapper directly. The performance is expected to fuel further speculation over potential legal repercussions.
Beyond the diss track drama, Lamar used the stage to highlight deeper societal themes. The performance featured legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam, symbolizing systemic issues and marginalized voices. Jackson’s lines, including “Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto,” echoed criticism often levied at hip-hop and Black culture.
Adding to the spectacle, singer SZA joined Lamar for a stirring rendition of “All the Stars” from the Black Panther soundtrack. Tennis icon Serena Williams, a former Drake associate, also made a brief cameo, further fueling fan intrigue.
The night wasn’t without controversy. A protestor, reportedly part of the field cast, unfurled a flag advocating for Gaza and Sudan before being swiftly removed by security. The NFL later confirmed the moment was not rehearsed, adding another layer of political significance to the already groundbreaking performance.
Lamar’s halftime show was a defining moment in hip-hop history, blending masterful artistry with cultural and political commentary, leaving fans and critics buzzing long after the final whistle.
