Kendrick Lamar Pulled Off the Most Hip-Hop Halftime Show in Super Bowl History

When Kendrick Lamar was announced as the headliner for the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, speculation surged about his potential performance. Fans wondered if he would pay tribute to New Orleans rap legends like Lil Wayne or leverage the stage to enhance his pop appeal, perhaps with a surprise appearance from stars such as Taylor Swift due to producer Jack Antonoff’s involvement in his latest album, GNX. Instead, Lamar delivered a pure rap concert, making history with the first-ever hip-hop-centric Super Bowl Halftime Show.

In an interview, Lamar described his continuous success as part of his identity, underlining his commitment to making each song impactful. 2024 was a significant year for him, featuring on Future and Metro Boomin’s track “Like That,” reigniting a rivalry with Drake, which climaxed with his Grammy-winning hit “Not Like Us.” Lamar’s performance started with an unreleased track, setting the tone for a revolutionary showcase. Despite controversy surrounding the song “Euphoria,” Lamar included it in his setlist, followed by a mix of his hits like “Humble,” “DNA,” and a GNX medley.

The performance culminated with “Not Like Us,” engaging over 100 million viewers with a compelling mix of choreography and provocative lyrics. While Lamar’s set was heavy with hits and lacked unexpected surprises, it was a landmark moment for hip-hop at the Super Bowl, emphasizing Lamar’s influential stature in the music industry.