By Maddi Achtyl
Kendrick Lamar became the first rapper to headline Super Bowl 2025, using the occasion to deliver a performance filled with social commentary, energy, and surprises that left viewers talking.
Lamar’s performance also featured special guest SZA and actor Samuel L. Jackson dressed as Uncle Sam. Star tennis player Serena Williams also made a special appearance.
Leading up to the performance, fans were eagerly awaiting to see if he would perform his Grammy-winning song “Not Like Us.” This song racked up billions of streams and became one of the biggest hits of 2024.
The song also was a diss to rap rival Drake, leading him to sue Lamar and his record label for defamation. Therefore, fans were unsure if Lamar and his label would risk the legal minefield that performing the song on this large of a stage could lead to.
“I want to perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue,” Lamar teased before holding off performing the song by performing two with SZA.
His entire performance kept people on edge. He teased bits of “Not Like Us” throughout the performance until he eventually sang the full song towards the end of the set.
This was just part of the performance, though. Lamar packed the whole show with political undertones and choreography that not everyone noticed.
One of the political undertones was seen during his song “Humble,” when Lamar and his dancers, wearing red, white, and blue, formed an American flag cut in two halves with Lamar in the middle.
Many viewers saw this as Lamar showing the country's current state after the presidential election results with President Trump in the audience.
Overall, people were entertained by the performance, saying they were “drawn in” and captivated by it.
“I wish SZA and Lamar performed more than two songs together because they have so many great hits,” said one student, reflecting an opinion that many viewers agreed with.
Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show will likely go down as one of the most talked-about performances in Super Bowl history, not only for its entertainment value but also its bold statements.
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