While the Super Bowl is the biggest night for American football – this year, the Philadelphia Eagles reigning over the Kansas City Chiefs, denying them a hat-trick – the half-time show stage is arguably one of the most coveted platforms for musical artists, this year graced by rapper Kendrick Lamar. In January, it was revealed that Lamar would be the main entertainment during half-time, alongside his frequent collaborator SZA.
Introducing the rapper on stage, actor Samuel L. Jackson cosplayed as America’s very own Uncle Sam. Lamar, donning a blue varsity jacket, kicked off the performance with a surprise teaser for a new song. The rapper then proceeded with a jaw-dropping declaration: “The revolution is about to be televised, you picked the right time but the wrong guy,” a clear jab at the recently inaugurated President Donald Trump who was in attendance at the Super Bowl.
Surrounded by backup dancers clad in red, white, and blue, representing the American flag, the 37-year-old performed Squabble Up, from his latest album GNX. After receiving some fatherly guidance from Uncle Sam to “tighten up”, Lamar continued with Humble, followed by DNA from his album Pulitzer Prize-winning album Damn.
Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam | YouTube: NFL
When Lamar was announced as the half-time entertainer, many wanted to witness him perform his diss tracks aimed at Drake. The two engaged in a rap spar in 2024, in which the internet deemed Lamar king. To the audience's excitement, Lamar performed Euphoria, one of the four diss tracks he wrote. He followed it with a snippet from Man at the Garden and a peek from Peekaboo from the GMX album.
Teasing his song Not Like Us another Drake diss track, he pivoted to performing Luther with SZA, who he will be co-headlining with in the Grand National Tour later this year. The pair followed it with All the Stars, the lead single from the 2018 Black Panther soundtrack.
SZA and Kendrick Lamar perform the Super Bowl LIX half-time show | Instagram: SZA
As the crowd erupted in cheers, Lamar performed Not Like Us, for which he recently won five Grammys. Gloating that he won the rap battle with Drake, he cracked a knowing grin when he sang this lyric from the song: “Say Drake, I hear you like ‘em young,” as the whole Super Bowl audience chimed in to sing the most popular lyric from the song, “Tryna strike a chord and it’s prolly A-minor,” subtly claiming paedophile allegations against Drake. Lamar also donned a heavy silver necklace with a lowercase ‘a’ that many assume to be a likely reference to Drake’s real name, Aubrey, or for his lyric “a-minor”.
Lamar was also joined on stage by tennis star Serena Williams, doing the crip walk. Williams, who also happens to be Drake’s ex-girlfriend, received criticism for performing the dance after emerging victorious at the 2012 Olympics. Closing his 13-minute performance, he was joined by his producer Mustard for the song TV Off.
Kendrick Lamar and his backup dancers form the Star-Spangled Banner | YouTube: NFL
While many were excited to see Lamar publicly take shots at Drake, some netizens pointed out that his performance should not be reduced to a feud. Lamar’s performance was also a commentary on the current state of America, especially with the dissatisfaction with Trump's presidency. Many have criticised the businessman-turned-politician for his racist views, and Lamar’s performance was an obvious political power move. With his African-American dancers dressed in red, white and blue, along with him announcing “the revolution is about to be televised...,” Lamar’s performance transcended entertainment, symbolising his love for the country despite the turbulent political climate.
