The Super Bowl 2025 halftime show was nothing short of iconic, with Kendrick Lamar delivering a powerful performance. Known for his lyrical genius and deep messages, Lamar made a strong statement not just through his music but also with subtle and direct references to his ongoing feud with Drake.
Kendrick Lamar’s Bold Halft
Just a week after winning five Grammys for his diss track “Not Like Us,” Lamar took the Super Bowl stage with confidence. He performed both new songs from his latest album GNX and some of his biggest hits, thrilling the audience with his signature style.
The show started with actor Samuel L. Jackson appearing in an Uncle Sam costume, setting the stage for an electrifying performance. As Lamar stepped on stage, he delivered a striking line: “You picked the right time for the wrong guy.” This was seen as a direct jab at Drake.
One of the most talked-about moments was when Lamar teased his song “Not Like Us.” He played the opening notes but paused, saying, “You know they love to sue.” This referred to Drake’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group over the track. Later, Lamar performed the song, slightly censoring some controversial lyrics but still delivering a clear message.
SZA, who has worked with Lamar before, joined him onstage to perform “Luther” and “All the Stars.” Fans also noticed tennis legend Serena Williams dancing during the show. Both women have past connections with Drake, adding another layer of drama to the performance.
Lamar ended his set with the song “TV Off,” which, though not part of his feud with Drake, still contained disses aimed at him. As the lights dimmed, the words “GAME OVER” flashed on the screen, marking a bold conclusion to his performance.
