During the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show held at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome, actor Samuel L. Jackson, disguised as Uncle Sam, enthusiastically introduced Kendrick Lamar, an unprecedented selection as the first solo hip-hop artist to headline this prestigious event. Jackson, in character, warmly greeted the audience with a boisterous “Salutations!”
As if there were any doubts of the Pulitzer Prize winning rapper’s ability to put on a show.
Kendrick Lamar kicked off his performance with “GNX,” seamlessly transitioning into “Squabble Up.” Throughout the nearly 13-minute set, which was backed by sponsorships from Apple Music and Roc Nation, Lamar took control of the stage, exuding a commanding presence and captivating the crowd.
Accompanied by dancers adorned in patriotic red, white, and blue costumes, Lamar’s performance was not without its share of social commentary. Jackson’s Uncle Sam character criticized the dancers for being “too loud, too reckless, too ghetto,” urging Lamar to adhere to the rules of the game. Lamar then launched into a series of hits, including “Humble.,” “DNA.,” “Euphoria,” and “man at the garden,” showcasing his versatility and musical prowess.
“Score keeper, deduct one life,” Jackson interrupted again. Lamar launched into “peakboo,” and then teased a performance of “Not Like Us.”
“I wanna play their favorite song but you know they love to sue,” Lamar told the women dancers behind him, referencing Drake.
It is hard to underscore the ubiquity of “Not Like Us” – with its billion streams on Spotify, the massive hit is a regional anthem for Los Angeles, a rallying cry for community and against culture vultures, a diss track that won Lamar the highly-publicized feud with Drake and the track that won song and record of the year at the Grammys last weekend.
Leading up to the Super Bowl, whether or not Lamar would perform the song was a legitimate question held by fans and critics alike. Lamar levels strong accusations against Drake in its lyrics; Drake has sued Universal Music Group for defamation as a result of the song’s popularity. Does a Super Bowl performance further complicate things?
Little was known about Lamar’s halftime performance ahead of time. Lamar promised to keep his passion for storytelling at the forefront of his plans, and SZA was a previously announced guest performer. They are frequent collaborators; she most recently appeared his recent album “GNX” and was featured on a couple songs including “Gloria” and “Luther,” which also features sampled vocals from Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn through “If This World Were Mine.” The duo will also co-headline a 19-city North American tour this spring and summer.
SZA appeared on stage for “Luther” and “All the Stars.”
“That’s what America wants – nice and calm,” Jackson said.
And then, like clockwork: Lamar launched into “Not Like Us” – with the removal of the word “pedophiles” in its lyrics – into “tv off.”
He brought out the producer Mustard and tennis superstar Serena Williams was spotted crip walking along to the diss track.
Is there any better publicity than the biggest stage in U.S. sports? Consider this just another step in Lamar’s continued victory lap.
He is also no stranger to the Super Bowl stage, having previously performed at the NFL’s championship game in 2022 as a guest artist, alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent and Eminem.
“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date,” Lamar said in a statement in September, when he was first announced as the 2025 halftime performer. “And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”
Make no mistake about it – that’s exactly what he did Sunday evening.
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