Kendrick Lamar graced the stage at this year’s Super Bowl LIX at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome with groundbreaking moments in music and sports entertainment. Lamar delivered a 13-minute medley that seamlessly blended his chart-topping hits with profound social commentary.
The show commenced with Lamar and his ensemble emerging from a vintage Buick Regal onto a stage designed to resemble a colossal PlayStation controller, setting a dynamic tone for the performance. Samuel L. Jackson, portraying Uncle Sam, provided intermittent commentary, adding a layer of satire to the spectacle.
Lamar’s setlist featured a mix of fan favorites and new material, including “Humble,” “DNA,” and the debut of an untitled track. A highlight was his performance of “Not Like Us,” a song that has been the subject of much discussion due to its pointed lyrics. During this number, tennis icon Serena Williams made a surprise appearance, performing a dance on the sidelines, which many interpreted as a nod to the song’s themes.
During his Super Bowl LIX halftime performance, Kendrick Lamar quipped, “I want to perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue,” referencing his ongoing feud with Drake.
The performance was not without controversy. A member of Lamar’s dance troupe briefly displayed a Palestinian flag in protest against the situation in Gaza before being swiftly escorted off the field by security. The unscripted act sparked widespread discussion and highlighted the politically charged atmosphere of the show.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Lamar stated in a previous interview, “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date.”
His halftime show not only entertained but also challenged viewers to engage with pressing social issues, solidifying his place as a transformative figure in contemporary music.