Photo Credit: Getty Images
The 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show at New Orleans' Caesars Superdome became an unforgettable spectacle as Kendrick Lamar delivered a performance laden with musical excellence and calculated artistic choices. The 37-year-old Compton native commanded the stage with a setlist that included his greatest hits while making subtle yet powerful statements through his guest performers.
Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as Uncle Sam, set the tone for the evening with his theatrical introduction of Lamar. The performance began with crowd favorites "HUMBLE." and "Squabble Up," showcasing Lamar's masterful command of both classics and recent hits. The show's production value reached new heights when SZA joined Lamar onstage, stunning the audience in a striking red leather ensemble for their+ collaborative performances of "luther" and other tracks from Lamar's latest album GNX.
The most talked-about moment came during Lamar's performance of "Not Like Us," his Grammy-winning single at the center of an ongoing feud with Drake. Notably, Lamar modified the controversial lyrics, omitting specific words that had triggered legal action from Drake's team. Before the performance, Lamar addressed the audience directly, stating, "I want to play their favorite song, but you know they love to sue," referencing Drake's January lawsuit against UMG for alleged defamation.
In a move that sent shockwaves through social media, Compton native Serena Williams made a surprise appearance during the performance. Williams, who had briefly dated Drake around 2011, joined Lamar onstage for a choreographed segment that immediately set social platforms ablaze with commentary about the symbolic significance of her presence.
During the pre-show press conference with Apple Music, Lamar had hinted at his artistic vision, emphasizing his commitment to storytelling through his catalog. "I've always been very open about storytelling through all my history of music, and I've always had a passion about bringing that on whatever stage I'm on," he explained.
Local artist Lil Wayne's absence from the show had sparked speculation leading up to the event. The New Orleans native had previously expressed disappointment about not being included but later clarified his stance, saying, "Obviously, he can't control that. So, he didn't let me down."
The performance demonstrated Lamar's ability to balance artistic expression with commercial appeal, proving why he remains one of hip-hop's most compelling performers.
