• Kendrick Lamar became the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show in 2025.
• His performance included powerhouse tracks from his latest album "GNX," including the controversial diss track "Not Like Us."
• The show, introduced by Samuel L. Jackson, featured strong cultural commentary, addressing both personal rivalries and societal issues.
• Fans were treated to multiple nods to Lamar’s beef with Drake, infusing the performance with a sense of defiance and celebration.
• The halftime show successfully blended entertainment with lyrical depth, showcasing Lamar's unique storytelling abilities on a historic platform.

At the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show held at New Orleans' Caesars Superdome, Kendrick Lamar made history as the first solo hip-hop artist to take the spotlight, according to SFGate. Introduced by actor Samuel L. Jackson, decked out as Uncle Sam, Lamar instantly set a commanding tone for the performance that spanned just under 13 minutes but left a lasting impact. He kicked off with tracks like “GNX” and “Squabble Up,” showcasing his fierce stage presence and the vibrant choreography of dancers clad in red, white, and blue. These visual elements served both patriotic and critical purposes, challenging the audience’s perception in a clever display of art and activism. As Lamar transitioned through fan-favorites such as “Humble,” “DNA,” and “Euphoria,” he toyed with audience expectations regarding his track “Not Like Us,” which has become a cultural statement amid his ongoing feud with fellow rapper Drake.

Initial anticipation centered around whether or not Lamar would actually perform the diss track, which critiques Drake amidst a backdrop of streaming success and recent Grammy acclaim. During the show, he teased the song, hinting at Drake's recent legal troubles as he humorously declared, “I wanna play their favorite song but you know they love to sue.” This moment was emblematic of Lamar's ability to weave personal narrative with broader societal commentary, a hallmark of his artistry that set the stage for a revolutionary yet celebratory display. From the crowd reactions to the social media buzz, audiences resonated with Lamar's clear embodiment of hip-hop culture and its power dynamics during a platform traditionally dominated by white artists.

Lamar's performance included collaborations with SZA, particularly in performing "Luther" and "All the Stars," digging into emotional themes while maintaining a narrative that addressed the complexities of race and identity in America. Access to the world's largest stage underscored the significance of Lamar's messages, with visual motifs that echoed the struggles of marginalized communities in contemporary society. Some critics pointed out the juxtaposition of Lamar's impactful message and the league's commercial backdrop, historically criticized for suppressing artistic freedom in the name of profit. Yet, it is precisely this confrontation with convention that defines Lamar's place within the rap industry and his artistic mission.

Even as he navigated deep narratives, Lamar did not shy away from playful critique, introducing a biting sense of humor amidst his assertive commentary. The presence of Serena Williams, who was spotted crip-walking during "Not Like Us," solidified the performance as not only a musical triumph but a cultural moment, with Lamar positioning himself as a masterful storyteller who is both entertaining and illuminating. A key highlight came when he rapped the empowering line, “They tried to rig the game, but you can’t fake influence,” asserting his status in the hip-hop lexicon.

The halftime show was more than a performative victory lap for Lamar; it served as a vehicle for revolution, reminiscent of political phrasings from eras past. By stating, “The revolution ’bout to be televised,” Lamar took inspiration from Gil Scott-Heron’s historic poem, juxtaposing the realities of contemporary America with the boldness of hip-hop’s origins. Audience members and critics alike are likely to dissect Lamar's performance in the coming days, unearthing layered meanings and resonances within his carefully crafted pieces.

Social reactions across platforms like X displayed excitement, noting that Lamar's ability to transcend traditional performance expectations signifies a larger potential for hip-hop within mainstream culture. As he embarks on a North American tour with SZA, audiences will undoubtedly continue to reflect on one of the most iconic halftime shows in history, where Kendrick Lamar showed that powerful storytelling has a rightful place on the world’s biggest stage. For further details, visit Le Monde and Business Insider.