Key Takeaways from Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl Interview
The world is counting down to one of the most highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime performances in history, and Kendrick Lamar is at the center of it all.
As the first solo rapper to ever headline the event, K-Dot is stepping onto a stage that has long been dominated by pop icons and rock legends. His presence is a milestone, not just for himself but for the entire hip-hop culture.
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In a rare and exclusive interview, Kendrick sat down to reflect on his journey leading up to this moment.
He spoke about his artistic evolution, the competitive nature of hip-hop, and what fans can expect when he takes the stage on February 9.
He also shared his thoughts on his record-breaking year in 2024, his Grammy-winning track "Not Like Us," and the importance of pushing rap forward. Here’s everything he had to say ahead of his game-changing performance.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Interview: Key Takeaways You Can't Miss
Staying Grounded Despite Massive Success
Kendrick Lamar has been one of the biggest names in hip-hop for over a decade, yet fame has never altered his approach to the craft.
Even as he prepares to perform in front of millions, his focus remains on self-improvement rather than the spectacle of stardom.
"It's just a continuum of who I am, really. I've always stayed to myself. I've always been in my own bubble, whether it's with the fam or training. How I process it all is, I just continue to do what I was doing 10 years ago. And that's just bettering myself, bettering my craft, and not looking at the bright lights."This grounded mentality is what has allowed Kendrick to maintain his authenticity while navigating the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.
Did Kendrick Ever Envision a Super Bowl Moment?
For many artists, performing at the Super Bowl is a lifelong dream, but Kendrick never let that kind of thinking define his path.
Instead, he stayed focused on the moment, trusting that his dedication to his craft would take him wherever he was meant to be.
"The passion I have now is still the passion I had then. I think that carried on to the Super Bowl. It's all about being present. As long as I was present in the studio and present in whatever that line was or mistake was, rapping or doing hooks or choruses, if I was present in that moment, I felt that passion. I think being present and not actually foreseeing everything kept me in a grounded state of mind in order to be in big stages like this."
This mindset is part of what sets Kendrick apart from many of his peers. He never chases the spotlight, he lets his work speak for itself, and as a result, the biggest stages come to him.
Carrying Hip-Hop’s Legacy to the Biggest Stage
Kendrick’s upcoming Super Bowl performance is more than just a personal achievement; it’s a major win for hip-hop as a whole.
As the first solo rap artist to headline the show, he understands the weight of this moment and what it represents for the culture.
"It makes me think about the grind of it. A lot of people don't see the story before the glory... It reminds me of the essence and the core response of rap and hip-hop and how far it can go. For me, that sh*t means everything. Because it puts the culture on the forefront where it needs to be. And not minimized to a catchy song or verse. This is a true art form."
Kendrick’s words emphasize how far hip-hop has come. What started as an underground movement in the Bronx has now taken center stage at the biggest sporting event in the world.
His performance is more than entertainment—it’s a testament to the power and influence of rap music.
Competition and the Spirit of Hip-Hop
Hip-hop has always been rooted in competition, and Kendrick Lamar is one of the fiercest competitors in the game. He thrives in an environment where artists push each other to be better, refusing to let the genre become stagnant.
"My intent, from day one, was to always keep the nature of it as a sport. I don't care how muthaf**kas look at it as a collaborative effort. That's cool, too. But I love when artists grit their teeth. I still watch battle raps... This has always been the core definition of who I am. And it's been like that since day one. I don't think it was a thing for this year. I think it was a continuum."
Kendrick’s perspective on rap as a competitive sport is part of what has kept the genre fresh and exciting. His presence ensures that hip-hop continues to evolve rather than settle into complacency.
Winning Five Grammys with ‘Not Like Us’
One of the biggest moments of Kendrick’s career came when his Mustard-produced diss track, "Not Like Us," swept the 2025 Grammys, winning five awards. The song became a cultural phenomenon, proving that lyricism and raw energy still have a place in today’s music landscape.
"I just think about the culture, really. It's always there for me first. When people talk about rap, the conversations I hear, they think it's just rap and it's not an actual art form. So when you put records like that at the forefront, it reminds people that this is more than just something that came 50 years ago... I love to see that it gets that type of recognition for some straight raps. From awards to Billboards, all that. Because this is truly just as big as an art form as any other genre. And I feel accomplished to be able to do that."
His Grammy wins were not just a personal victory but a validation for the entire hip-hop community. Kendrick’s success reinforced that rap is an art form worthy of the highest honors in music.
pgLang: More Than Just a Label
Beyond his solo career, Kendrick is also building something bigger. His creative company, pgLang, is about more than just music—it’s about reshaping the cultural landscape.
"That's my team. It's 30 incredible individuals, five extraordinary executives, that work day-in, day-out to make sure we are doing something that will long live the culture. From a music standpoint, from a creative standpoint, fashion, film, books. Day-in, day-out of just being around like-minded individuals that have different perspectives outside of music... It challenges me and I can't wait to see what happens next."
pgLang represents Kendrick’s vision for the future—one where creativity is not limited to a single medium but extends into all aspects of culture.
The Vision Behind His Super Bowl Set
Kendrick is known for his carefully crafted performances, and the Super Bowl will be no different. He wants to bring the essence of L.A. to the global stage.
"I love being present. It's very hard for me to live in the past. I respect the past wholeheartedly. But being in the now and just being locked in to how I feel and the energy I have now. That's the L.A. energy for me. That's something that I want to carry over to New Orleans and for the world to see... I want that energy to ooze out the television and the people in that building."
What Fans Can Expect on Super Bowl Sunday
While Kendrick remained tight-lipped about specific details, one thing is certain—his performance will be rooted in storytelling.
"Storytelling. I think I've always been very open about storytelling throughout my catalog and my history of music. I've always had a passion about bringing that to whatever stage I'm on."
With millions of fans tuning in, Kendrick’s halftime show is shaping up to be one of the most unforgettable performances in Super Bowl history.
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As Kendrick Lamar prepares for his historic Super Bowl halftime show, his words serve as a powerful reminder of his impact on music and culture.
More than just an artist, he is a visionary who continues to push the boundaries of hip-hop. His performance will not just be a moment of entertainment, it will be a cultural milestone that cements his legacy as one of the greatest artists of his generation.