Highlights from Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show: Biggest Moments
The Super Bowl halftime show is always a spectacle, but in 2025, Kendrick Lamar delivered a performance that left the world buzzing.
Packed with cultural references, surprise guests, and unforgettable moments, Lamar’s show didn’t just entertain—it made history.
A Night to Remember
Super Bowl LIX was already making headlines with the Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
But the real fireworks happened at halftime when Kendrick Lamar took the stage. Fans were eager to see how the Compton rapper would approach one of the biggest stages in entertainment, and he did not disappoint.
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From jaw-dropping visuals to calculated lyrical jabs, Lamar used his platform to make a statement. The hip-hop world had been anticipating his response to ongoing rap beefs, and he delivered in a way only Kendrick could.
Samuel L. Jackson Sets the Stage
Before the first beat dropped, Hollywood legend Samuel L. Jackson shocked the audience by stepping onto the stage.
Dressed as Uncle Sam, he declared, “Welcome to the greatest show in America,” setting the tone for a politically charged, high-energy performance.
Jackson’s introduction wasn’t just theatrical—it was symbolic. His powerful presence and booming voice reminded everyone that this wasn’t just a halftime show; it was a moment of cultural significance.
Star-Studded Guest Appearances
Lamar wasn’t alone in delivering a legendary show. Fans went wild when SZA joined him onstage to perform their hit song “Luther” from GNX, followed by their Grammy-nominated hit “All the Stars.”
Her soulful vocals and stunning red ensemble made for a mesmerizing performance, proving why she remains one of the most celebrated voices in R&B.
kendrick lamar and sza perfom ‘luther’ at the super bowl pic.twitter.com/FZdtw7e9SQ
— 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) February 10, 2025
Adding to the excitement, producer Mustard appeared for a live rendition of “Not Like Us,” a song that had already set social media on fire.
But perhaps the most unexpected guest was tennis icon Serena Williams, who took the stage mid-performance.
Williams, known for her deep Compton roots, electrified the crowd by crip-walking to the beat, subtly nodding to her past connection with Drake.
The Drake Controversy: Lamar’s Bold Reference
One of the most talked-about moments of the night was Kendrick’s not-so-subtle reference to his ongoing feud with Drake.
As the beat dropped, Lamar smirked at the camera and delivered his viral diss track, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Fans had speculated whether he would perform “Not Like Us” in front of millions—and he did, albeit with a slight lyrical adjustment.
During the set, he teased the audience, stating:
“I wanna perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.”
The crowd erupted as they chanted “A-minorrr,” a reference to the lyrical pun aimed at Drake. Though he performed “Not Like Us,” Lamar notably omitted the controversial “certified pedophile” line. However, the message was still loud and clear.
the whole stadium singing 'A minor' during Not Like Us #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/xKJbhO3pfd
— popculture (@notgwendalupe) February 10, 2025
Kendrick Lamar Roasts Drake with a Smile During Performance Kendrick Lamar took a shot at Drake, flashing a smile at the camera as he performed in front of the world.
He didn’t need to bring his rival on stage—his diss track did all the talking. As the crowd watched in anticipation, Kendrick dropped the line:
"Say, Drake, I hear you like 'em young / You better not ever go to cell block one."
Interestingly, he chose to leave out the most controversial line, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his bold move.
Kendrick really said “say drake” and smiled into the camera 😭
— WhatsOnRap (@WhatsOnRap__) February 10, 2025
pic.twitter.com/yl1g4rzy4Y
Electrifying Performances and Setlist
Lamar’s performance opened on a dramatic note—standing on top of a 1987 Buick Grand National GNX, a direct nod to his album GNX.
He kicked things off with part of an unreleased track from the album, followed by a flipped reference to Gil Scott-Heron’s classic line: “The revolution ‘bout to be televised.”
The full setlist included:
- “Squabble Up”
- “HUMBLE.”
- “DNA.”
- “Euphoria”
- “Man at the Garden”
- “Peekaboo”
- “Luther” and “All the Stars” with SZA
- “Not Like Us” with Mustard
- “TV OFF”
Serena Williams Joins for a Crip Walk Cameo
The internet exploded when Serena Williams made her surprise appearance, dancing along to “Not Like Us.”
As someone who shares Compton roots with Lamar, her presence on stage was a powerful statement.
Fans were quick to connect her cameo to her past ties with Drake, whom she was rumored to have dated around 2011. While Williams didn’t address the speculation directly, her energetic performance spoke volumes.
Serena Williams made a surprise cameo in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Super Bowl performance.
— WhatsOnRap (@WhatsOnRap__) February 10, 2025
pic.twitter.com/Sf64eTtW0s
Lamar Closes with a Powerful Statement
As the performance reached its climax, Kendrick left the audience with one final message. The words “Game Over” were spelled out in the crowd behind him.
With the game itself still underway, it was clear that this wasn’t about football—it was a direct shot at Drake, cementing his dominance in the ongoing rap feud.
The lights in the crowd during Kendrick Lamar's Halftime Show read "Game Over" pic.twitter.com/wWBGIGVpql
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) February 10, 2025
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The Super Bowl LIX halftime show will be remembered not just for its music but for the way it reshaped the conversation around hip-hop’s biggest stars. And in true Kendrick fashion, he let his art do the talking.