Kendrick Lamar introduced the power throughout his halftime present on the 2025 Tremendous Bowl, which noticed the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs tackle the Philadelphia Eagles. (The latter in the end took house the trophy.)
The efficiency kicked off with an introduction from actor Samuel L. Jackson, wearing an Uncle Sam-inspired outfit, saying, “It’s your Uncle Sam and that is the good American recreation.” (Lamar’s stage resembled a recreation board, with lights within the stadium crowd studying, “Begin Right here,” in the beginning and “Sport Over” on the finish.)
The Compton, California-born hip-hop star went on to carry out a 13-minute mashup of a few of his largest hits, together with, “Squabble Up,” “Humble.,” “GNX,” “TV Off” and, after all, his 2024 Drake dis observe, “Not Like Us.”
Lamar, sporting denims, a blue varsity-style jacket that includes the title “Gloria,” a black cap and a number of diamond chains, started his set on high of a black automotive, with “GNX” as an intro earlier than main into “Squabble Up.”
The rapper additionally confirmed his assist for the USA of America together with his dancers wearing purple, white and blue seems. At one level, additionally they stood in a formation resembling the American flag.
Lamar later went into “DNA.,” “Humble.,” “Euphoria,” “Man on the Backyard” and “Peekaboo.”
Because the present continued, the viewers and viewers at house patiently waited to see if the rapper would carry out his anthem “Not Like Us.” Lamar teased the track mid-performance, saying, “I wish to carry out their favourite track, however you realize they like to sue,” referencing Drake’s defamation swimsuit over the observe.
He then determined to gradual it down a bit as SZA, sporting an all-red look, joined him onstage. The pair carried out “Luther” and “All of the Stars” collectively.
Nonetheless, Lamar didn’t depart viewers hanging lengthy as he went into “Not Like Us” proper after, even naming Drake immediately throughout the track. Nonetheless, the rapper did exclude the phrase “pedophiles” from the road “Licensed Lover Boy? Licensed pedophiles.”
At one level, the entire dwell crowd may be heard over the printed yelling the notorious line “Tryna ring a bell and it’s most likely A minor,” as he continued the track.
Lamar closed out his efficiency together with his track “TV oOf.” Different particular friends featured all through the present included producer and DJ Mustard and tennis famous person Serena Williams, the latter of whom is Drake’s ex-girlfriend.
“I didn’t crip stroll like that at Wimbledon,” Williams mentioned later in a video posted to X (previously Twitter). “I’d’ve been fined. It was all love.”
Forward of his halftime efficiency, most particulars had been saved beneath wraps. Nonetheless, Lamar teased throughout a press convention earlier within the week, saying that viewers ought to count on “storytelling” that may assist his largest viewers but immerse themselves in his music.
It’s been a busy week for Lamar, who’s coming off his 5 Grammy wins final Sunday. His anthem “Not Like Us” swept on the 2025 awards ceremony, taking house the Grammys for track of the 12 months, report of the 12 months, greatest rap track, greatest music video and greatest rap efficiency.
“Not Like Us” was not solely a culture-defining second when it dropped final 12 months, however it as soon as once more proved that Lamar is persistently redefining the rap style. The track was initially one among a number of dis tracks Lamar launched towards Drake amid their ongoing feud, however it shortly grew to become an worldwide and cultural anthem, along with topping the Billboard Scorching 100 chart.
The observe can be on the middle of a defamation swimsuit from Drake towards Common Music Group, the guardian report label he and Lamar are each signed to. The Canadian rapper claimed the discharge of “Not Like Us” is an instance of valuing “company greed over the security and well-being of its artists.” Lamar calls Drake a pedophile and accuses him of appropriating Black tradition within the track.
As for SZA, in celebration of the Tremendous Bowl, she added 4 songs to SOS Deluxe: Lana, the expanded version of her hit album SOS. The brand new variations embrace “Joni,” that includes Don Toliver, “Take You Down,” “Open Arms (simply SZA)” and “PSA.”
Through the halftime present, somebody on the sector unfurled a flag with the phrases “Sudan” and “Gaza” in a protest over the 2 wars within the Center East. The protester was shortly grabbed by safety, and the NFL mentioned he can be banned for all times from NFL stadiums and occasions.
The league added that the demonstrator was a part of the 400-person area solid.
“The person hid the merchandise on his individual and unveiled it late within the present,” the NFL mentioned in a press release. “Nobody concerned with the manufacturing was conscious of the person’s intent.”
A consultant for Roc Nation, which produces the halftime present, added that the demonstration, “was neither deliberate nor a part of the manufacturing and was by no means in any rehearsal.”
Different performances on the 2025 Tremendous Bowl included Jon Batiste singing the nationwide anthem, Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle performing “America the Lovely” and Ledisi singing “Carry Each Voice and Sing.”
The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, 40-22, within the Tremendous Bowl, with the massive recreation performed at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Try The Hollywood Reporter‘s Tremendous Bowl protection right here.
Feb. 10, 7 a.m. This story has been up to date with the NFL and Roc Nation’s assertion in regards to the protester who unfurled a flag with the phrases “Sudan” and “Gaza” throughout the halftime present.
