Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show has already been hailed as one of the most iconic performances in recent history, breaking viewership records and sparking widespread conversation about the themes of his music. With over 130 million viewers tuning in to the show—even more than the game itself—Lamar proved once again why he is one of hip-hop’s most influential artists. This monumental moment followed months of anticipation stemming from the September 8 announcement that he would headline the show. Lamar’s recently dropped single “Not Like Us,” which set a record for the most weeks atop Billboard’s hip-hop/R&B chart, featured in the set-list. This song’s inclusion received criticism for content some see as explicit and accusatory. Overall, the halftime show drew both admiration and controversy alike, cementing it as one of the most talked about performances to headline the performance.
The halftime show included renditions of some of Lamar’s fan-favorite hits including “Not Like Us,” “Alright” and “Squabble Up” as well as songs from his newest album “GNX.” This performance was not Lamar’s first time on the Super Bowl’s stage, however. In 2022, Lamar performed “Alright” as part of an ensemble act to critical acclaim. This time, with the stage to himself, Lamar was able to demonstrate a broader selection of his music.
“I was a big fan of the lineup,” Lambert senior Fionn Shao said. “Kendrick played all his best songs.”
Lamar’s setlist featured some of his biggest hits, all boasting incredibly catchy beats and strong lyrical messages. Standouts include his 2017 track “HUMBLE.” with its booming bass line and anthemic chorus — “Be humble, sit down.” Another highlight is “Alright,” known for its uplifting message of hope and resilience.
Another strength of Lamar’s performance was his crowd engagement. While performing his recent chart-topper “Not Like Us,” Lamar cut the mic during the song’s most impactful bar, “A minor,” allowing the audience’s voices to fill in to creating an incredibly memorable and powerful moment.
Lamar is also known for the political messaging in his music and the social issues he brings to light, such as the theme of resilience in black communities in his song “Alright.” He did not stray from addressing the topics he is passionate about in the halftime show.
“Kendrick’s music has always had a good message,” Shao said. “I think [the Super Bowl halftime performance] is pushing that to a wider audience, which is really important.”
Lamar effectively used the medium of a live performance on one of the biggest platforms in the nation to convey the themes he passionately expresses throughout his music. He focused on issues of fairness and racism in the United States along with a strong underlying theme of hope and positivity.
Lamar’s performance included collaborations with many celebrities, including SZA, Serena Williams, and Samuel L. Jackson. Jackson’s portrayal of Uncle Sam, the symbolic character used to represent the United States throughout history, creates a contrast that highlights how even in the face of serious adversity, all people can come together and prevail. This imagery not only underscored the themes of unity and resilience but also served as a poignant commentary on the systemic issues Lamar often addresses in his music. He frequently speaks on themes such as racial inequality and social justice, further reinforcing the show’s deeper message beyond entertainment.
While Lamar’s performance was widely praised, it also sparked debate over whether certain content was appropriate for such a broad national audience.
“I think singing ‘Not Like Us’ could get [Lamar] into trouble,” Shao said. “But it’s a really personal beef between [Lamar and Drake], and it’s such a good song that I think it enriched the show.”
One of the main points of controversy stemmed from Lamar’s decision to perform “Not Like Us,” a track that includes strong accusations directed at fellow rapper Drake. Despite Lamar’s censorship of more explicit language, the song’s underlying message raised concerns among some listeners. Prior to the halftime show, Drake has filed a defamation lawsuit against Lamar’s record label, Universal Music Group, over the accusations made in the track.
Concerns about the appropriateness of certain content during Lamar’s performance are valid and contribute to the ongoing discussion about how public platforms should handle personal or sensitive topics. At the same time, they underscore the complexity of artistic expression. In his Super Bowl halftime show, Kendrick Lamar displayed his exceptional artistry, lyricism and showmanship, all while tackling some of the country’s most pressing issues. His performance is sure to be remembered as one of the most exhilarating and well-executed in Super Bowl history, further cementing Lamar’s legacy as a remarkable artist and storyteller.
