Culture Experience Response: Electrifying Superbowl Halftime Performance by Kendrick Lamar

 

Kendrick Lamar's Historic Super Bowl LIX Halftime Performance

The Super Bowl LIX halftime show, held on February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, was a landmark moment in music history. Kendrick Lamar took center stage, becoming the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the event. His electrifying performance captivated a record-breaking audience of 133.5 million viewers, surpassing even Michael Jackson’s legendary 1993 halftime show.

A Setlist to Remember

Lamar delivered an intense, high-energy setlist that spanned 11 songs:

1. GNX (Teaser)
2. Squabble Up
3. HUMBLE.
4. DNA.
5. Euphoria
6. Man at the Garden
7. Peekaboo
8. Luther (with SZA)
9. All the Stars (with SZA)
10. Not Like Us
11. TV Off

The performance was a testament to Lamar’s lyrical brilliance, storytelling prowess, and ability to command a massive stage.

Subtle but Notable Lyric Changes

During his performance of "Not Like Us," Lamar made a strategic edit to his lyrics. The original track contains a line aimed at Drake—"Say Drake, I hear you like 'em young"—which includes the word "pedophile." For the Super Bowl audience, Lamar tactfully removed this word to ensure the performance remained broadly accessible while retaining its powerful message.

Surprises That Left the Audience Stunned

Aside from Lamar’s electrifying stage presence, the halftime show included several shocking moments that caught fans off guard:

• Serena Williams' Surprise Appearance: One of the most unexpected and talked-about moments of the night was when tennis legend Serena Williams joined Lamar on stage during "Not Like Us." Hailing from Compton like Lamar, Williams performed the Crip Walk, a dance she previously showcased during her 2012 Olympic gold medal celebration. Her appearance was particularly intriguing due to her past association with Drake, making the moment even more symbolic.
• Samuel L. Jackson as ‘Uncle Sam’: Adding another layer of intrigue, Hollywood legend Samuel L. Jackson took on the role of "Uncle Sam" as a narrator throughout the performance. His dramatic monologues intertwined with Lamar’s set, elevating the thematic elements of the show.

A Performance for the History Books

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show was not just a concert—it was a cultural moment that combined social commentary, surprise appearances, and unforgettable music. By blending his signature storytelling with mainstream appeal, Lamar cemented his legacy as one of the most influential hip-hop artists of our time.

With record-breaking viewership, strategic lyric changes, and shocking surprises, this halftime show set a new standard for future Super Bowl performances.

For those who missed it, you can watch the full performance here.