During the Super Bowl LIX halftime show on February 9, 2025, Kendrick Lamar delivered a performance that captivated millions. Samuel L. Jackson, clad in an Uncle Sam costume, kicked off Lamar’s performance and made several other appearances throughout the show. While the show featured collaborations with artists like SZA and DJ Mustard, it also included a notable moment that seemed to reference his ongoing feud with fellow rapper Drake.
“Not Like Us”
Lamar’s setlist included hits such as “Squabble Up,” “Humble,” “DNA,” and “Euphoria.” A standout moment was his rendition of “Not Like Us,” a track that has been interpreted as a critique of Drake. Kendrick introduced the Grammy-winning song by saying, “I want to perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue,” a pointed nod to Drake’s defamation lawsuit, a matter Kendrick doesn’t seem concerned about, as noted by The Ringer.
The rapper didn’t stop there. Looking directly into the camera, Kendrick sang, “Say, Drake, I hear you like ‘em young.” While he censored the lyrics that had previously sparked controversy, he still performed the line, “tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A minor.” According to Yahoo! Entertainment, the crowd enthusiastically joined in, singing along to the track.
Serena Williams, one of Drake’s past flames, also made an appearance onstage, dancing during Lamar’s performance.
Complex Feud
The relationship between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has been complex. Initially collaborating on tracks like “Poetic Justice” in 2012, their dynamic shifted in 2013 when Lamar released his verse on Big Sean’s “Control,” challenging several rappers, including Drake. Drake responded with his own verses, and the two exchanged barbs in subsequent songs and interviews. Despite public denials of a feud, their interactions have often been scrutinized by fans and media.
Fan Reactions
The halftime show did not go unnoticed by fans and media outlets. Many viewers took to social media to discuss the performance, with some highlighting the subtle jabs aimed at Drake.
Before the performance, Lamar teased in a press conference with Apple Music that fans could expect “storytelling” during his show. “I think I’ve always been very open about storytelling through, through all my catalog and my history of music, and I’ve always had a passion about bringing that on whatever stage I’m on,” he said.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show served as a platform for artistic expression and a subtle commentary on his relationship with Drake. By omitting certain lyrics and delivering a performance rich with underlying messages, Lamar continues to engage with his audience and the broader music community, leaving room for interpretation and discussion.
