91ƵSalutations!,91Ƶ the actor Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as Uncle Sam introduced at New Orleans91Ƶ Caesars Superdome for the halftime show 91Ƶ a powerful, commanding creative choice by the first solo hip-hop artist to ever headline the coveted slot.
As if there were any doubts of the rapper91Ƶs ability to put on a show.
As dozens of dancers emerged from a Buick GNX clown car style, he launched into an as-yet-untitled new song that had been teased with an online snippet when his 91ƵGNX91Ƶ album was released, then moved into 91ƵSquabble Up.91Ƶ For just under 13 minutes during the halftime show sponsored by Apple Music and Roc Nation, Lamar commanded the field.
Dancers dressed in red, white and blue joined Lamar. But even in their patriotic colors, they were labeled 91Ƶtoo loud, too reckless, too ghetto,91Ƶ by Jackson91Ƶs Uncle Sam, who reminded Lamar to 91Ƶplay the game.91Ƶ Then, he launched into 91ƵHumble.,91Ƶ 91ƵDNA.,91Ƶ 91ƵEuphoria91Ƶ and 91Ƶman at the garden.91Ƶ
91ƵScore keeper, deduct one life,91Ƶ Jackson interrupted again. Lamar launched into 91Ƶpeakboo,91Ƶ and then teased a performance of 91ƵNot Like Us.91Ƶ
91ƵI wanna play their favorite song but you know they love to sue,91Ƶ Lamar told the women dancers behind him, referencing Drake.
It is hard to underscore the ubiquity of 91ƵNot Like Us91Ƶ 91Ƶ with its billion streams on Spotify, the massive hit is a regional anthem for Los Angeles, a rallying cry for community and against culture vultures, a diss track that won Lamar the and the track that won song and record of the year at the
Leading up to the Super Bowl, whether or not Lamar would perform the song was a legitimate question held by fans and critics alike. Lamar against Drake in its lyrics; Drake has for defamation as a result of the song91Ƶs popularity. Does a Super Bowl performance further complicate things?
Little was known about Lamar91Ƶs halftime performance ahead of time. Lamar promised to keep at the forefront of his plans, and SZA was guest performer. They are frequent collaborators; she most recently appeared his and was featured on a couple songs including 91ƵGloria91Ƶ and 91ƵLuther,91Ƶ which also features sampled vocals from Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn through 91ƵIf This World Were Mine.91Ƶ The duo will also co-headline this spring and summer.
SZA appeared on stage for 91ƵLuther91Ƶ and 91ƵAll the Stars.91Ƶ
91ƵThat91Ƶs what America wants 91Ƶ nice and calm,91Ƶ Jackson said.
And then, like clockwork: Lamar launched into 91ƵNot Like Us91Ƶ 91Ƶ with the removal of the word 91Ƶpedophiles91Ƶ in its lyrics 91Ƶ into 91Ƶtv off.91Ƶ
He brought out the producer Mustard and tennis superstar Serena Williams was spotted crip walking along to the diss track.
Is there any better publicity than the biggest stage in U.S. sports? Consider this just another step in Lamar91Ƶs .
He is also no stranger to the Super Bowl stage, having previously performed at the NFL91Ƶs as a guest artist, alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent and Eminem.
91ƵRap music is still the most impactful genre to date,91Ƶ Lamar in September, when he was first announced as the 2025 halftime performer. 91ƵAnd I91Ƶll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.91Ƶ
Make no mistake about it 91Ƶ that91Ƶs exactly what he did Sunday evening.