Kendrick Lamar skewers Drake with Not Like Us performance at Super Bowl halftime show
The 2025 Super Bowl halftime show was one for the books, as rapper Kendrick Lamar made history as the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the coveted slot. Dressed as Uncle Sam, actor Samuel L. Jackson introduced Lamar with a commanding presence at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome.
Lamar kicked off his performance with hits like “GNX” and “Squabble Up,” captivating the audience for just under 13 minutes. Dancers dressed in red, white, and blue joined Lamar on stage, but even in their patriotic attire, they were criticized by Jackson’s Uncle Sam character for being “too loud, too reckless, too ghetto.” Despite the criticism, Lamar continued to deliver a powerful performance, moving seamlessly through songs like “Humble,” “DNA,” “Euphoria,” and “man at the garden.”
As the show progressed, Lamar teased a performance of “Not Like Us,” a track that has garnered significant attention for its lyrics and its impact on his feud with Drake. The decision to include the song in the halftime show raised questions about potential legal implications, given the ongoing dispute between Lamar and Drake.
Surprises during the performance included a guest appearance by SZA, who joined Lamar on stage for songs like “Luther” and “All the Stars.” Despite Uncle Sam’s insistence on a more subdued performance, Lamar ultimately closed out the show with “Not Like Us” and “tv off,” bringing out producer Mustard and even featuring tennis superstar Serena Williams in a memorable moment.
Having previously performed at the Super Bowl in 2022 as a guest artist, Lamar proved once again why he is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. His statement about the impact of rap music as the most impactful genre to date rang true during his groundbreaking halftime performance.
Overall, Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime show was a testament to his artistry and influence in the music world, solidifying his place as a trailblazer in the hip-hop genre. The performance was a bold and unforgettable moment that will go down in history as a standout Super Bowl halftime show.
