Kendrick Lamar performed a groundbreaking show at Super Bowl LIX, seamlessly blending artistry, political commentary and personal narrative. With President Donald Trump and multiple celebrities in the audience, plus record-breaking viewership, Lamar used every moment of this opportunity to spread a powerful message. Lamar was the first solo hip-hop artist to headline this event, and he transformed the halftime stage into a powerful platform that resonated with both fans and critics.
The performance commenced with actor Samuel L. Jackson, portraying Uncle Sam, introducing Lamar while serving as a personification of the U.S. government. Jackson’s character challenged Lamar, criticizing his music as “too loud, too reckless, too ghetto.” This was a poignant representation of societal attempts to suppress Black voices and culture.
This set the stage for a narrative that would dive into themes of American identity and societal divisions.
Lamar’s set list featured a mix of his acclaimed tracks, including “Humble,” “DNA” and the controversial diss track “Not Like Us.” “Not Like Us,” known for its jabs at Canadian rapper Drake, was teased multiple times during the show as Lamar acted uncertain about performing it, saying, “I want to play their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.”
It’s important to note that Drake filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group, the record label both rappers are signed to, on Jan. 15 for defamation and spreading a “false and malicious narrative” by releasing and promoting Lamar’s “Not Like Us.”
Lamar’s halftime show also included a few star-studded appearances, such as R&B singer SZA on “All the Stars,” producer Mustard and Serena Williams. SZA and Serena Williams are Drake’s exes; having them on the biggest stage in America while Lamar is singing a song attacking him is a pointed choice.
The duet with SZA added depth to the performance, highlighting the collaboration within the hip-hop and R&B communities. Visual elements, such as dancers forming a divided American flag, reinforced the commentary on national unity and discord.
These artistic choices underscored Lamar’s intent to use this opportunity, not just for entertainment, but as a medium for provoking thought and discussion on a broadcast that, according to the NFL, averaged 127.7 million viewers.
The line “40 acres and a mule, this is bigger than the music” drove in the performance’s messages, connecting historical betrayals to ongoing struggles for racial equity. By bringing these issues to one of the most-watched events in American culture, Lamar utilized his platform to challenge viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the nation’s past and present.
The 2025 Super Bowl halftime show transcended entertainment, serving as a powerful commentary on America’s historical and current racial landscape. Lamar’s artful integration of symbolism and performance invited a national audience to engage in a necessary dialogue about justice, equality and the enduring impact of broken promises.
AJ Pearman can be reached at arg-opinion@uidaho.edu.
Kenneth Hensley
It sucked !
Robert Means Jr
Speak on it!!!