A Performance for the History Books
Fresh off his five Grammy wins, Kendrick Lamar took center stage at the 2025 Super Bowl Apple Music Halftime Show, delivering an unforgettable performance that sent shockwaves across the internet.
His set was not just a showcase of his greatest hits but a carefully crafted statement, loaded with layered symbolism and cultural commentary.
Uncle Sam and the American Dream
One of the most striking elements of the performance was the introduction by Samuel L. Jackson, who portrayed Uncle Sam. Dressed in a red, white, and blue ensemble, Jackson narrated Lamar’s journey, drawing a parallel between the so-called “Great American Game” and the Black experience in America. The moment when Jackson’s Uncle Sam dismissed Lamar’s performance as “too ghetto” before being silenced set the tone for a show deeply rooted in social critique.
.@SamuelLJackson! #AppleMusicHalftime pic.twitter.com/cTb7yRoEzu
— NFL (@NFL) February 10, 2025
Addressing the Lawsuits Head-On
Lamar did not shy away from controversy. In a particularly bold moment, he referenced ongoing legal battles surrounding his hit diss track “Not Like Us.”
Looking into the camera, he quipped, “I want to perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.” This direct acknowledgment of Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group added another layer of tension and intrigue to the performance.
A Show-Stopping Collaboration with SZA
The halftime show also featured a standout appearance by SZA, one of Lamar’s most frequent collaborators. The duo performed hits like “Luther” and “All The Stars,” showcasing their undeniable chemistry. With both artists coming off highly successful years—Lamar’s dominance in rap and SZA’s chart-topping album and film soundtrack—the performance was a preview of their upcoming “Grand National Tour.”
The Climactic Moment: “Not Like Us”
When Lamar finally launched into “Not Like Us,” the crowd erupted. The stadium pulsed with energy as fans chanted along, especially when Lamar modified his infamous line about Drake, opting for subtlety while still making a powerful impact. The performance cemented the song’s place as one of the most electrifying diss tracks in hip-hop history.
Serena Williams’ Unexpected Cameo
In a moment that left fans buzzing, tennis legend Serena Williams was spotted dancing along to “Not Like Us.” Given her past relationship with Drake and Lamar’s lyric referencing her, the camera cutting to Williams at that precise moment felt intentional—a full-circle moment that added another layer of intrigue to the performance.
Super Bowl halftime show babyyyyyyyyy pic.twitter.com/zufoSNdNhe
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) February 10, 2025
A Cultural Moment to Remember
Lamar’s halftime show wasn’t just a musical performance; it was a masterclass in storytelling, cultural commentary, and pure entertainment. By blending high-energy music with thought-provoking symbolism, Lamar once again proved why he is one of the most important artists of his generation.
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