Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show: A Bold Statement Amidst Feud with Drake

Kendrick Lamar’s performance at the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show in New Orleans was a historic moment, marking the first time a rapper has headlined the event solo.

However, beyond the musical spectacle, Lamar’s set was laden with subtle jabs aimed at fellow rapper Drake, highlighting the ongoing feud between the two artists.

The rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has been a significant topic in the music industry. It began with Lamar’s track “Not Like Us,” which included direct and personal shots at Drake, accusing him of improper relationships with underage women.

This led to significant controversy and legal action, with Drake filing a lawsuit against Universal Music Group for defamation and negligence in promoting the track.

During the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show, Lamar performed several hits, including “Squabble Up,” “Humble,” “DNA,” and “Euphoria.” He was joined by SZA for “Luther” and “All the Stars.”

Notably, Lamar omitted the controversial “pedophile” lyric from his Grammy-winning diss track “Not Like Us,” which had previously targeted Drake.

Despite this omission, Lamar continued to imply accusations against Drake, and the performance featured guest appearances, including Serena Williams, Drake’s ex, who joined Lamar on stage.

Lamar’s attire also carried symbolic weight. He wore a varsity jacket designed by Martine Rose, emblazoned with the name “Gloria,” a nod to his most recent album. Additionally, he wore a necklace featuring a lowercase “a,” which fans speculated could be a reference to his “a minor” lyric aimed at Drake in “Not Like Us.” Others suggested it might symbolize his company, pgLang, which uses a logo featuring a lowercase letter “a.”

The performance garnered widespread attention, with media outlets analyzing the subtle digs at Drake. The Associated Press noted that Lamar’s set was “laden with subtle jabs aimed at fellow rapper Drake,” highlighting the ongoing tension between the two artists.

Kendrick Lamar references Drake beef at Super Bowl 2025 halftime show

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 halftime show was more than just a musical performance; it was a statement that underscored the complexities of his feud with Drake. Through his lyrics, attire, and guest appearances, Lamar conveyed messages that resonated with fans and critics alike, reaffirming his position as a powerful figure in the music industry.

Kendrick Lamar’s performance at the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show in New Orleans was a historic moment, marking the first time a rapper has headlined the event solo.

However, beyond the musical spectacle, Lamar’s set was laden with subtle jabs aimed at fellow rapper Drake, highlighting the ongoing feud between the two artists.

The rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has been a significant topic in the music industry. It began with Lamar’s track “Not Like Us,” which included direct and personal shots at Drake, accusing him of improper relationships with underage women.

This led to significant controversy and legal action, with Drake filing a lawsuit against Universal Music Group for defamation and negligence in promoting the track.

Super Bowl Halftime: Kendrick Lamar Performs Not Like Us - YouTube

During the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show, Lamar performed several hits, including “Squabble Up,” “Humble,” “DNA,” and “Euphoria.” He was joined by SZA for “Luther” and “All the Stars.”

Notably, Lamar omitted the controversial “pedophile” lyric from his Grammy-winning diss track “Not Like Us,” which had previously targeted Drake.

Despite this omission, Lamar continued to imply accusations against Drake, and the performance featured guest appearances, including Serena Williams, Drake’s ex, who joined Lamar on stage.

Lamar’s attire also carried symbolic weight. He wore a varsity jacket designed by Martine Rose, emblazoned with the name “Gloria,” a nod to his most recent album.

Breaking down Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show - YouTube

Additionally, he wore a necklace featuring a lowercase “a,” which fans speculated could be a reference to his “a minor” lyric aimed at Drake in “Not Like Us.” Others suggested it might symbolize his company, pgLang, which uses a logo featuring a lowercase letter “a.”

The performance garnered widespread attention, with media outlets analyzing the subtle digs at Drake. The Associated Press noted that Lamar’s set was “laden with subtle jabs aimed at fellow rapper Drake,” highlighting the ongoing tension between the two artists.

Breaking down Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show - YouTube

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 halftime show was more than just a musical performance; it was a statement that underscored the complexities of his feud with Drake. Through his lyrics, attire, and guest appearances, Lamar conveyed messages that resonated with fans and critics alike, reaffirming his position as a powerful figure in the music industry.

For a closer look at Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 halftime show, you can watch the full performance here: