Game Over: Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show Was a Mic Drop
- Jordyn Mayes
- Apr 28
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 16
From political commentary to flared jeans, Lamar turned the world’s biggest stage into his own personal statement, leaving fans divided but undeniably captivated.
The 2025 Super Bowl LIX at Caesar's Superdome in New Orleans was a spectacle for the ages—filled with medium-energy football, surprise appearances, and an unforgettable halftime show headlined by none other than Kendrick Lamar. However, Lamar’s performance was not just about the music. It was a moment of social commentary, stirring up debates about its political undertones, lack of conventional "wow factor," and whether it hit the right notes for the massive Super Bowl audience.
The performance began with a bang, opening with a striking narration by Hollywood legend Samuel L. Jackson, who appeared as Uncle Sam, embodying the cultural and political theme that Lamar would soon explore in full force. The show was visually captivating—set against a stage designed to look like a PlayStation controller, it potentially symbolized the power dynamics and battles being waged both in the music industry and American society at large.
For the next 13 minutes, Lamar transported viewers through some of his rich catalog, offering electrifying renditions of fan favorites like "Squabble Up," "DNA," and "All the Stars," the latter featuring a highly anticipated appearance from SZA. But the true highlight for many fans was the long-awaited performance of "Not Like Us," his highly controversial diss track aimed at his long-time rival, Drake. It was the first time Lamar had brought the song to a global stage like this, and its lyrics—especially the infamous "a minor" line—set tongues wagging. As Kendrick rapped those words, many speculated that the “a” chain he wore might be a direct reference to the track, though others viewed it more as a nod to his creative company, pgLang.
What became clear early on in the performance was that Kendrick was not interested in playing it safe. As the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, Lamar had the opportunity to deliver something far more political and personal than the crowd might have expected. Notably absent from the setlist were some of his biggest hits, like "Alright" and "Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe." Instead, Lamar chose to focus on the present moment—the issues at hand—and make a statement that was undeniably pointed.
Kendrick’s outfit, a mix of fashion and symbolism, only added layers to the performance. His custom Martine Rose jacket, emblazoned with “GLORIA”—the title of a track from his new album GNX—was a personal touch. And his “A” necklace sparked speculation about the meaning behind the letter, which many saw as a reference to the "a minor" line in "Not Like Us”. Fans also noted the “Gloria” jacket’s connection to pgLang, Kendrick’s creative platform, adding yet another layer of meaning to his appearance.
However, it was the appearance of Serena Williams that shocked many viewers. The tennis icon, known for her cultural influence beyond sports, appeared during the performance and was seen performing the Crip Walk, a gesture that was widely interpreted as a subtle yet potent nod to Lamar’s ongoing feud with Drake. Rumors of a past romantic relationship between Williams and Drake added fuel to the fire, and many speculated that the inclusion of the Crip Walk was Lamar’s way of claiming victory in his rivalry with the Canadian rapper. Given that "Not Like Us" directly addresses Drake’s ongoing legal battles with Lamar, the moment resonated deeply with fans.
The politically charged atmosphere of the performance also was hard to ignore. Jackson’s introduction of Lamar as "your Uncle...Sam" seemed to set the tone for the rest of the show, with its critique of America’s often sanitized and hypocritical image. The dancers, dressed in red, white, and blue, formed the American flag as Lamar stood at the center—a striking visual metaphor for the racial and political divisions that have characterized America for centuries. At one point, Jackson even stepped in to comment on how "too ghetto" Lamar’s performance might be for mainstream America, drawing attention to the ways in which Black voices have historically been policed and marginalized in spaces like the Super Bowl.
While Lamar’s performance made headlines for its symbolism and powerful political themes, it also sparked controversy among fans. Many felt that the show lacked the traditional "wow factor" associated with Super Bowl halftime shows. In contrast to high-energy performances like Beyoncé’s or Michael Jackson’s, Lamar’s show was subdued and introspective, which led some to argue that he missed the opportunity to perform his biggest hits and entertain in a way that was expected from such a large audience. Some even suggested that the performance was "too woke" for its own good, accusing Lamar of using the Super Bowl as a platform for a political agenda rather than delivering the kind of entertainment that fans were hoping for.
Yet for those who appreciated Lamar’s artistry and message, it was a moment of triumph. His decision to open the show with an unreleased track, “Bodies,” which had been teased for months, was a bold flex in itself. The track, which hinted at themes of revolution and power, set the tone for the rest of the performance, culminating in the declaration "game over"—a phrase that not only signaled the end of his performance but also marked the end of an era in Lamar's rivalry with Drake.
Of course, Kendrick’s fashion also took center stage. His Celine flared jeans, a throwback to the 2000s, turned heads and became a talking point on social media. Paired with his diamond jewelry and a simple black tee, the jeans were a direct nod to past fashion trends and further demonstrated Kendrick’s ability to blend artistry, music, and personal style into one statement.
Ultimately, The Internet’s Cutie Patootie’s halftime show was a moment unlike any other in Super Bowl history. In a space often reserved for commercialized spectacle, Lamar chose to deliver something thought-provoking and packed with cultural commentary. For many, it was a victory for hip-hop, activism, and the art of storytelling, though not without its critics.
As the final notes of "Not Like Us" reverberated through Caesar’s Superdome, Kendrick left a powerful mark on the 59th Super Bowl—one that will likely be remembered for its boldness, its political edge, and its willingness to challenge the status quo. Whether you loved it or hated it, Lamar’s performance was undoubtedly a statement for the ages.
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