Last Sunday at the Caesars Super dome in New Orleans, Kendrick Lamar returned for his first Super Bowl halftime show as the headliner, marking a bold new chapter in his career. His choices of guests and music selections underscored his ongoing feud with fellow artist Drake, as he performed his famous diss track, “Not Like Us,” among others.
To kick off Lamar’s explosive halftime performance, surprise guest Samuel L. Jackson stepped onto the stage, fully embracing an American theme with his blue suit and patriotic top hat. Taking on the role of “Uncle Sam,” he playfully criticized Lamar’s performances as “too loud, too unruly, too ghetto,” before asking, “Mr. Lamar, do you really know how to play the game?” — a direct reference to the PlayStation-style layout of the stage. Unfazed, Lamar responded perfectly by blasting “Humble” into the stadium, leaving the crowd with an unforgettable moment.
The performance was accompanied by a colorful landscape to set the tone: red, white, and blue flooded the space, with vibrant lights pulsing with every beat. The sense of symmetry and cohesiveness stood in stark contrast to last year’s show. Lamar, dressed in blue, stood alongside SZA, who wore a striking red dress, embodying an all-American theme. Every movement, lighting cue, and backdrop felt intentional, as though the entire set was designed to tell a story just as much as the songs themselves.
Lamar orchestrated his set list meticulously, as each song seemed to build toward something larger, tempting the audience with possibility. From the moment he teased “Not Like Us” early in the performance, the anticipation was palpable. Known for its biting and controversial lyrics, the track loomed in the atmosphere. However, Lamar held back, dropping it only at the very end to maximize the audience’s response.
And then came the infamous line: “Drake, I know you like them young.” Lamar didn’t just deliver it – he delivered it. Locking eyes with the camera, pointing directly as the words left his mouth, he made a piercing statement. Was it simply a perfectly executed moment for entertainment, or was there something deeper, more pointed? Maybe both. Whatever the intention, its impact was undeniable. This line turned an already electrifying performance into one that the world will dissect and debate long after the show.
Another major guest, DJ Mustard, showed up for the infamous line, “MUSTARDDD,” as Lamar closed with “Turn His TV Off.” Meanwhile, many fans had speculated, and were disappointed, that other celebrities like Taylor Swift and Lil Wayne didn’t appear. Regardless, SZA’s presence was undeniably spectacular. She joined Lamar for “Luther” and “All the Stars” from 2018, her on-point vocals and dynamic range elevating the show to a whole new level.
Beyond the spectacle, Lamar’s performance was layered with meaning. His “a” chain and Mustard’s block “M” chain seemed to reference lyrics from “Not Like Us.” Meanwhile, his custom varsity jacket, featuring “Gloria” on the front and “pgLang” on the back, referenced his last GNX song. His diamond eye ring, worn over black gloves, nodded to the track “Peekaboo,” while the two diamond pins on his hat signaled a new era in his career. Whether these details were intentional or not only adds to the intrigue. Perhaps the brilliance of the show was its ability to leave room for interpretation and debate.
While the halftime show was far from a “flop,” the expectations for Kendrick Lamar may have simply been too high. He played it clean, delivering hit after hit, but it lacked the shock factor that would have set it apart from previous performances. However, Lamar’s presence on stage was more significant than the performance itself. It was a testament to hip-hop’s place in mainstream entertainment and a reflection of the culture that has shaped Lamar throughout his life. Lamar didn’t just perform; he made a bold statement about his artistry, his city, and his place in hip-hop history. And, perhaps, a not-so-subtle nod to Drake’s downfall.
