In a watershed moment for hip-hop culture, Kendrick Lamar delivered a politically charged and visually stunning performance as the headline act for the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show on February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Dressed in a distinctive blue leather jacket and backed by a large dance troupe, Lamar’s performance has since been recognized with Emmy gold, winning one of its three nominations at the Primetime Emmy Awards.
The officially titled “Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show,” directed by Hamish Hamilton and Dontae Raymon Ivory, captivated a record-breaking audience of 133.5 million viewers across platforms, surpassing Michael Jackson’s legendary 1993 show. Lamar’s setlist showcased his artistic range, featuring both unreleased tracks like “GNX” and established hits including “HUMBLE.” and “DNA.” Extensive pre-show rehearsals ensured flawless transitions between songs and synchronized movements with his dance ensemble.
Lamar’s opening declaration, “The revolution is about to be televised, you picked the right time but the wrong guy,” set the tone for a performance rich with civil rights themes and social commentary. Visual elements, including a divided American flag and an Uncle Sam character representing systemic exploitation, sparked extensive post-show analysis among critics and fans alike.
The performance featured notable guest appearances that enhanced its cultural significance. SZA joined Lamar for powerful renditions of “luther” and “All the Stars,” while Samuel L. Jackson made an appearance in patriotic attire. Tennis icon Serena Williams contributed a dance cameo, and producer Mustard appeared onstage, reflecting his collaborative relationship with Lamar. Before the event, Lamar emphasized that his performance would be about showcasing culture beyond catchy songs. The vocal clarity throughout the show was remarkable, with engineers employing acoustic treatment techniques to ensure each lyric resonated perfectly throughout the stadium despite challenging acoustics.
Not without controversy, the performance generated debate within the hip-hop community regarding Lamar’s selection amid a perceived snub of local New Orleans rapper Lil Wayne. References to Lamar’s ongoing feud with Drake, particularly through the inclusion of “Not Like Us,” raised FCC concerns over potentially provocative content. The creative direction was handled by Lamar himself and his media company PGLang, highlighting his hands-on approach to the artistic presentation.
The show’s cultural impact, rated 7.6/10 on IMDb, cemented Lamar’s position as a voice for social justice while delivering entertainment that balanced artistic expression with mass appeal, ultimately earning both critical acclaim and formal recognition.
