Kendrick Lamar took the stage in New Orleans for a virtuoso display of catching the moment and the spotlight at Super Bowl LIX. The Compton-born Pulitzer Prize winner solidified his dominance of the genre and the culture, further cementing his status as one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time.
Lamar’s performance was a masterclass in navigating a widely varied 15-year career in front of the biggest TV audience of the year, with an audience that included notable figures like Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, Megan Thee Stallion, and Paul McCartney. He seamlessly weaved together hits like “Humble,” “DNA,” and “tv off” to deliver a tour de force performance.
Despite some technical issues, including sound problems and audio glitches, the show came together when SZA joined him for a powerful duet of “luther” and “All the Stars.” The duo’s chemistry was undeniable, and their performance brought a much-needed sense of unity and excitement to the stadium.
The halftime show also made waves with its bold message, tackling sensitive topics like child abuse and artistic freedom. Lamar’s lyrics left no doubt that he was taking aim at his rival, Drake, in their ongoing feud.
While not everyone may have fully understood or appreciated the full extent of Lamar’s message, the crowd responded enthusiastically to his performance, with many even cheering when President Trump appeared on screen. The show was widely praised by fans and critics alike, cementing its place as one of the greatest Super Bowl halftime shows in history.
Source: https://deadline.com/2025/02/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-halftime-review-drake-nfl-1236282932