February 12, 2025

Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LIX halftime show has humbled us all

Kendrick Lamar's performance at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show on February 9, 2025, at New Orleans' Caesars Superdome was a landmark event in music and sports history. As the first solo rap artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, Lamar delivered a powerful and politically charged performance that captivated a record-breaking audience of 133.5 million viewers.

The show commenced with a special introduction by actor Samuel L. Jackson, who, dressed as Uncle Sam, declared the halftime show as "the great American game." Lamar then took the stage, standing atop a vintage 1987 Buick GNX—a car of personal significance, as it shares the year of his birth and is an upgraded model of the Buick Regal his father drove when bringing him home from the hospital.

Throughout the performance, Lamar delivered several of his hit songs, including "Not Like Us," a track from his surprise 2024 album "GNX." The song, known for its pointed lyrics aimed at fellow rapper Drake, added a layer of intensity to the show. Notably, tennis legend Serena Williams, a fellow Compton native, joined Lamar on stage to dance during this number, highlighting their shared heritage.

Lamar's attire also drew attention, particularly his choice of flared Celine jeans originally intended for actor Timothée Chalamet. Paired with a custom Martine Rose varsity jacket and a $68,000 Rahaminov diamond brooch, his ensemble sparked discussions in the fashion world.

The performance was not without its controversies. Some viewers interpreted elements of the show as political commentary, especially given the presence of then-President Donald Trump, who attended the game—the first sitting president to do so. Observers noted that dancers dressed in red, white, and blue arranged themselves to resemble a divided American flag during the song "Humble," and Lamar's chants of "the revolution 'bout to be televised, you picked the right time but the wrong guy" and "forty acres and a mule, this is bigger than the music" were seen as pointed statements.

Despite some criticism, including from former Oasis member Noel Gallagher, who dismissed the performance as "an absolute joke," Lamar's halftime show was widely celebrated for its artistry and cultural significance. Critics hailed it as one of the most important halftime shows in history, with The Independent stating that it "will undoubtedly go down as one of the most important halftime shows in the history of the event, if not the most significant mass-televised rap performance of all time."

In conclusion, Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LIX halftime performance was a groundbreaking moment that showcased his artistry, highlighted cultural narratives, and set new standards for live musical performances on one of the world's biggest stages.