After months of speculation, Kendrick Lamar delivered an unforgettable halftime show at Super Bowl LIX, held at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Performing his Grammy-winning track “Not Like Us,” Lamar captivated the audience with a high-energy and visually stunning spectacle packed with hidden messages and symbolic moments.
The Backstory: A Feud in Full Display
For context, “Not Like Us” was the climactic response in a highly publicized feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. The song, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, accused Drake of hiding a second child and made other provocative allegations. Though Lamar skipped some of the more controversial lyrics during the family-friendly halftime show, the performance retained its biting edge.
Lamar made sure to get one final dig at Drake by inviting Serena Williams—rumored to be Drake’s ex—to make a surprise cameo. Williams danced the Crip Walk during the track, a moment that had the crowd buzzing.
Symbolic Visuals: Color, Formation, and Cultural Commentary
The stage design featured dancers dressed in red, blue, or white T-shirts and jeans, forming a visual representation of the American flag. This formation highlighted themes of unity and division, consistent with Lamar’s frequent explorations of American identity.
Adding to the political commentary, Samuel L. Jackson appeared dressed as Uncle Sam to introduce Lamar’s set, a move likely critiquing American nationalism and authority.
Kendrick’s Jacket and the “Gloria” Symbolism
Some viewers mistook Lamar’s jacket for a Florida Gators jacket, but it was imprinted with the name “Gloria,” meaning “glory” in Spanish. “Gloria” is also the title of the closing track on his latest album, GNX, which features SZA. The woman in the song represents a metaphor for his craft and the intimacy and agony of making art. Lamar often reflects on the impact of fame, ego, love, pride, and the power of art to both heal and harm.
Musical Highlights and Collaborations
Lamar’s 13-minute set featured hits like:
- “Wacced Out Morals”
- “Bodies” (unreleased GNX track)
- “Squabble Up”
- “HUMBLE.”
- “DNA”
- “Euphoria”
- “Man at the Garden”
- “Peekaboo”
- “Luther” (ft. SZA)
- “All the Stars” (ft. SZA)
- “Not Like Us”
- “TV Off” (finale)
About 10 minutes in, SZA joined him on stage for electrifying performances of “Luther” and “All the Stars.” Their synergy underscored Lamar’s ability to seamlessly blend powerful messages with top-tier entertainment.
He twice teased the intro to “Not Like Us,” only to deliver it at the end with a smirk and a wink to the camera. Lamar’s delivery was elastic, and his presence was enormous throughout the show.
Hidden Messages and Symbolism
A Minor Lyric Dig
One of the most talked-about moments came when Lamar looked directly into the camera and led the audience in repeating a provocative lyric referencing Drake and “a minor.” The entire crowd joined in, amplifying the diss.
People on Light Posts
Dancers atop light posts symbolized enlightenment and shedding light on societal issues, a recurring theme in Lamar’s work.
Serena Williams Cameo
Bringing out Serena Williams to dance in celebration of Drake’s defeat marked the second time Lamar used an athlete from Compton in visuals for “Not Like Us.” NBA star DeMar DeRozan appeared in the music video, and Williams was mentioned in the lyrics. Lamar’s line about Drake “better not speak on Serena” gained new weight with her bold cameo.
Video Game-Inspired Stage Design
The stage was designed after a video game, with vibrant hues of blue and red flooding past Lamar as he rapped atop a Buick Grand National and under a streetlamp. The visual elements reinforced the frenetic, tense, and visceral energy of the set.
Kendrick’s Reflection on the Performance
During a press conference leading up to the Super Bowl, Lamar emphasized his dedication to storytelling and making audiences think. “I’ve always been very open about storytelling through my catalog,” he shared. “I like to carry that sense of making people listen, but also see and think a little.”
Cultural Impact and Conclusion
As the first solo rapper to headline a Super Bowl halftime show, Kendrick Lamar’s performance was groundbreaking. With its intricate blend of social commentary, musical excellence, and unforgettable visuals, it reinforced his position as one of the most thought-provoking artists of his generation.
The halftime show was a testament to Lamar’s artistry—proving, once again, that he truly is “Not Like Us.”
