Kendrick Lamar delivered a unique and ambitious Super Bowl halftime show, prioritizing artistry over typical spectacle. The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper’s performance was a mix of the intellectual and the provocative, reflecting his complex career.
The set began with Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam, introducing Lamar atop a classic car. The performance included an unreleased track and a diverse dance troupe, creating visually striking moments, including the formation of the American flag. Lamar’s complex verses and layered flows, while impressive, sometimes lacked the singalong anthems expected at the Super Bowl.
The highlight came with a teased performance of “Not Like Us,” Lamar’s diss track aimed at Drake. Despite rumors of legal interference, Lamar performed the song, albeit with some self-censoring, delivering a devastating blow to his rival, even featuring Serena Williams, a former Drake girlfriend, in the performance.
The show, described as more Lincoln Center than typical halftime fare, showcased Lamar’s artistry and culminated in a clear victory in his ongoing feud with Drake.
Watch below:
