Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show, held on February 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, was full of surprises, including a guest appearance by tennis legend Serena Williams and a notable change to his hit song “Not Like Us.”
Lamar, known for his fiery lyrics and storytelling, closed his performance with the Grammy-winning single that has been at the center of his ongoing feud with fellow rapper Drake.
Before diving into the track, Lamar cheekily addressed the song’s controversial content, joking, “I want to play their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.”
This reference was likely to the lawsuit Drake filed against his record label UMG in January, accusing them of defamation for the lyrics in “Not Like Us.”
During the performance, Lamar made a deliberate edit to the track, notably omitting the word “pedophile,” which had previously appeared in the song’s original lyrics. This adjustment comes amid the legal turmoil surrounding the song.
Adding to the drama of the night, Lamar brought out Compton-native Serena Williams to join him on stage.
Williams, who had a brief relationship with Drake back in 2011, danced alongside Lamar, adding a layer of intrigue to the performance. Fans were delighted by the surprise appearance of the iconic athlete.
Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as Uncle Sam, introduced Lamar at the start of the performance, appearing several more times throughout the show.
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Lamar, alongside his guest SZA, performed a mix of hits, including “HUMBLE.” and “Squabble Up,” before diving into the emotional and charged “Not Like Us.”
SZA, also a frequent collaborator with Lamar, stunned the crowd in a red leather outfit during her guest appearance, performing two songs from Lamar’s latest album.
The collaboration between the two is a reflection of their ongoing musical partnership, which has garnered widespread acclaim.
Despite fans speculating that New Orleans native Lil Wayne might make an appearance during the show, Wayne confirmed he wouldn’t be performing.
In a recent interview, Wayne expressed that he understood Lamar’s decision not to include him, but teased that he had something “very special” in store for his fans soon.
Lamar had previously hinted that his performance would be a blend of musical storytelling, a characteristic he is known for, ensuring his Super Bowl performance would not only entertain but also make a statement.
See This: No Like Us Lyrics by Kendrick Lamar
