The Super Bowl LIX halftime show was a significant cultural moment, headlined by Kendrick Lamar at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The show was more than just a performance, it also showed very deep symbolism on political themes and Lamar’s ongoing feud with Drake. Fans quickly noticed that every detail seemed to have a deeper meaning.

The Setlist

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show featured a great set list that blended his biggest hits with new songs from his latest album “GNX” with guest performances from the very famous SZA and Mustard. He opened with “Wacced Out Murals” which is also the first song from his new album before transitioning into “Squabble Up.” The energy rose with fan-favorite tracks “HUMBLE.” and “DNA.” from his album “DAMN.”, followed by “Euphoria” and “Man at the Garden.” Lamar then performed “Peekaboo”, leading into a moment with SZA as they performed “Luther” and “All the Stars” together. One of the most talked-about moments came with “Not Like Us,” which was a jab at Drake, before closing the performance with “TV Off,” featuring Mustard who is a rap producer. 

The Kendrick Lamar and Drake Feud

The beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has simmered for over a decade, dating back to Lamar’s feature on the 2013 song “Control.” Over the years, the rivalry escalated, coming into 2024 when Lamar dropped “Meet The Grahams” and “Not Like Us,” two tracks that accused Drake of illegal and skeptical behavior. “Not Like Us” became a hit for months on end even up to today. The song continues to become insanely popular and even won five Grammy Awards this February, just a week before the Super Bowl. With this tension still existing, Kendrick fans anticipated Lamar’s Super Bowl performance, wondering if he would address the beef or even perform the hit song that continues to be very controversial.

The Hidden Messages in the Performance

Lamar’s halftime show was filled with subtle clues. The show opened with the appearance of actor Samuel L. Jackson, who played Uncle Sam. This was seen as a statement about America’s political and cultural divides.

The backup dancers also sent a message with their outfits. They wore red, white, and blue costumes that moved together to form the American flag. This seemed to show themes of unity while also making people think about the country’s divisions.

Another interesting detail was Lamar’s diamond “a” necklace. Many believe it was a reference to a line in “Not Like Us” where he raps, “Trying to strike a chord and it’s probably A minor.” This small but important symbol was yet another diss towards Drake.

One of the most surprising moments of the show was when tennis star Serena Williams joined Lamar on stage during “Not Like Us.” Since she once dated Drake, her cameo added even more layers to the performance and beef as a whole.

Drake’s Response

Drake didn’t stay quiet for long. Just days after the Super Bowl, he released a song called “Gimme a Hug” from his new collab album with PARTYNEXTDOOR. He responded to Lamar’s halftime performance trying to downplay its impact. Some fans saw it as a weak response, while others thought he was trying to shift the focus away from the drama. Nonetheless, the track remains a hit and is topping many charts on streaming services

A Performance to Remember

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show wasn’t just about music, it was also about sending a message. Through his song choices, special guests, and hidden details, he created a performance that had people talking long after the game ended. Whether it was about America, his rivalry with Drake, or just the appreciation of music,overall this was a halftime show that won’t be forgotten.