Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance: The Ultimate “Not Like Us” Moment

Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated Super Bowl performance was nothing short of electrifying. As the first solo rapper to headline the halftime show, Lamar delivered an unforgettable set that had fans buzzing. At the center of the excitement was "Not Like Us," his scathing diss track aimed at Drake. The performance was packed with symbolism, high-energy moments, and a clever build-up to the song everyone was waiting for.

1. The "Not Like Us" Tease: A Masterclass in Showmanship

Lamar knew exactly what fans wanted, and he toyed with them throughout his performance. Early in the set, he alluded to the controversy surrounding "Not Like Us," acknowledging that legal battles might prevent him from performing it. However, he leaned into the suspense, teasing snippets of the track before finally unleashing it in all its glory.

2. The Drake Controversy: Lawsuits and Lyrics

"Not Like Us" was one of the biggest tracks of 2024, earning over a billion Spotify streams and winning multiple Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year. However, its brutal lyrics targeting Drake led to legal trouble. Drake filed a defamation lawsuit, alleging that Lamar’s lyrics falsely accused him of serious misconduct. Despite the legal pressure, Lamar performed the track while strategically self-censoring certain lines.

3. Serena Williams’ Surprise Cameo

Adding to the spectacle, tennis legend Serena Williams made an unexpected appearance during "Not Like Us." As Lamar prowled the stage, Williams executed the infamous Crip Walk, a dance move deeply rooted in Los Angeles street culture. Her involvement added another layer of intrigue and excitement to the performance.

4. The Revolutionary Theme of the Performance

Lamar is known for tackling deep societal issues in his music, and his Super Bowl set was no exception. He opened with the powerful line, “The revolution about to be televised,” setting the tone for an unapologetically raw performance. He also made a bold statement by staging his performance on a giant tic-tac-toe board, where introspective tracks took place inside the Xs and crowd-pleasers in the Os.

5. Samuel L. Jackson as the Unfiltered Emcee

Hollywood icon Samuel L. Jackson played the role of an over-the-top emcee, adding humor and critique throughout the show. Dressed as Uncle Sam, he reprimanded Lamar for being “too loud, too reckless, too ghetto,” a satirical jab at mainstream expectations. His commentary highlighted Lamar’s refusal to tone down his artistry for mass appeal.

6. The Setlist: A High-Energy Career Retrospective

Lamar’s 13-minute performance included a mix of fan favorites and deep cuts, seamlessly blending introspective moments with explosive energy. The setlist featured:

• Bodies
• Squabble Up
• HUMBLE.
• DNA.
• Euphoria (another Drake diss track)
• Man at the Garden
• Peekaboo
• Luther (with SZA)
• All The Stars (with SZA)
• Not Like Us
• TV Off

7. The Stadium Shake-Up: "Not Like Us" Echoes Across the Superdome

When "Not Like Us" finally played, the energy in the stadium was electric. Lamar removed the most contentious lyric referring to Drake but made his point loud and clear with a mischievous grin as he delivered other barbs. The infamous double-entendre, "Tryin' to strike a chord and it's probably A minor," rang through the arena, ensuring the song’s message remained intact.

8. A Subtle Yet Powerful Political Statement

Despite the high-energy atmosphere, some fans expected Lamar to make an even stronger political statement. Notably, he omitted his civil rights anthem "Alright" at a time when the NFL had quietly removed the "End Racism" message from the end zone. With former President Donald Trump in attendance, some speculated that Lamar deliberately kept his activism subdued.

9. Protest Disrupts the Performance

At the climax of the show, a protester climbed onto Lamar’s iconic black Buick GNX and unfurled a Palestinian and Sudanese flag before security intervened. The NFL later confirmed that the protester was part of the 400-member performance cast, adding another layer of drama to an already intense show.

10. The Perfect Ending: "Game Over"

Lamar wrapped up his set with "TV Off," symbolizing his dominance in the rap game. He was joined by Mustard, the song’s producer, who casually clutched a football while Lamar pointed an imaginary remote at the camera and declared, "Game Over." It was a fitting mic-drop moment, solidifying his victory on the biggest stage.

Conclusion: A Super Bowl Performance for the Ages

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was a masterclass in performance art, balancing controversy, cultural commentary, and sheer entertainment. The "Not Like Us" moment will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most talked-about Super Bowl moments ever. While the legal battles continue, one thing is certain: Kendrick Lamar proved, once again, that he’s in a league of his own.