Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Performance: A Masterclass in Teasing and Controversy

In an unforgettable Super Bowl halftime performance, Kendrick Lamar took the stage for the first time as a solo rapper, delivering a show packed with energy, vibrant visuals, and provocative lyrical content.

Kendrick Lamar made history as the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl, and he certainly did not hold back during his much-anticipated halftime show. Early in his performance, he made a playful reference to his recent legal disputes with fellow rapper Drake. "I want to play their favourite song... but you know they love to sue," he quipped, referencing his chart-topping track "Not Like Us," where he took shots at Drake. This song racked up a billion streams on Spotify and snagged five Grammy Awards, including song of the year.

The legal context surrounding "Not Like Us" loomed large, particularly following Drake's defamation lawsuit over its contentious lyrics accusing him of heinous acts—a claim he vehemently denies. During his performance, Lamar teased the audience repeatedly about whether he would dare play it. When he finally did, he cleverly censored a particularly inflammatory line calling Drake a "certified paedophile," but still managed to make an impact with the line, "Tryin' to strike a chord and it's probably A minor," leaving the audience buzzing.

Performing live in front of an audience of more than 120 million viewers at the Caesars Superdome in Louisiana, Lamar's set was enhanced by pop culture luminary Serena Williams, who added unexpected flair with a Crip Walk dance as he roamed the stage. Drake's legal team has filed suit against Lamar's record label Universal Music Group, claiming they sought to profit from "false factual allegations" surrounding "Not Like Us."

Lamar's performance featured an intricate stage design, showcasing his signature blend of ego and introspection. A giant noughts and crosses board served as both backdrop and metaphor, balancing crowd-pleasing hits with more introspective tracks. Actor Samuel L. Jackson served as emcee, bringing humor to the show while engaging with Lamar's various song choices, even drawing cheers after his collaboration with R&B vocalist SZA on "All The Stars," from Marvel's Black Panther soundtrack.

Musically, the show energized the audience with powerful renditions of "Humble" and "DNA" from his acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning album DAMN. The set included a total of 11 songs in just 13 minutes, showcasing not only Lamar's vast repertoire but also his knack for maintaining momentum throughout the performance—enhanced by the skilled choreography of his dancers, which provided a dynamic visual counterpart to his sharper, edgier lyrics.

Despite being known for thought-provoking lyrics, Lamar opted to abstain from performing "Alright," an anthem tied to civil rights movements, a decision particularly noted given the NFL's recent shift in messaging. However, the atmosphere remained energetic, and the only disruption came from a protester who stormed the stage with a flag during "Not Like Us," prompting immediate security response—an incident that underscored the show's potency.

The halftime show not only transformed the way forward for hip-hop at mainstream events like the Super Bowl, but also set a high bar for future performances combining artistry and social commentary. Lamar's performance, streamlined and electrifying, excited fans and casual viewers alike, even as it faced unexpected scrutiny from both critics and admirers in the wake of his legal entanglement with Drake.