The 2025 Kansas City Chiefs versus Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl halftime show featuring Kendrick Lamar was nothing short of electrifying amongst the millions of viewers watching. For hip-hop lovers, especially die-hard Lamar fans, this show was particularly alluring, not only for the anticipated songs, but for the intricate choreography, visuals, features and symbols. Would he jump into nostalgia and perform older hits from his 2017 album “DAMN.”? Or would he exclusively perform songs from his recent album “GNX”? Most viewers eagerly anticipated the recent Drake diss track “Not like Us,” which won five Grammy Awards this year (and a lawsuit from Drake). The show began with actor Samuel L. Jackson, playing the role of Uncle Sam, welcoming fans to the “Great American Game.” Afterward, lights in the stadium read “Start Here,” a phrase some critics likened to a PlayStation controller prompt, sparking debate over its deeper meaning Lamar intended to portray.
Not only did Lamar showcase the essence of hip-hop, as he was the first solo hip-hop artist to perform at the Super Bowl, but he also displayed an exemplary form of art and commentary on the political state of the United States. Even if you are not a fan of hip-hop music or a part of the younger generation that knows about the Drake versus Lamar rivalry, it is clear that this performance held deeper meaning than just a simple hip-hop Super Bowl halftime show. Lamar’s halftime show wasn’t just a performance — it was a statement.
Samuel L. Jackson, as Uncle Sam, interrupted the performance of “Squabble” from Lamar’s most recent album to state that the performance was “Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto,” satirically commenting on what many Americans would constitute as acceptable in the world of music. These lines ultimately highlighted the way hip-hop is often scrutinized and condescended in the mainstream media.
Lamar performed fan favorites “DNA” and “HUMBLE” from his first album. The choreography soon after was particularly enticing, as the dancers formed the American flag in their red, white and blue attire; a simple yet powerful decision to illustrate America’s divide and inequality. One moment was not televised but was showcased on social media. Circulating on social media was footage of one of Lamar’s performers on stage raising a joint Palestinian and Sudanese flag in silent protest to raise awareness, an act some believe was meant to also challenge the presence of President Donald Trump, who was in attendance. This scene was not televised and security swiftly removed the performer, adding yet another layer of dialogue to an already politically charged show.
And just when fans thought they had seen it all, the stage welcomed a show-stopping guest. The most captivating moment of the halftime show was the appearance of female performers. The crowd was blown away by SZA’s beautiful performance of “Luther” and “All the Stars” in an entirely red outfit, keeping on point with the American flag theme. SZA’s powerful voice was the perfect feature of angelic and commanding, complementing Lamar’s performance.
To top it all off, tennis superstar Serena Williams made a short appearance crip walking to “Not Like Us.” It is rumored that Williams used to date Drake, further adding to the feud Lamar has with him. Lamar’s entire setlist performance included “Squabble Up,” “HUMBLE,” “DNA,” “Euphoria,” “Man at the Garden,” “Peekaboo,” “Luther,” “All the Stars,” “Not Like Us” and finally “Turn the TV Off,” giving a unique blend of the nostalgia and modernity. While Lamar’s feature in the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show with Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige and Snoop Dogg was nothing short of fantastic, his 2025 show cemented his talent to a whole new level.
A lot of the spectacle was definitely aimed towards a younger audience who one, enjoyed Kendrick Lamar’s music, and two, understood the dramatic context of songs like “Not Like Us.” However, whether a hip-hop fan or not, it was clear that there was a deeper message behind the simple rap performance. Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was more than just entertainment — it was a cultural moment that demanded attention. Blending music, visual storytelling and political commentary, Lamar crafted a legendary performance. Whether you tuned in for the music, the show or the controversy, one thing is certain: this halftime show set a new standard for artistry and depth on one of the world’s biggest stages.
