Kendrick Lamar is, without a doubt, one of the biggest stars on the planet right now. In just a week, he snagged five more Grammys—bringing his total to an incredible 15—and, as if that wasn’t enough, he took center stage at the Super Bowl halftime show just yesterday. The timing couldn’t have been more electric. His controversial diss track, “Not Like Us,” is still dominating the charts, racking up over a billion streams on Spotify and Apple Music. But Lamar’s impact goes way beyond just music—he’s a cultural force, shaping conversations in ways few artists can.
Midway through his Super Bowl set, he performed “Man at the Garden” from his latest album, GNX. The song’s hook, “I deserve it all,” felt especially fitting in that moment. Because, really, he does. Lamar isn’t just the kid from Compton anymore; he’s a Pulitzer Prize-winning artist, a master of blending music, visuals and social commentary into something bigger than entertainment. From his early conscious rap days to the icon he is now, every move he makes feels intentional. And last night’s performance? No exception. It wasn’t just about putting on a show—it was about making a statement.
The start of 2025 has felt uncertain. Some people are optimistic, convinced we’re heading into a new golden age. Others feel like we’re watching things unravel. The truth probably lies somewhere in between—and if there’s one thing Lamar does well, it’s capturing that nuance. His 13-minute set was the perfect mix of nostalgia and fresh energy, weaving his biggest hits with tracks from GNX. He opened with “Bodies” and “Squabble Up,” then flowed into fan favorites like “HUMBLE.” and “DNA.”—tracks that, even years later, still hit just as hard. And as always, his delivery was magnetic. You couldn’t look away.
One of the night’s biggest moments came when he performed “Not Like Us,” the song fueling his ongoing feud with Drake. But this wasn’t just about beef. It carried way more weight. Serena Williams—Compton legend, tennis icon, and Drake’s rumored ex—joined the stage and hit the Crip Walk as the song played. That moment wasn’t just a dance move; it was a statement. A nod to Lamar’s roots. A possible dig at Drake. And then there was that smirk—Lamar looking straight into the camera, saying everything without saying a word.
As if the show couldn’t get any more star-studded, SZA joined him for a soulful duet of “Luther” and “All the Stars,” adding a smooth contrast to the high-energy set. But the real curveball? Samuel L. Jackson making a surprise appearance as “Uncle Sam,” decked out in a star-spangled suit, greeting the crowd with a booming, “Salutations, it’s your Uncle Sam.” It was funny, sure, but it also carried layers of meaning. With Jackson playing on one of America’s most recognizable symbols, the moment became more than just a cameo—it was social commentary in real time.
And then there was the visual spectacle. At one point, dancers formed an American flag with Lamar standing at the center—a striking image open to interpretation. Was it a symbol of unity? Patriotism? A critique? Maybe all of the above. The stage also featured a massive PlayStation controller, adding a playful, unexpected twist to the performance. Every detail seemed intentional, a piece of a larger puzzle Lamar wanted us to figure out.
He closed with “TV Off,” alongside longtime collaborator Mustard, leaving the audience in awe. Every song choice, every guest appearance, every symbolic moment reinforced what we already knew—this was more than just a halftime show. It was a cultural moment.
As the lights dimmed and the final beat dropped, one thing was crystal clear: Lamar didn’t just put on a performance. He made a statement. And the world was listening.
