Kendrick Lamar: A Statement of a Performance

By Cate Galante

Kendrick Lamar, an iconic figure in the rap industry, a pioneer in hip hop, and a stylistic influence, had big shoes to fill for his 2025 Super Bowl Halftime show following Rihanna’s stellar performance in 2024. He dropped a few teasers leading up to the headliner event, such as revealing that SZA would be joining him, which implied that they would perform tracks including Luther and All the Stars, getting fans excited. Did the show live up to fans’ expectations? Or did it fall short?

Actor Samuel L. Jackson started the show off with a bang, introducing himself as Uncle Sam in what the performance was later revealed as a characterization of “The Great American Game.” Lamar then went into performing his hit song “Humble,” with his dancers dressed in red, white, and blue, forming the shape of the American flag behind him. The symbolism of the performance was conveyed down to every last detail, including his own outfit: his jacket matched that of his dancers being red, white, and blue, but also boasted the letters “GLORIA,” the title of one of his collaborations with SZA discussing the struggles of finding his artistic identity. Wearing the jacket was his way of claiming the stage and proving to himself and his audience that he knows exactly who he is as an artist and is confident about what he’s putting out into the world. Fans also marveled at his boot-cut jeans, saying, “They stole the show 100%.”

All eyes turned to center stage when SZA revealed her stunning vocals in “Luther” and “All the Stars.” Her choreography was fluid, and her stage presence captivated everyone in the arena. Fans expressed that they wished she made more frequent appearances in the show, but given the goal of the piece, it aligned well with Lamar’s vision. 

In regards to the infamous rap battle between Lamar and rap artist Drake, where Lamar was essentially deemed “the winner,” he made some subtle, not-so-subtle digs throughout the performance. He teased the Grammy-winning song “Not Like Us” by playing only the hook followed with “I wanna perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue,” which was a jab in response to Drake’s defamation suit against Lamar’s record label, Universal Music Group. Fans were also stunned by tennis all-star Serena Williams, who was rumored to be Drake’s ex-girlfriend. She did a dance move on air that originated in Lamar’s hometown of Compton, California, which established her loyalty to Lamar, leaving fans stunned. 

What Kendrick Lamar achieved with his performance was not a flashy routine or a display of technical elements but an intricate story addressing political symbolism and cultural feuds. Whether or not you loved it or hated it, there is no denying that Lamar set a new standard for the halftime show and achieved his goal of putting a bold, purposeful message out into the world.