Kendrick Lamar's Historic Super Bowl Halftime Show Reignites Feud with Drake
Kendrick Lamar made history as the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, delivering a performance that not only celebrated his career but also reignited his feud with fellow rapper Drake. The highlight of the set was his controversial diss track, Not Like Us, which has been at the center of a legal battle and public scrutiny.
During the show, Lamar teased the audience with references to Not Like Us, a song that accuses Drake of inappropriate behavior with underage girls. The track, which won multiple Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year, features lyrics such as, “Say, Drake, I hear you like (them) young. You better not ever go to cell block one.” Lamar self-censored the most contentious line, “certified pedophile,” but left intact other pointed lyrics, including a double entendre that resonated with the crowd.
Drake has denied the allegations and filed a defamation lawsuit against Lamar’s record label, Universal Music Group, claiming the label promoted the song for profit. Lamar addressed the lawsuit during his performance, quipping, “I want to play their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.”
The feud between Lamar and Drake dates back over a decade, with both artists exchanging diss tracks in 2024. Lamar’s Not Like Us became a cultural phenomenon, dominating streaming platforms and sparking widespread debate. The song’s success was fueled by its biting lyrics and Lamar’s assertion that Drake represents a “colonizer” in hip-hop culture.
Lamar’s halftime show also featured collaborations with R&B singer SZA and a surprise appearance by tennis star Serena Williams, who performed the Crip Walk, a dance associated with Lamar’s hometown of Compton, California. The performance was a mix of introspective tracks and crowd-pleasing hits, showcasing Lamar’s ability to balance artistry with entertainment.
Despite the controversy, Lamar’s set was a triumph, solidifying his place as one of rap’s most influential figures. The inclusion of Not Like Us underscored the ongoing tension between the two artists, leaving fans and critics alike to ponder the future of their rivalry.
Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl halftime setlist: All the songs in his stunning show
Fresh off winning multiple Grammys, Kendrick Lamar made history as the first solo rapper at the Super Bowl halftime show. Here are the songs.
www.usatoday.com
Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl half-time show was one big tease
The star hinted that he might not play his smash hit Not Like Us, but gave viewers plenty to absorb.
www.bbc.com
Kendrick Lamar, Drake beef explained after the Super Bowl halftime show
Post-Super Bowl, here's an explainer of everything you need to get caught up after Kendrick Lamar's reference-heavy performance.
www.usatoday.com
Why Drake Sued His Own Music Distributor—and Not Kendrick Lamar—Over “Not Like Us” Diss Track
Drake leveled a slew of accusations against his own music distributor in response to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.”
slate.com
'Not Like Us' at Super Bowl 59? Origins of the song fueled by Drake, Kendrick Lamar's feud
Before Kendrick Lamar performs at Super Bowl 59, his song 'Not Like Us' continues to be a hot topic as it originated from a multi-year feud with Drake
www.usatoday.comWill Kendrick Lamar perform 'Not Like Us' at the Super Bowl? It's tricky.
Kendrick Lamar won five Grammys for his 2024 hit Not Like Us, but the song might pose legal risks to the NFL and Fox.
www.yahoo.com
NFL, FOX Decision on Kendrick Lamar, 'Not Like Us' Lyrics Looms for Super Bowl
Kendrick Lamar is about to find out if his smash hit, Not Like Us is as popular with NFL and network lawyers and execs as it is with the public -- and
www.tmz.com