The stage is set for Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, and while fans are excited for the clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, it’s the halftime show that’s stealing the spotlight.
This year, the headliner is none other than Kendrick Lamar, a rapper widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time.
Known for his technical brilliance and thought-provoking lyrics, Lamar is no stranger to the Super Bowl stage, having previously appeared as a guest during the iconic 2022 halftime show featuring Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.
But this time, it’s Lamar’s moment to shine, and fans are buzzing. The announcement came in September 2024 alongside a teaser trailer from Apple Music, the official halftime show sponsor.
While many are thrilled about Lamar taking center stage, reactions online have been a mixed bag.
“Kendrick deserves it,” one fan wrote, while another added, “Back in like 2016 I said Kendrick is the GOAT, I’m happy he has proven me right every step of the way.”
Others, however, weren’t as enthusiastic.
“It’s fine, I suppose, but I don’t watch football, so I probably have no stake. He’s no scandal, generally well-liked, better than TS or something like that lol,” one person shared.
His live performances are also not to everyone’s taste. Even while I adore Kendrick, I’ve never thought his live performances were the most entertaining. Another person said, “Looks like he can’t rap all his verses with that same passion live.”
Lamar’s appearance on the halftime stage is disappointing to some.
“What gives him the opportunity to be there twice? “I don’t listen to that type of music,” one reviewer said. “I’m tired of rap at the Super Bowl,” said another. In my opinion, it is the lowest denominator of music.
“Huge disappointment” is one particularly scathing interpretation. This will be the first halftime show that I don’t mind missing because I’m not a huge fan of Kendrick Lamar.
Louisiana’s musical roots shine
For those who may not be Kendrick Lamar fans, the NFL has added a lineup of Louisiana-born artists to honor the rich musical heritage of the Super Bowl’s host state.
Jon Batiste, a jazz musician and multi-instrumentalist, will perform the national anthem. “I’m excited to figure out an arrangement that lasts the test of time, and I look forward to sharing it,” Batiste said.
Christian singer Lauren Daigle and jazz musician Trombone Shorty will collaborate on “America the Beautiful,” while R&B legend Ledisi will deliver a powerful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Lil Wayne speaks out
One person who wasn’t thrilled with Lamar’s selection as the halftime headliner is Louisiana’s own rap icon, Lil Wayne. Many fans had expected Wayne to take the coveted slot in his home state, and the rapper himself had seemingly hoped for the same.
In an emotional Instagram video, Wayne opened up about his disappointment.
“I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown and for automatically mentally putting myself in that position like somebody told me that was my position,” he said.
Reflecting on the magnitude of the moment, Wayne added, “But I thought there was nothing better than that spot and that stage and that platform in my city, so it hurt.”
Kendrick’s response
Lamar, who is known for keeping a low profile, didn’t address Wayne’s comments directly — but his new music may have done the talking for him. On November 22, Lamar surprise-released his sixth album, GNX, which includes the opening track “Wacced Out Murals.”
In the song, Lamar seemingly acknowledges Wayne’s disappointment:
“Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down / Whatever though, call me crazy, everybody questionable.”
Will Kendrick Lamar diss drake during the Super Bowl halftime show?
The tension between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has escalated, with reports claiming that Kendrick plans to perform a controversial track, Not Like Us, at the Super Bowl halftime show. According to The U.S. Sun, the song contains lyrics that seemingly take aim at Drake, even insinuating inappropriate behavior.
Legally, there appears to be nothing Drake can do to prevent Kendrick from performing the song.
The two rap heavyweights have been engaged in a long-running dispute that is based on subtle barbs and competitive one-upmanship. It all began in 2013 with Kendrick’s fiery verse on Big Sean’s Control, in which he criticized Drake and other rappers, urging them to improve. Drake later implied in interviews that he felt degraded, despite the fact that many perceived it as competitive.
The date is set for February 9, 2025.
The excitement surrounding Super Bowl LIX is increasing as the big day draws near. One thing is certain—this year’s event is sure to be remarkable, regardless of whether you’re watching the game, the halftime show, or both.
Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on multiple platforms on February 9 if you’re prepared to watch all the action. You