Kendrick Lamar’s groundbreaking Super Bowl LIX halftime show, featuring bold artistic choices and political undertones, became the most-watched in history but also ignited fierce debates over its focus on new material, Drake diss tracks, and a surprise protest moment.
BeatCurry Team
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, was a historic moment, drawing over 133 million viewers. However, the show’s unconventional approach—focusing heavily on new material and diss tracks—left audiences divided. Lamar’s performance, which included his Drake-targeted hit “Not Like Us,” became a lightning rod for controversy, sparking debates about artistic integrity, political messaging, and the role of the halftime show in American culture.
A Bold Setlist and Drake’s Ghost
Lamar’s setlist was a departure from the typical greatest-hits medley expected at the Super Bowl. Instead, he leaned heavily into his latest album, GNX, and his chart-topping diss track, “Not Like Us,” which took aim at fellow rapper Drake. The performance marked a rare instance where an artist used the halftime stage to settle a personal feud, with Lamar delivering pointed lyrics like, “Say Drake, I hear you like them young,” and “trying to strike a chord and it’s probably A minor.”
Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone noted, “I can’t think of another time in history that any artist has made an entire Super Bowl halftime show about an artist who has never done the Super Bowl halftime show.” The decision to focus on new material and a highly personal track challenged the traditional expectations of the halftime show, which typically serves as a career retrospective.
Political Undertones and a Surprise Protest
Lamar’s performance also carried subtle political messages, including a moment where his dancers formed a human U.S. flag. However, the most dramatic moment came when an unidentified performer unfurled a combined Palestinian and Sudanese flag during the show. The protester, who was part of the 400-member field cast, was quickly detained by security and banned for life from all NFL events.
The NFL released a statement clarifying that the protest was not part of the planned performance. “No one involved with the production was aware of the individual’s intent,” the league said. The incident, which was not broadcast on TV but circulated widely on social media, added another layer of controversy to an already polarizing show.
Conservative Backlash and Cultural Divides
Lamar’s performance also highlighted America’s cultural divide. Conservative critics lambasted the show, with some calling it “too loud, too reckless, too ghetto.” Brian Hiatt of Rolling Stone observed, “Winning one election doesn’t mean you take over the culture. You can win the House, the Senate, and the presidency, but it doesn’t mean you control what happens on the Super Bowl stage.”
Despite the backlash, Lamar’s artistic choices resonated with many fans, who praised his willingness to push boundaries. The performance’s political undertones, while subtle, were enough to spark debates across the political spectrum.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
While Lamar’s performance was lauded for its creativity and boldness, it also drew criticism from some viewers. Social media was flooded with comments calling it the “worst halftime show ever,” with one fan writing, “I genuinely can’t tell if I’m being biased against Kendrick, but I think this is the worst halftime show I’ve seen in a minute.” Others, however, celebrated Lamar’s uncompromising vision. “Kendrick didn’t come to play it safe,” one fan tweeted. “He came to make a statement, and he did just that.”
Lamar’s halftime show was a microcosm of his career: daring, thought-provoking, and unapologetically authentic. From the Drake diss tracks to the surprise protest, the performance will be remembered as one of the most controversial in Super Bowl history. Whether loved or loathed, Lamar’s show proved that the Super Bowl stage remains a powerful platform for artistic expression—and a reflection of America’s cultural divides.
All information and images sourced from various sources purely for factual reporting purposes only. Got a story to share? Looking to get featured? Write to us at hello@beatcurry.com
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