Kendrick Lamar a rap artist took center stage at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show and performed "They Not Like Us" . The song's performance marked a significant moment. "They Not Like Us" started as a diss track aimed at Drake but it unexpectedly became a widespread anthem. The Super Bowl LIX event was held at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Before the main game commenced various Louisiana artists such as Jon Batiste Trombone Shorty Lauren Daigle and Ledisi entertained the audience during the pregame show. However the spotlight was firmly on Kendrick Lamar for the halftime spectacle. The announcement of Lamar headlining the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX halftime show occurred in September. The NFL Apple Music and Roc Nation jointly organized the event. They revealed Lamar's participation through a video. In the video Lamar is seen launching footballs.
Lamar's Super Bowl performance was not his first. He had previously performed at the Super Bowl 2022 halftime show as part of an ensemble cast. This year he was the headliner and he brought special guests. SZA joined Lamar on stage. They are scheduled for a 19-city North American tour. Their collaborations include songs like "30 for 30" "luther" "Gloria" "All the Stars" and "Doves in the Wind." Adding another layer of intrigue actor Samuel L. Jackson appeared as Uncle Sam during Lamar's performance adding a theatrical element to the show. The Super Bowl 2025 halftime show started around 8:30 p.m. ET.
The Unlikely Rise Of "They Not Like Us" As A Super Bowl Anthem
From Diss Track To Cultural Touchstone
"They Not Like Us" originated from a heated exchange between Kendrick Lamar and Drake . Last spring they released a series of diss tracks. These tracks targeted each other's artistry parenting and personal background. When Lamar released "They Not Like Us" many considered it a decisive victory in this rap battle. The song's impact went beyond the feud. It topped the Billboard charts becoming Lamar's first solo number-one single since "Humble" in 2017. At a Juneteenth concert Lamar performed the song multiple times. The audience knew all the lyrics. The track also earned Lamar five Grammy Awards including Song of the Year. Despite a lawsuit filed by Drake against their shared record labels "They Not Like Us" made its way to the Super Bowl stage.
The song's journey from a YouTube release to a Super Bowl performance highlights its appeal. Frederick Paige a professor at Virginia Tech noted that " They Not Like Us " is both a diss track and a unifying song. Its catchy beat created by producer Mustard in a short time makes it sound like a celebration rather than a typical aggressive diss. Craig Arthur another professor at Virginia Tech highlighted the song's quotability and catchy chorus "they not like us." The song's broad appeal helped it gain over one billion streams and consistent chart presence. Even the Grammys and celebrities celebrated it. Lamar's reputation as a highly respected artist likely contributed to the song's wide acceptance. He is known for his artistic achievements and his 22 Grammy wins. In 2018 he won a Pulitzer Prize for his album "DAMN."
What The Super Bowl Performance Means For Music And Culture
A Bold Statement On A Global Stage
Beyond its function as a diss track "They Not Like Us" is seen as an ode to West Coast hip-hop and a rejection of cultural appropriation. The music video paid tribute to Lamar's Compton roots. Lamar's critiques of Drake resonated because they touched upon themes of authenticity and connection to community. Drake's more pop-oriented approach may have distanced him from some hip-hop circles while making him globally famous. Lamar's choice to target Drake publicly might have been aimed at solidifying his own fanbase and emphasizing "real artistry".
Kendrick Lamar's selection for the Super Bowl halftime show is significant. His music often addresses social issues. Songs like "Alright" have become protest anthems. Performing "They Not Like Us" at the Super Bowl presented an interesting contrast. Lamar teased "They Not Like Us" during his halftime set before performing it referring to it as the crowd's "favorite song." Despite the ongoing lawsuit and potential controversy Lamar included lines from the song in his performance. This inclusion underscored the song's cultural impact. It also highlighted Lamar's willingness to push boundaries. Lamar's work often explores themes of human struggle and resilience. His Super Bowl performance offered motivation and excitement to a vast audience.
Our Take On The Super Bowl Halftime Performance
"They Not Like Us" Cemented Its Place In Music History
Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LIX halftime performance featuring "They Not Like Us" was a remarkable moment. It showcased the journey of a diss track that transcended its origins to become a cultural phenomenon. The performance on such a massive platform like the Super Bowl amplified the song's reach and message. Despite the controversies and legal battles surrounding it "They Not Like Us" resonated with a wide audience. It demonstrated the power of music to evolve from personal conflicts to collective anthems. Kendrick Lamar's bold choice to perform this song cemented its place not only in music history but also in popular culture. The performance ensured that "They Not Like Us" would be remembered as more than just a diss track. It is now a symbol of cultural impact and artistic triumph.
Source: cbsnews.com cnn.com justjared.com nypost.com