The Super Bowl halftime show has long been a stage for music’s biggest stars to deliver unforgettable performances, and Kendrick Lamar’s headlining act at Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, was no exception. Held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Lamar’s performance was a groundbreaking spectacle that cemented his legacy as one of the most innovative and influential artists of his generation. With creative direction by his pgLang agency, the show was a masterclass in storytelling, culture, and artistry.
A Return to the Super Bowl Stage
This wasn’t Lamar’s first time performing at the Super Bowl. He previously shared the stage in 2022 alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent in a historic halftime show dedicated to hip-hop. However, this time, Lamar stood alone as the headliner, an honor that underscored his evolution as a cultural icon and his ability to command a global stage.
“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date,” Lamar said in a statement leading up to the event. “And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”
The Performance: A Visual and Sonic Masterpiece
Lamar’s halftime show was nothing short of revolutionary. Opening with his chart-topping hit “Not Like Us,” he immediately set the tone for a performance that celebrated both his artistry and the power of hip-hop. The stage design featured a sprawling urban landscape with towering LED screens that displayed evocative imagery—ranging from protest marches to abstract art—underscoring themes of resilience and unity.
Accompanied by a live orchestra and a troupe of dancers dressed in futuristic streetwear, Lamar seamlessly transitioned through tracks from his extensive discography. Highlights included “HUMBLE.” and “Alright,” which had the crowd chanting along in unison, as well as newer hits like “Like That” featuring Future and Metro Boomin.
One of the most talked-about moments came during “DNA.” when Lamar performed surrounded by holographic projections of himself at different stages of his career—from his good kid, m.A.A.d city days to his Pulitzer Prize-winning DAMN. era. This visual metaphor for growth and self-reflection left audiences in awe.
pgLang’s Vision: Redefining Halftime Shows
The creative direction for Lamar’s performance was helmed by pgLang, the multidisciplinary agency founded by Lamar and longtime collaborator Dave Free. Known for its innovative approach to storytelling across music, film, and visual art, pgLang brought a fresh perspective to the halftime show.
The performance wasn’t just about music; it was an immersive experience that blended elements of theater, cinema, and live art. Each song was treated as a chapter in a larger narrative about identity, struggle, and triumph—a hallmark of pgLang’s visionary ethos.
Cultural Impact: Hip-Hop Takes Center Stage
Lamar’s headlining act marked another milestone for hip-hop at the Super Bowl. Following Usher’s record-breaking 2024 performance and Rihanna’s Emmy-winning set in 2023, Lamar continued to push boundaries for the genre on one of the world’s most-watched stages.
Seth Dudowsky, NFL’s head of music, summed it up best: “Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar. Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop.”
A Year of Triumphs for Kendrick
Lamar’s Super Bowl performance capped off an extraordinary year for the artist. His single “Not Like Us” dominated charts throughout 2024, earning him multiple award nominations and sparking widespread acclaim for its sharp lyricism and cutting-edge production. The song also became central to a high-profile feud with Drake—a rivalry that kept fans buzzing with back-and-forth diss tracks throughout much of last year.
Beyond music, Lamar continued to expand his influence into other creative realms. His Juneteenth concert at the Kia Forum featured collaborations with West Coast legends like Tyler, The Creator and Roddy Ricch. The event not only celebrated Black culture but also showcased Lamar’s ability to curate experiences that resonate deeply with audiences.
Fan Reactions: A Moment for the Ages
Social media erupted with praise during and after Lamar’s halftime show. Fans hailed it as one of the most powerful performances in Super Bowl history, with many calling it a cultural reset for live entertainment.
“Kendrick didn’t just perform; he made history,” one fan tweeted. Another wrote: “This is why he’s called a once-in-a-generation artist. The visuals! The message! The energy! Unmatched.”
Even celebrities joined in on the praise. Jay-Z—whose Roc Nation served as strategic entertainment advisor for the show—called it “a masterpiece that will inspire generations.”
A Legacy Cemented
Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime show wasn’t just another performance; it was a defining moment in his career and for hip-hop as a whole. By blending artistry with activism and innovation with tradition, Lamar reminded us why he remains one of music’s most vital voices.
As fans continue to dissect every detail of his performance—from its intricate visuals to its cultural commentary—one thing is clear: Kendrick Lamar didn’t just make history; he redefined what it means to take center stage on one of the world’s biggest platforms.