Kendrick Lamar’s Legendary Super Bowl Halftime Show: A Milestone in Hip-Hop History
Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime show has already become a defining moment in hip-hop, primarily due to its meticulously curated setlist that showcased his extensive catalog of hits.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Setlist: A Spectacular Display of Hits
On February 5, Kendrick Lamar achieved the remarkable feat of headlining the Super Bowl halftime show for the second time. Having previously performed as part of a star-studded lineup in 2022 alongside icons like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, and Mary J. Blige, Kendrick graced the stage with two songs: the gritty “m.A.A.d City” and the anthemic “Alright.”
However, as the solo headliner in 2025, K-Dot dazzled an audience of over 120 million viewers with an impressive eleven-song set that encapsulated his musical journey. The performance was themed around the “Game of America,” featuring Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam to introduce Kendrick. The show included special appearances by SZA, who performed “Luther” and “All the Stars,” and culminated in a fiery rendition of “Not Like Us,” a pointed diss aimed at Drake, before closing out with “TV Off,” featuring Mustard.
Read More: 9 Interesting Takes From Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl Interview
Highlights of Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show: A Journey Through His Discography
In the lead-up to this memorable performance, speculation ran rampant regarding which tracks Kendrick would select for the grand stage. The anticipation was particularly high given the recent controversy surrounding Drake’s federal defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, linked to Kendrick’s diss track “Not Like Us.” Fans eagerly awaited to see if this bold statement would make it into the performance.
Ultimately, Kendrick delivered a powerful narrative, interweaving some of his most acclaimed songs across various stages of his career. The setlist was a blend of tracks from his Pulitzer Prize-winning album, Damn., fierce diss tracks from his well-publicized rivalry with Drake, and standout cuts from his latest project, GNX.
Read More: Drake Taunted by Fans After Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Grammys Sweep
Setlist Breakdown: Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Performance
With Kendrick’s electrifying halftime show firmly etched into the annals of hip-hop history, here’s a look at the carefully curated setlist that captivated fans worldwide:
Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Performance Setlist
- “Untitled GNX Trailer Song”
- “Squabble Up”
- “Humble.”
- “DNA”
- “Euphoria”
- “Man at the Garden”
- “Peekaboo”
- “Luther” (with SZA)
- “All the Stars” (with SZA)
- “Not Like Us”
- “TV Off” (with Mustard)
Watch Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show on NFL YouTube Channel
Watch XXL’s Review of Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl Performance
See 50 Surprising Facts About Kendrick Lamar
K-Dot fans, this one’s for you.
Conclusion
Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime show was not just a performance; it was a cultural moment that celebrated the power and artistry of hip-hop. By blending his narrative with a carefully selected setlist and high-profile guest appearances, Kendrick not only entertained but also made a statement that will resonate for years to come.
FAQs
What songs did Kendrick Lamar perform at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show?
Kendrick performed a total of 11 songs, including hits like “Humble,” “DNA,” “Not Like Us,” and collaborations with SZA.
Who were the special guests during Kendrick Lamar’s performance?
Samuel L. Jackson introduced the performance, while SZA joined Kendrick for “Luther” and “All the Stars,” and Mustard appeared for “TV Off.”
What was the theme of Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show?
The theme revolved around the “Game of America,” which Kendrick used to narrate his musical journey and societal commentary.
How did the audience react to Kendrick’s performance?
The performance received widespread acclaim, with fans and critics praising Kendrick’s artistry and the impactful setlist, especially the inclusion of “Not Like Us.”
