Kendrick Lamar performed “Not Like Us” at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show on Sunday night, along with other hits from his newest album. The controversial song was born from a long feud between Lamar and Drake. They released “diss tracks” about each other as well as shot subtle hits back and forth in other songs.
“Not Like Us” has gained significant traction, winning both record and song of the year last week at the Grammys. Lamar, a Pulitzer Prize winner, is very well known for his introspective lyricism and storytelling, and his live performance followed the same beat with multiple layers of symbolism.
“Salutations!” announced actor Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as Uncle Sam, as he introduced Lamar at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome. This marked a bold and commanding move as Lamar became the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the Halftime show.
As dozens of dancers emerged from a Buick GNX, reminiscent of a clown car, Lamar kicked off with an untitled new track that had been previewed online during the release of his “GNX” album, before transitioning into “Squabble Up.”
Dancers in red, white and blue danced alongside Lamar, yet Jackson’s Uncle Sam labeled them “too loud, too reckless, too ghetto,” urging Lamar to “play the game.” Lamar responded by diving into his hits: “Humble.,” “DNA.,” “Euphoria” and “Man at the Garden.”
“Scorekeeper, deduct one life,” Jackson interrupted again, as Lamar launched into “Peekaboo.” Lamar then teased a performance of “Not Like Us,” telling the women dancers behind him, “I want to play their favorite song, but you know they love to sue,” a clear nod to Drake.
SZA, an ex of Drake’s, then joined Lamar for a performance of “Luther” and “All the Stars,” with Jackson commenting, “That’s what America wants — nice and calm.”
Finally, Lamar seamlessly transitioned into “Not Like Us,” with a slight change in the lyrics — the word “pedophiles” was removed. The song is most well-known for its criticism of Drake, alluding to previous allegations of grooming and pedophilia against Drake in several of the lyrics. Serena Williams, another ex of Drake, joined Lamar on stage as well. Lamar and Mustard finished the performance with “TV Off.”
During the final song, a protester ran onto the field waving a Palestinian flag with the words “Sudan” and “Gaza” written on it. The demonstrator was chased around the field by security before being tackled to the ground and removed from the arena.
The NFL confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that the protester was part of the 400-member field cast of dancers. “The individual hid the item on his person and unveiled it late in the show,” said an NFL spokesperson. “No one involved with the production was aware of the individual’s intent.”
