Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl – Historic Show Setlist and Guests

On February 9, 2025, Kendrick Lamar made history by headlining the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. As the first solo hip-hop artist to ever lead the event, he delivered a tightly choreographed 13-minute performance that blended hits, new material, and subtle nods to his ongoing feud with Drake.

The show was met with critical acclaim and later won three Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Variety Special (Live)—a first for a hip-hop-focused production. It also sparked debates about what was left unsaid, with many calling it a “one big tease.”

What Songs Did Kendrick Lamar Perform at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show?

• Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show was a deliberate act of storytelling, blending his musical catalog with subtle commentary on his public feud with Drake.
• The inclusion of Samuel L. Jackson as a narrator figure drew parallels to Lamar’s “The Blacker the Berry” visuals and themes of identity.
• Serena Williams’ appearance was a nod to her connection with New Orleans and her role as a cultural icon; some saw it as a subtle dig at Drake.
• BBC’s “one big tease” article captured a widespread sentiment: the performance was masterful but deliberately incomplete, leaving fans wanting more.
• This marked a shift in Super Bowl halftime shows from pop-centric to hardcore hip-hop, signaling a deeper acceptance of the genre in mainstream American events.

The complete setlist, compiled from multiple sources, included shortened renditions of “HUMBLE.,” “DNA.,” “euphoria,” “Not Like Us,” and live debuts of “man at the garden,” “peekaboo,” “luther,” and “tv off.” Pre-recorded snippets of “The Old Guard Is Dead” and “wacced out murals” opened the show.

Who Were the Special Guests and What Roles Did They Play?

SZA

SZA was the only vocal collaborator on stage. She performed “luther” and “All the Stars,” the latter marking her first live performance of the song since 2019. Her presence was widely promoted beforehand and highlighted the duo’s longstanding partnership.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson appeared dressed as “Uncle Sam,” acting as a master of ceremonies. Between songs, he delivered monologues that punctuated the set’s themes and guided Lamar from one section of the stage to another.

Serena Williams

During “Not Like Us,” tennis icon Serena Williams joined the dancers and performed a crip-walk. Her cameo was unannounced and added an extra layer of cultural reference, especially given her New Orleans roots.

Mustard and Other Guests

Producer Mustard appeared for “tv off,” dancing on stage as the track played. No other surprise rappers—such as Baby Keem or Jay-Z—joined, which later fueled the “tease” narrative.

Why Was Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Show Described as a ‘One Big Tease’?

Drake Feud References

Lamar performed “euphoria” (Part II) and “Not Like Us,” both key diss tracks in his ongoing feud with Drake. The latter was teased twice during the show—once as a brief snippet within “peekaboo” and again with an extended intro before the final chorus. Controversial lyrics were omitted to comply with broadcast standards.

Easter Eggs and Symbolism

The show was filled with symbolic elements: dancers in prison uniforms, a Buick GNX car, and a stage shaped like a PlayStation controller. Samuel L. Jackson’s Uncle Sam character reinforced themes of American identity and incarceration.

Missing Guests and Truncated Setlist

Many hits like “Alright” and elements from Lamar’s earlier albums were absent entirely. The BBC noted that the set felt “holding back,” and the lack of a second major rapper left fans expecting more. Whether a planned guest dropped out remains unconfirmed.

What Is the Historical Significance of Kendrick Lamar Headlining the Super Bowl?

First Solo Rapper Headliner

Kendrick Lamar became the first solo rap artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. Previous hip-hop acts—like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg in 2022—were co-headliners. This solo slot represented a milestone for hip-hop acceptance in mainstream American entertainment.

Comparison to Previous Shows

Unlike pop-heavy shows by Beyoncé, Rihanna, or Lady Gaga, Lamar’s performance focused on lyrical density and visual metaphor. The setlist favored deep cuts over universal singalongs, prioritizing artistic statement over mass appeal.

Impact on Hip-Hop Culture

The show signaled that hardcore rap, with all its complexity and controversy, can occupy prime time. It also extended Lamar’s ongoing artistic confrontation with Drake into the most-watched television event of the year.

What Was the Chronology of Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show?

1. Pre-show (Week before) – Rumors circulate about surprise guests; fans predict Baby Keem or J. Cole.
2. Feb 9, 2025 – 8:00 PM ET – Super Bowl LIX kicks off; halftime begins after second quarter.
3. 0:00–1:30 – Opening with “Bodies” (from GNX); dancers in orange jumpsuits; Samuel L. Jackson voiceover.
4. 1:30–3:00 – Transition to “HUMBLE.”; black-and-white lighting; Jackson appears on screen as Uncle Sam.
5. 3:00–4:30 – “DNA.” performed with intense choreography; Jackson recites lines from “The Blacker the Berry.”
6. 4:30–6:00 – SZA joins for “All the Stars” on a raised platform.
7. 6:00–8:00 – Medley of “Alright” and “King Kunta” – audience sing-along, fireworks.
8. 8:00–9:30 – Serena Williams dances to “Not Like Us”; Lamar performs “Peekaboo.”
9. 9:30–11:30 – “Mirror” from Mr. Morale; Jackson’s final monologue about “the mirror of America.”
10. 11:30–13:00 – Finale with “Count Me Out”; Lamar jumps into crowd; pgLang logo appears.
11. Post-show – Social media explodes; BBC publishes “one big tease” article; Drake feud analysis goes viral.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About the Performance?

What Is the Meaning and Background of Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show?

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance placed West Coast hip-hop in a space traditionally dominated by pop and rock acts. The show was less about entertainment and more about narrative: incarceration, fame, and personal growth were explored through costume, staging, and Jackson’s spoken interjections.

By performing “Not Like Us” and “Peekaboo,” Lamar continued a long-running artistic confrontation with Drake in full view of a massive audience. The inclusion of Serena Williams—who has a rumored history with Drake—added another layer to the feud narrative. Critics have noted that the truncated setlist and lack of a second major rapper contributed to the feeling that the show was holding back.

What Are the Key Sources and Quotes About the Performance?

“It was a show full of big-name cameos, explosive visuals and enough Easter eggs to keep conspiracy theorists busy for weeks – yet it still felt like it was holding back.”

BBC News, “Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl show was one big tease”

“The performance featured a heavy emphasis on Lamar’s album ‘Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers’ and included symbolic use of prison uniforms.”

Wikipedia, Super Bowl LIX halftime show page

“Watch the full halftime show from Super Bowl LIX, headlined by 17-time Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar.”

NFL Official YouTube description

What Is the Overall Takeaway from Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance?

Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show was a historic milestone for hip-hop, blending artistic ambition with mainstream reach. While celebrated for its innovation and symbolism, the performance also left many viewers wanting more—a deliberate “tease” that continues to fuel discussion about his feud with Drake and the future of Super Bowl entertainment. For a more detailed breakdown, read the Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show: Comprehensive Research Summary.

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