*Kendrick Lamar turned the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show into a battleground, delivering a jaw-dropping performance that included his scathing diss track, “Not Like Us,” aimed at longtime rival Drake. Despite legal attempts to stop him, Kendrick made it clear that no courtroom drama would silence him on the world’s biggest stage.
A Super Bowl Moment for the Ages
Performing at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Lamar, 37, took the stage with the energy of a prizefighter stepping into the ring. Dressed in a blue varsity jacket, chain necklace, and jeans, the Compton-born rapper electrified the 80,000-strong crowd and millions watching worldwide.
As the opening beats of Not Like Us hit, fans erupted, knowing exactly what was coming. The song, which just won Song of the Year at the Grammys, is Lamar’s most direct assault in his ongoing war with Drake, who is 38.
“Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young. You better not ever go to cell block one,” Lamar rapped to deafening cheers, keeping the most controversial lyrics intact despite speculation that he might censor himself for live TV.
One lyric from the track, however, did appear to be omitted: “Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles,” a line that nods to Drake’s 2021 album Certified Lover Boy and accuses him of disturbing behavior.
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KENDRICK LAMAR
NOT LIKE US?LIVE AT THE #SUPERBOWL?pic.twitter.com/Kp9SviGWW0
— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) February 10, 2025
Drake’s Legal Battle Falls Flat
Drake, who has denied all allegations of misconduct, had reportedly attempted to block the performance, even suing Universal Music Group (UMG) for defamation. The Canadian rapper accused his label of playing a role in Lamar’s halftime show selection, claiming they set him up to be publicly humiliated on one of the biggest televised events of the year.
In the lawsuit, Drake alleged that UMG was “intended to convey the specific, unmistakable, and false factual allegation that Drake is a criminal pedophile,” a claim that UMG has strongly denied.
“Not only are these claims untrue, but the notion that we would seek to harm the reputation of any artist, let alone Drake, is illogical,” UMG said in a statement to The U.S. Sun.
Despite the legal threats, the halftime show went on without a hitch, delivering a high-energy set with guest appearances from Samuel L. Jackson—who took on the role of Uncle Sam—and R&B superstar SZA.
Kendrick Lamar’s dancers form an American flag during his #SuperBowl halftime performance of “Humble.” pic.twitter.com/T5Ldj13bS8
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) February 10, 2025
There’s NOBODY like @kendricklamar ?? #SBLIX pic.twitter.com/e33dP6jquI
— MTV (@MTV) February 10, 2025
Kendrick’s Final Shot?
Kendrick’s performance was more than just a spectacle—it was a statement. His feud with Drake has dominated the rap world for months, with Not Like Us marking the fifth diss track aimed at his rival.
While Drake has fired back in his own way, including through legal channels, the Super Bowl performance solidified Lamar’s dominance in the beef.
Kendrick had teased the moment months ago, posting, “Meet me in New Orleans,” when he was announced as the Super Bowl performer. Now, it’s clear—this wasn’t just a halftime show. It was a coronation.
As the dust settles from Kendrick’s Super Bowl statement, all eyes are on Drake. Will he respond with another track? Another lawsuit? Or has Kendrick delivered the final blow?
Reactions to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime show:
Kendrick Lamar was locked in .. he knew what he had for the last song and The grin is West Coast, demon time ? #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/PmNIwenHrp
— notyouraverageshooter1 (@slingshot_not) February 10, 2025
???Drake’s reaction right now during the halftime Super Bowl with Kendrick Lamar performing not like us. #kendricklamar #drake #Reaction #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/IHyGV4ax0Q
— YANKEEYOUNG (@YANKEEYOUNG915) February 10, 2025
Lil Wayne’s manager offers apparent reaction to Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl news pic.twitter.com/RTHyjqYNMd
— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) September 8, 2024
KENDRICK IS HAPPY, I’M HAPPY ????? #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/3WJGIdu0Kk
— Ḿᥱꓒhɪx ???? (@MedhixUTD) February 10, 2025
Kendrick Lamar was the 1st ever Rapper to solo headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show & it was flawless.
S/o to JAY-Z for continuing to push the envelope. A lot of people love to discredit him but it’s time to give the legends their flowers while they’re alive to smell them. pic.twitter.com/dzghtAqSZh
— ?? (@TheRocSupremacy) February 10, 2025
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