Hip-hop icon Kendrick Lamar made history at Super Bowl 59 with a jaw-dropping 12-minute halftime performance that had fans and critics buzzing.
The HUMBLE rapper became the first solo hip-hop act to headline the world-famous halftime show, delivering a medley of hits, including LOYALTY, Money Trees, and All the Stars alongside R&B star SZA.
Oscar-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson introduced Lamar, setting the tone for what would become one of the most talked-about Super Bowl performances in history.
The moment that stole the show, however, was Lamar’s unexpected performance of Not Like Us, his scathing diss track aimed at Drake. Though he initially suggested he wouldn’t perform the song, Lamar couldn’t resist a subtle dig at his rap rival.
"I want to perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue," Lamar quipped before launching into the track, referencing Drake’s ongoing legal battle with Universal Music over the diss record.
Fans noticed that Lamar toned down some of the song’s harshest lyrics, particularly the controversial “pedophile” line.
Adding to the spectacle, Serena Williams—Drake’s former romantic partner—made a special cameo, cryptically crip-walking near a lamp post during the performance, further fueling speculation about her stance in the rap feud.
The performance came just a week after Lamar’s historic five-Grammy sweep at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, where Not Like Us won Song of the Year and Record of the Year.