Kendrick Lamar Delivers Historic Super Bowl Halftime Performance Featuring ‘Not Like Us’ and SZA in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS – Kendrick Lamar took center stage at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, marking a historic moment as the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the prestigious event.

His performance, eagerly anticipated by millions, was introduced by acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson, who appeared dressed as the iconic American figure, Uncle Sam. Lamar launched into a dynamic set that included renditions and teases of several tracks, notably “peakboo,” “tv off,” and the commercially and culturally significant hit, “Not Like Us.”

Collaboration on Stage

The spectacle featured the appearance of SZA, a frequent collaborator of Lamar’s. SZA recently featured on Lamar’s album “GNX” and contributed to songs such as “Gloria” and “Luther.” She joined Lamar on stage to perform “Luther” and the track “All the Stars,” adding another layer to the high-profile setlist.

The Cultural Weight of “Not Like Us”

A pivotal moment of the performance was Lamar’s delivery of “Not Like Us.” The track holds considerable weight in contemporary music and culture. It has amassed billions of streams on Spotify, solidifying its status as a massive global hit. More than just a popular song, it is widely regarded as an LA regional anthem and has been interpreted as a potent statement against “culture vultures” within the industry. The song also gained significant attention for its role in Lamar’s widely discussed feud with artist Drake. Its critical success was recently underscored when it won both song and record of the year honors at the Grammy Awards.

During the Super Bowl performance, a notable alteration was made to the lyrics of “Not Like Us”; the specific word “pedophiles” was removed from the rendition. The impact and reach of the track were further highlighted by the sighting of tennis superstar Serena Williams engaged in a “crip walk” movement along to the diss track during the event.

Production and Future Plans

The halftime show also saw the appearance of producer Mustard, who was brought out during Lamar’s set, acknowledging his contribution to the music presented. Following this landmark performance, both Kendrick Lamar and SZA are set to embark on a co-headlining 19-city North American tour scheduled for the spring and summer months, offering fans across the continent an opportunity to experience their collaboration live.

Kendrick Lamar’s headline performance at the 2025 Super Bowl is poised to be remembered not only for its musical delivery but also for its historical significance in featuring a solo hip-hop artist at the forefront of one of the world’s largest cultural stages, while prominently featuring a track like “Not Like Us” with its complex layers of regional pride, industry commentary, and commercial success.