In an unforgettable moment at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, Kendrick Lamar set the stage ablaze with an explosive performance—one that fans had been speculating about for weeks. To the shock and excitement of millions watching worldwide, Lamar performed his highly controversial Drake diss track, Not Like Us, marking yet another chapter in one of hip-hop’s biggest feuds.
Super Bowl Takes Center Stage in Rap’s Biggest Rivalry
The NFL’s biggest night wasn’t just about football this year. While the Philadelphia Eagles dominated the Kansas City Chiefs with a 40-22 victory, it was Lamar’s halftime spectacle that stole the show.
Leading up to the performance, rumors swirled about whether the Compton native would take the opportunity to reignite his public battle with Drake on such an iconic stage. As anticipation built, Lamar stayed tight-lipped about his setlist, teasing only that fans should “expect a performance with storytelling.” And story, he certainly delivered.
A Setlist Packed with Energy and Symbolism
From the moment Lamar took the stage, it was evident this wasn’t going to be just any halftime show. The Grammy-winning rapper opened with Humble, followed by DNA and Euphoria—songs that already had the crowd on their feet. The performance escalated when renowned actor Samuel L. Jackson introduced Lamar, setting the tone for what was about to unfold.
As the high-energy set continued, Lamar brought out producer Mustard to perform alongside him, further building the excitement. Then, he dropped the bombshell—launching into Not Like Us, the very track that had sparked controversy for months.
Serena Williams Joins the Moment – A Direct Jab at Drake?
If Lamar’s performance of Not Like Us wasn’t bold enough, his decision to bring out tennis icon Serena Williams raised even more eyebrows. Williams, who has a well-documented history with Drake, was seen dancing during the track, further fueling speculation that this was a calculated dig at the Toronto rapper.
At one point, Williams jokingly referenced the moment online, stating, “I did not crip walk like that at Wimbledon. I would’ve been fined. It was all love.” But for fans watching at home, the message seemed clear—this was Lamar making a statement.
Lamar Alters Controversial Lyric, but Keeps the Heat On
One of the biggest questions before the show was whether Lamar would perform Not Like Us in full or adjust its lyrics due to ongoing legal disputes. Amid Drake’s defamation lawsuit claiming the song falsely accused him of criminal behavior, Lamar made one noticeable change.
While keeping the majority of the track’s scathing lyrics intact, he notably left out the direct reference to “pedophiles” in the song. However, the omission didn’t seem to dampen the audience’s enthusiasm, as the stadium erupted in unison to chant, “Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A minor.”
Drake vs. Lamar: A Feud Reaching New Heights
The Kendrick Lamar-Drake rivalry has dominated hip-hop headlines for much of the past year, with multiple diss tracks being released from both artists. Not Like Us was one of the most talked-about releases of 2024, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and holding the No. 1 spot on the Hot Rap Songs chart for 20 weeks.
The track’s impact wasn’t just commercial. It earned five Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year, transforming it from a diss track into a cultural phenomenon.
Drake’s Lawsuit and the Industry’s Response
However, Not Like Us hasn’t come without consequences. Drake recently filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging that their approval and promotion of the song helped spread “false factual allegations.”
The lawsuit claims UMG manipulated streaming platforms to boost the song’s reach, using “bots” and “pay-to-play agreements.” Both UMG and Spotify quickly denied these allegations, calling them “offensive and untrue.”
Despite the legal battle, Not Like Us continues to dominate charts and streaming platforms, surpassing one billion streams on Spotify and earning a coveted spot on the platform’s Billions Club.
A Super Bowl Halftime Show for the Ages
Lamar’s decision to perform Not Like Us at the Super Bowl was a defining moment—not just for the artist, but for the intersection of hip-hop and mainstream entertainment. It cemented his status as one of rap’s most fearless voices, willing to take rivalries to the biggest stages possible.
As fans and critics alike continue to analyze the performance, one thing is clear: Kendrick Lamar just made history. Whether or not Drake responds remains to be seen, but the Super Bowl halftime show ensured that this feud won’t be going away anytime soon.
Will we see more fallout from this performance? With tensions between the two rap icons still simmering, it seems this battle is far from over.