Kendrick Lamar just killed it at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show! He performed at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, bringing the energy with hits like "Humble," "DNA," and "Not Like Us". The show was introduced by Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as Uncle Sam, and featured special guests SZA and Mustard.
The setlist included several live debuts from his recent surprise album "GNX," as well as a performance of "All The Stars" with SZA, which he hadn't performed since 2019. The show also featured a brief appearance by Serena Williams, who crip walked during "Not Like Us" which was very much unexpected and shadyyyyyy.
Speaking of shady, Kendrick's smile when he mentioned Drake during his performance has become an instant meme! As he performed his viral Drake diss track "Not Like Us," he looked straight into the camera and smiled when saying "Say, Drake". This subtle yet savage move has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many praising Kendrick's cleverness and confidence.
Fans are loving the drama and pettiness, with some even calling Kendrick a "cute hater". The moment has been immortalized in memes, with people joking about sending the screenshot of Kendrick's smile to signify that they're about to throw shade or spill tea.
Another iconic moment from Kendrick was when he said "I know they like to sue," he was likely referencing the ongoing defamation lawsuit filed by Drake against Universal Music Group. Kendrick's comment was a clever nod to the drama, and fans are loving the shade. It's a testament to Kendrick's skill as a lyricist and performer that he can subtly acknowledge the controversy while still delivering an electrifying performance. The moment has sparked even more conversation and debate online, cementing Kendrick's reputation as a bold and unapologetic artist.
Drake, on the other hand, hasn't publicly responded to the diss, but the internet is having a field day!
The show also included a powerful moment of activism. He and his dancers wore shirts with the names of police brutality victims, including Travon Martin and Breonna Taylor, and also included a segment referencing the Black Lives Matter movement.
Overall, the show was a huge success, with many praising Kendrick's high-energy performance.