Super Bowl LIX proved to be an event full of surprises, both on and off the field. While fans around the world tuned in to watch the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles battle it out at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, an unexpected moment during the halftime show left many viewers talking. Renowned rapper Kendrick Lamar took the stage and performed a surprise rendition of his controversial diss track “Not Like Us,” a move that has since sparked widespread debate and media attention.
A Bold Move in the Midst of High-Stakes Entertainment
Many had speculated in the weeks leading up to the game whether Kendrick Lamar would have the courage to include “Not Like Us” in his limited halftime set. The track, which has recently become embroiled in legal controversy, was seen by some as too risky for a performance at one of the world’s most-watched live events. Despite these concerns, Lamar proved his boldness by delivering the track live, catching audiences off guard.
In his performance, Lamar rapped, “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young / You better not ever go to cell block one,” a line that sent shockwaves through the stadium and across social media. The reaction was immediate and intense; jaws dropped, and fans took to Twitter and other platforms to express their astonishment. One fan exclaimed, “HE SAID THE F**KING VERSE??? OH DRAKE IS ON THE FLOORRRRR,” while others praised Lamar for his fearless delivery and stage presence.
The Controversial Backdrop: Lawsuit and Legal Battles
The performance did not occur in a vacuum. “Not Like Us” has been at the center of a high-profile legal dispute in recent months. Drake, the 38-year-old artist who is famously known for his ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar, filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group. Drake’s legal team alleges defamation and harassment, accusing the record label of orchestrating a campaign to create a viral hit by releasing the diss track. In the song, Lamar controversially refers to Drake as a “certified p**dophile”—a claim that Drake has repeatedly and vehemently denied.
Social Media Reacts: Fans and Critics Weigh In
As Kendrick Lamar took the field, the reaction from the crowd and viewers alike was a mixture of shock, amusement, and outright excitement. Social media platforms buzzed with activity as fans posted reactions in real time. One tweet read, “Kendrick Lamar is cooking Drake in front of the world at the Super Bowl right now.” Others commented on the rapper’s delivery and stage presence, with one user writing, “The way he looked at the camera before that ‘hey Drake’ is priceless.”
Not all responses were uniformly positive, however. Some critics argued that the performance was too provocative for such a widely viewed event, particularly given the ongoing legal issues surrounding the track. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of reactions seemed to celebrate Lamar’s audacity and creative risk-taking. Many fans even expressed hopes that the performance might be extended to include a surprise guest appearance by Drake—a notion that, while unlikely given the current circumstances, added an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative.
A Closer Look at the Super Bowl Halftime Show Protocol
Lamar’s performance, like all halftime shows at the Super Bowl, had to adhere to a strict set of guidelines set forth by event organizers and broadcasting authorities. One of the key restrictions is that songs must be shortened to fit within the medley format—often limiting artists to a total set time of just 13 minutes. This constraint forces performers to make tough decisions about which parts of their repertoire to include, often resulting in high-energy, condensed performances that are as much about spectacle as they are about the music itself.
THIS MAN KENDRICK LAMAR JUST SMILED IN THE CAMERA AFTER COOKING DRAKE
LMFAOOOOOO#SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/O09jyWwh6l
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) February 10, 2025
Additionally, explicit language and inappropriate gestures are heavily censored during the Super Bowl halftime show. This is a measure designed to ensure the program is suitable for a wide-ranging audience that includes families and viewers of all ages. Past incidents, such as rapper M.I.A.’s infamous display of the middle finger during a performance with Madonna at Super Bowl XLVI—which resulted in a $16.6 million fine—serve as cautionary tales for artists looking to push the envelope.
Furthermore, performers are required to be ready to hit the stage within a six-minute window, regardless of any unforeseen delays or weather conditions. This tight schedule means that every second of the performance is meticulously planned and executed, leaving little room for improvisation. Despite these limitations, Lamar’s performance of “Not Like Us” managed to capture the imagination of fans and critics alike, proving that even within strict constraints, artistic expression can flourish.
