Kendrick Lamar to Headline Super Bowl LIX, Taking a Dig at Drake Amid Ongoing Feud

Fans of marching bands may remember when brass-heavy ensembles like the University of Arizona Symphonic Marching Band and the Grambling State University Marching Band headlined the Super Bowl halftime show. Before the era of pop star performances, traditional brass bands were the main attraction. However, in the 1990s, the NFL shifted its focus to pop icons to boost ratings. Now, in a dramatic turn of events, Kendrick Lamar is set to take the stage as the headliner for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show in New Orleans on February 9, 2025.

Lamar’s announcement came in the form of a wry video, where he stood on a sports pitch in front of a giant American flag, firing footballs from a practice machine. “My name’s Kendrick Lamar, and I’ll be performing at Super Bowl LIX,” he declared, adding, “Will you be pulling up? I hope so. You know it’s only one opportunity to win a championship. No round twos.” With a final “Let’s get it!” Lamar fired another football, followed by a “Boom!” and a chuckle, leaving fans buzzing with excitement and anticipation.

This will not be Lamar’s first appearance at the Super Bowl. In 2022, he was part of a star-studded halftime show overseen by Dr. Dre. However, this headlining slot is generating even more buzz, particularly due to the line, “No round twos.” Many see this as a reference to Lamar’s ongoing feud with Drake. In what appears to be a jab at his rival, the message is clear: Kendrick Lamar has won this round.

The anticipation of Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us,” being played during the Super Bowl halftime show has fans speculating that this could be the ultimate blow in their ongoing rivalry. The track, known for its catchy beat and venomous lyrics, dominated the airwaves all summer and peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Now, with the prospect of it blaring across millions of TVs worldwide during the Super Bowl, it seems Lamar is set to put the final nail in Drake’s coffin.

Social media has exploded with commentary on Lamar’s headline slot, with many praising him as the “most accomplished, dedicated hater to ever hate.” Fans have noted that Jay-Z’s record label, Roc Nation, plays a significant role in booking the Super Bowl halftime show, leading to speculation that Drake may be persona non grata in Jay-Z’s eyes.

Drake, known for his competitive spirit and love of the spotlight, is undoubtedly feeling the sting. The irony is not lost on fans, especially given Drake’s line in his song “First Person Shooter,” where he boasts, “Big as the what? / Big as the Super Bowl.” In the song, J. Cole mentions the “big three” of hip-hop: Drake, Cole, and Lamar. This prompted a response from Lamar on “Like That,” escalating the beef between the two rappers. Lamar’s upcoming Super Bowl performance seems to be a direct shot at Drake, flipping his own boast on its head.

While some argue that Drake is “too big for the Super Bowl,” citing his record-breaking tour numbers, others believe that the rivalry is not just about commercial success. The cultural impact of Lamar headlining the Super Bowl, especially given the ongoing feud, is a symbolic victory that Drake can’t easily dismiss. Despite his achievements, Drake has shown a willingness to engage with moments like these, unlike other artists such as Taylor Swift, who prefer to remain aloof from what they consider beneath them.

Drake’s closest encounter with the Super Bowl was a humorous cameo in a 2021 halftime commercial, playing “Drake from State Farm.” As of now, this may be the closest he gets to the coveted halftime spotlight. With Lamar set to command the Super Bowl stage, the contrast between the two artists’ trajectories becomes even more striking.

Kendrick Lamar’s headlining of Super Bowl LIX is not just a performance; it’s a statement. It marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing feud between two of hip-hop’s biggest stars, offering a chance for Lamar to solidify his dominance in front of a global audience. As fans eagerly await the spectacle, one thing is clear: this Super Bowl will be remembered not just for the game but for the lyrical battle that continues to unfold.