Kendrick Lamar Performs “Not Like Us,” Has Serena Williams Crip Walk at Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show

Rap transcends being merely a genre; it’s a powerful cultural force.

Kendrick Lamar has once again elevated rap’s narrative, making history at the Grammy- and Pulitzer-winning rapper witnessed as he took center stage in music’s grandest arena at Super Bowl 59 for a halftime show that redefined expectations, showcased unrivaled creativity, and challenged the skeptics of a solo rap headliner.

Lamar, 37, stands as the first solo rap artist to harness such a monumental, global spotlight.

He met the challenge head-on.

With the legendary Samuel L. Jackson, decked out in a full Uncle Sam ensemble, as a vibrant moderator (or perhaps a vivid reflection of Lamar’s artistic vision), the rapper launched his 13-minute performance from atop a Buick GNX, brilliantly tying into his current “GNX” album.

“This is a great American game!” Jackson proclaimed as Lamar and his vibrant ensemble of dancers, costumed in red and white, ignited the performance with “Squabble Up.”

Dressed in jeans, a backward baseball cap, black gloves, and a pgLang jacket boasting “Gloria,” Lamar embodied effortless confidence, commandingly navigating the field as his dancers, arranged like the stripes of the American flag, stood resolute during “Humble.”

The crew positioned on the 30-yard line for “Peekaboo” on an X-shaped stage before a group of dynamic female singers in white pants and crop tops seamlessly introduced the poignant ballad “Luther,” alongside Lamar’s impressive special guest SZA.

The California-born Lamar and St. Louis’ SZA were among the select few performers at this year’s Super Bowl who proudly represent outside Louisiana.

As SZA, resplendent in red, took center stage within a triangular formation, the synergy between the two artists captivated the audience as they subtly entwined their performances.

Yet the atmosphere reached new heights when the marching ensemble rejoined for “All the Stars,” with Lamar’s powerful proclamation “competition ain’t nothing new to me” resonating during this pinnacle of sporting culture.

Jackson was not finished, returning with a cheeky reminder: “You’re almost there, don’t mess this up.”

This cleverly set the stage for Lamar’s provocative Grammy-winning track “Not Like Us” (“you really ‘bout to do this?” cautioned the female vocalists).

And indeed, he did, playfully calling out Drake – the target of the song’s sharp lyrics – as he gleefully commanded the stage amidst cheers, even inviting Drake’s former partner, tennis icon Serena Williams, to join him in celebration.

Lamar concluded his electrifying set with “TV Off,” weaving references to pass interference and New Orleans, culminating his performance with a grin and confident gaze into the camera, strutting off stage, embodying triumphant brilliance.