Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance was more than just a musical spectacle—it was a calculated statement. Just a week after securing five Grammys for Not Like Us, his scathing diss track aimed at Drake, Lamar took the opportunity to remind everyone that their feud was still very much alive. While he didn’t perform the song in its entirety, he still found clever ways to reference their ongoing rivalry.
Taking a Dig at Drake’s Legal Issues
Before launching into Not Like Us, Lamar paused and addressed the crowd with a pointed remark: “I would love to play this next song, but you know they love to sue.” This wasn’t just a throwaway line—it was a direct nod to Drake’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group, which claims the diss track is defamatory and amounts to harassment. Though Lamar carefully avoided certain controversial lyrics, the message was crystal clear. He was letting everyone know that legal threats wouldn’t silence him.
Tweaking Lyrics While Keeping the Heat On
Lamar may have altered some lyrics during his performance, but he made sure the jabs at Drake still hit home. While rapping Not Like Us, he avoided directly singing the most inflammatory accusations but kept in lines like “tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A minor.” This line, widely believed to reference rumors about Drake’s past relationships, carried the same sting without being as explicit. The audience, fully aware of the deeper meaning, chanted along, proving their support for Lamar in this high-profile rap battle.
A ‘Game Over’ Moment
Perhaps the boldest statement of the night came at the very end of Lamar’s set. As the final notes played, the stage lights flashed the words “GAME OVER” behind him. To most viewers, this wasn’t just a stylistic choice—it was a mic-drop moment aimed directly at Drake. The phrase symbolized Lamar’s belief that he had decisively won their lyrical war, especially after Not Like Us dominated the charts and earned multiple Grammy awards.
Bringing Out SZA and Serena Williams
Lamar’s guest appearances weren’t random—they were strategic. Sharing the stage with SZA, who briefly dated Drake in 2009, added an extra layer of meaning to the performance. While their song choices (Luther and All the Stars) weren’t outright disses, the collaboration itself felt intentional. But the real surprise came when Serena Williams made an appearance, dancing during Lamar’s set. Given Williams’ rumored past relationship with Drake, her involvement could be seen as another subtle dig, reinforcing the idea that Lamar had the upper hand.
Introducing a New Diss Track
As if his Grammy-winning diss wasn’t enough, Lamar performed TV Off, a newly released track that many believe contains more shots at Drake. Though the song isn’t officially part of their feud, its inclusion in the Super Bowl setlist made a statement: Lamar wasn’t done. By choosing such a massive platform to debut new material with veiled attacks, he ensured that the rivalry remained front and center.
Lamar’s halftime performance wasn’t just about music—it was a masterclass in subtle (and not-so-subtle) shade. Without ever saying Drake’s name outright, he made it abundantly clear that their feud was still very much in play. From lyrical tweaks to high-profile guest appearances, every move was carefully crafted to reinforce his dominance. If there was any doubt before, Lamar’s Super Bowl set left one resounding message: the battle isn’t over.