Three years after Kendrick Lamar made a memorable appearance during Dr. Dre’s Super Bowl halftime performance, the acclaimed rapper is set to take center stage at Super Bowl LIX.
On the eve of the 2024 NFL season’s kickoff, the NFL, Roc Nation, and Apple Music announced that Lamar will headline the halftime show at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025. This performance will mark a significant moment in the history of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, as Lamar brings his unique artistry and powerful stage presence to the forefront.
In a statement, Lamar expressed his excitement: “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”
Jay-Z, co-founder of Roc Nation, which helps produce the halftime show, praised Lamar’s influence, stating, “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer. His profound love for hip-hop and culture shapes his artistic vision. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will resonate globally for years to come.”
Creative direction for the halftime show will be led by Lamar and his collaborator Dave Free’s company, pgLang. Seth Dudowsky, Head of Music at the NFL, also weighed in: “Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar. His ability to craft resonant, boundary-pushing moments is unparalleled.”
Throughout 2024, Lamar has been engaged in a high-profile rap feud with Drake, resulting in notable tracks such as “Meet the Grahams,” “6:16 in LA,” “Euphoria,” and the acclaimed “Not Like Us.” As the feud wound down, Lamar’s Super Bowl performance was seen as a significant endorsement of his impact on the music industry.
Super Bowl LIX will be held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, a venue that has hosted the Super Bowl more times than any other NFL stadium. The game will be broadcast on Fox.
Lamar’s last album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, was released in 2022. His upcoming performance follows a series of notable halftime shows, including Usher in 2024, Rihanna in 2023, and a memorable 2022 show featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Lamar himself.
Fans are eagerly anticipating Lamar’s performance, which promises to be a highlight of the 2025 Super Bowl festivities.
