Kendrick Lamar to Headline Super Bowl 2025, Leaving Fans Wondering About Lil Wayne

Kendrick Lamar, the Compton-born rapper known for his sharp lyrics and cultural impact, is set to headline the 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. The NFL, Roc Nation, and Apple Music announced the news just before the start of the 2024 season, confirming that Lamar will take the stage on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This marks Lamar’s second appearance at the Super Bowl halftime show—his first as the main act—following his standout performance as a guest in the 2022 show with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige.

“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why, Lamar said. “They got the right one.” His comments capture the energy and anticipation surrounding his upcoming performance, which has already stirred excitement among fans and industry insiders.

At 37, Kendrick Lamar has established himself as one of the most innovative and influential artists of his generation. From his groundbreaking albums like To Pimp a Butterfly to DAMN. to becoming the first hip-hop artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018, Lamar has continuously pushed the boundaries of what rap music can be. Seth Dudowsky, the NFL’s Head of Music, echoed these sentiments, stating,

Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar. Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop.

Lamar and Dave Free, through their creative company pgLang, will take on the role of creative director for the performance. This collaboration hints at a highly conceptual show blending music, visuals, and storytelling—a hallmark of Lamar’s artistic style. Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation co-produces the halftime show, praised Lamar as “a once-in-a-generation artist” whose impact “transcends music” and continues to shape global culture.

Kendrick Lamar’s rivalry with Canadian rapper Drake has dominated hip-hop headlines this year. The feud between the two artists escalated dramatically, with both dropping a series of diss tracks that ignited intense fan debates and media buzz. Tracks like “Meet the Grahams,” “6:16 in LA,” and “Not Like Us” became major hits, with “Not Like Us” even reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for two non-consecutive weeks. The media frenzy culminated with Rolling Stone declaring Lamar the winner of this lyrical showdown, further boosting his standing in hip-hop just as his Super Bowl headliner announcement was made on September 8.

Fans quickly took to social media to share their reactions, speculating whether Lamar might perform his famous Drake diss on the Super Bowl stage. “They just gave bro the opportunity to diss tf outta Drake on the Super Bowl,” one fan commented on Instagram, capturing the anticipation surrounding Lamar’s halftime show. Some fans are even suggesting that the establishment might have had a hand in choosing Lamar as the headliner, given the buzz surrounding his recent feud.

However, the announcement wasn’t met with universal praise. Many fans expressed disappointment that New Orleans native Lil Wayne wasn’t chosen to headline, especially given his deep roots in the city and his influence on modern rap. “How do you have a Super Bowl in New Orleans and not have Lil Wayne headlining?” one fan asked on X, a sentiment echoed by many others.

Despite the mixed reactions, Lamar’s impact on music and culture remains undeniable. His return to the Super Bowl stage is set to be a major cultural moment, known for crafting performances with layered meanings and powerful messages. Fans are eager to hear him perform “Not Like Us” live, especially on such a huge platform, and many are thrilled that he’s headlining. While there might not be any surprise guest appearances, all eyes will be on Lamar to see how he uses this opportunity to make another bold statement in his career.

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Ikenna Churchill

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