Kendrick Lamar’s halftime efficiency had a number of hype to dwell as much as, thanks in no small half to his many latest Grammy wins and feud with fellow rap famous person Drake. It has been a wild yr for Ok-Dot, and that each one appeared evident in his spirited efficiency that featured SZA and extra, which can little doubt be the most-watched occasion on the 2025 TV schedule.
With artists like Lil Wayne miffed they have been ignored for the possibility to play in New Orleans, Kendrick Lamar stored his head up and centered on delivering the perfect present doable. I believe he did that for probably the most half, although I am going to say there’s one component I felt fell brief.
I Cherished Samuel L. Jackson Bringing The Proper Power As “Uncle Sam”
The primary (and albeit solely) shock of the 2025 Apple Music Halftime Present was that Kendrick Lamar enlisted actor Samuel L. Jackson as “Uncle Sam” to assist narrate the efficiency and help the transition between songs. I cherished the patriotic costume, which matched up effectively with the interpretive dance quantity, and I assumed it added some creative aptitude to a stage efficiency that was extra toned down aesthetically than in previous years.
Kendrick Could not Rap All Of “Not Like Us” Himself, However The Crowd Helped Him Out
Whereas I am undecided if it was tied to Drake’s newest authorized motion or not, Kendrick Lamar balked at calling his rap rival a “licensed pedophile” on dwell tv. Luckily, the group did not have the identical hesitation, as they recited the tune of final summer season loud sufficient to be heard on broadcast, particularly when it got here to the “A Minor” lyric.
Whereas we aren’t certain if the Licensed Lover Boy was watching or not, little doubt his authorized staff was taking notes and we’ll see if any additional motion is taken following the efficiency.
Ending On “TV Off” Was Simply As Hype As I Hoped
Whereas “Not Like Us” is the Grammy-winning golden baby in popular culture, I believe it is apparent his newest hit “TV Off” was the hype anthem to finish on. I had hopes it might be the ultimate tune, however given the recognition of the Drake diss, I feared that it would not hit with the identical power as a follow-up. I used to be pleased to be flawed and glad it made for the right finale to a strong efficiency.
My One Gripe: I Suppose Kendrick May’ve Featured Extra Artists And Traditional Hits
I can perceive that Kendrick Lamar desires to advertise as many songs as doable off his newest album, GNX, however I felt the efficiency was uneven in comparison with a few of the songs he is been identified for through the years. Positive, we had the radio-friendly previous hits off DNA and the Black Panther soundtrack, however as a fan, I used to be upset we did not get a efficiency of older hits like “A.D.H.D,” “Collard Greens,” or “Backseat Freestyle.”
And whereas I really like SZA, I used to be actually hoping to see him collaborate with previous rappers like ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Future, The Weeknd. Do not get me flawed, I used to be effectively conscious that Taylor Swift wasn’t taking the stage to carry out “Unhealthy Blood,” but it surely was disappointing to see the options on this efficiency largely empty, contemplating how previous artists have leaned on stunning cameos.
Even so, I’d rank Kendrick Lamar’s halftime efficiency amongst among the best I’ve seen, however I am biased as a longtime fan. Even so, Usher set a excessive bar within the earlier yr, and I believe Kendrick raised it, however I’d like to know what readers need to say.