Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime performance at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans sparked intense debate, with some fans calling it the “worst halftime show ever” according to the Daily Mail US.
Fresh off his Grammy wins, the 37-year-old rapper took the stage on top of a car, delivering a medley of hits while incorporating sharp lyrical jabs at rival Drake. Lamar performed Not Like Us, the diss track that fueled their ongoing feud, though he altered some of its most controversial lyrics. However, he still referenced accusations against Drake, which are central to a defamation lawsuit the Canadian rapper filed against Universal Music Group.
Adding to the spectacle, legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson introduced Lamar in character as “Uncle Sam,” setting the stage for a politically charged performance. Lamar’s set featured intricate choreography, with backup dancers forming an American flag while dressed in red, white, and blue. According to media reports, he was later joined by R&B star SZA to perform their collaborations Luther and All the Stars.
Despite the high-energy production, audience reactions were mixed. Some viewers inside the stadium remained noticeably quiet, while social media buzzed with criticism. “That was the worst halftime show ever,” one user wrote, while another quipped, “Lamar told us to ‘turn this TV off’—he should’ve said that at the start.”
From what is understood, the performance comes as Lamar prepares for his Grand National Tour with SZA, set to begin in April. While his Super Bowl showcase has divided opinion, there’s no doubt that his artistic vision and fearless approach continue to shape the hip-hop landscape.
