Kendrick Lamar, known for his captivating performances and powerful lyrics, took the stage at the 2025 Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show, delivering a spectacle that blended artistry with meaning. Accompanied with dancers dressed in red, white, and blue, Kendrick crafted a performance that was more than just entertainment–it was a statement on the contradictions of Black success in America. With his distinctive energy and powerful imagery, Kendrick once again proved why he is one of the most influential voices in music today.

The show began with a sweeping view of the stadium, where the audience’s lights illuminated the arena in a vibrant display, forming the iconic shapes of a PlayStation controller—squares, triangles, Xs, and circles—across the field, immediately setting the stage for the “great American game” theme. Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as Uncle Sam, emceed the show, playfully taunting Lamar for being “too loud, too reckless, too ghetto” throughout the set. As the performance unfolded, Kendrick wrestled with his role as both an artist and a leader, weaving together video game and football imagery to highlight the exploitation of Black labor through sports and entertainment. The set transitioned from an NFL field to a prison yard, reinforcing the weight of his message before ending in a fiery performance of “Not Like Us,” leaving the audience to question whether real revolution can exist on such a massive corporate stage.

While he aimed to raise awareness, Kendrick ensured the crowd was thoroughly entertained by delivering a set list packed with his most popular and impactful, award-winning songs. The lineup, in the order in which the songs were performed, included:

• “Squabble Up”
• “Humble”
• “DNA”
• “Euphoria”
• “Man at the Garden”
• “Peekaboo”
• “Luther” (featuring SZA)
• “All the Stars” (featuring SZA)
• “Not Like Us”
• “TV Off”

Throughout the show, special appearances made the performance even more memorable. Midway through, SZA joined Kendrick on stage for a rendition of their latest release, “Luther,” followed by the crowd favorite “All the Stars.” Later, during “Not Like Us,” retired tennis star Serena Williams was seen dancing along the sidelines. The performance ended with a surprise appearance by producer DJ Mustard during the final track, “TV Off.” 

This show seamlessly intertwined social commentary with entertainment, engaging millions while delivering a meaningful message. It served as a powerful preview of what is to come not only for Kendrick but society as a whole. As he continues to redefine what it means to be a cultural force, we can expect even more revolutionary work from him. 

After all, as he said himself, “This is bigger than the music.”