Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Brings Out Serena Williams to Troll Drake — Fans React (VIDEO)

Kelli Boyle
6 Comments
Kendrick Lamar performs onstage during Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Gregory Shamus / Getty Images

Kendrick Lamar lit up the stadium in a charged Super Bowl Halftime Show that recruited Samuel L. Jackson as an Uncle Sam-like figure, the previously announced SZA, surprise guest Serena Williams, and more.

Williams, who is rumored to have dated Drake off-and-on from 2011-2015 and is reportedly not on good terms with the “Too Good” rapper, was brought out during “Not Like Us,” Lamar’s now five-time Grammy-winning Drake diss track. The giant tic-tac-toe board pieces signified it was “game over” in their rivalry with his Grammys success followed by this Super Bowl performance exactly one week later. Lamar also wore an “a” chain that fans think is a reference to the infamous “a minor” line in the song.

Drake wasn’t the only main event of his halftime show. It opened with Jackson dressed as Uncle Sam, who was basically telling Lamar that he better behave and give American audiences what they wanted, the implication being no political statements. But Lamar has never been one to ignore reality. And with President Donald Trump in the Super Bowl crowd — marking the first time a sitting American president has ever attended the Super Bowl — Lamar’s political commentary throughout his show was noteworthy.

Lamar and his backup dancers were dressed in red, white, and blue as they emerged on the field after Jackson’s introduction. “This is the great American game,” Jackson said. Lamar took a swipe at Trump not long after, “The revolution is about to be televised, but you picked the wrong guy.” They formed an American flag formation at one point. Jackson reappeared throughout the show to give satirical commentary.

Lamar kept the focus on music from his recent GNX album, but also performed older songs. “DNA,” “Peekaboo,” “Squabble Up,” and “Humble” were all crowd-pleasers. He teased “Not Like Us” at first to begin the Drake trolling.

“I want to perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue,” he said before the song’s instantly recognizable hook played. He coyly smiled at the camera after he made fun of Drake’s “Not Like Us” lawsuit. (Drake has sued Universal Music Group for its release and promotion of the Lamar single.)

SZA made her expected appearance between the “Not Like Us” nods. They performed their new song “Luther” before going into their hit “All the Stars” from the Black Panther soundtrack.

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When “Not Like Us” came back in full, that’s when Williams appeared. Born and raised in Compton, California like Lamar, Williams danced to the diss track in a moment that’s sure to rile up Drake again.

Lamar’s Grammy-winning producer of the track, Mustard, came out and danced at the end as well. And just like at last week’s Grammys, the entire crowd sang loudly to “tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A-minor.”

See reactions to the Lamar Halftime Show below. And someone check on Drake.

Super BowlDrakeKendrick LamarSamuel L. JacksonSerena WilliamsSZA



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  1. O

    OrangePopcorn

    Couldn't understand a word that was said (sung?). A waste of time and effort.

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  2. P

    PurpleButterfly

    With today’s technology they should be able to offer us viewers a Choice of Super Bowl halftime concerts. We could pick a music style we enjoy and they could beam us a concert from somewhere else. Only the people at the game (and hip hop fans) would be stuck with the hip hop.

    Hip hop and rap might be fun for some to blast in cars but it’s boring as hell to watch and listen to in a concert format. No melody to latch on to, a zillion words you can’t make out unless you’re a fan and the same tired stage moves rappers have been doing for 50 years

    2 1

  3. B

    BlueUmbrella

    WORST Halftime EVER

    1

    1. G

      GreenLobster

      QQ

  4. P

    PurplePopsicle

    Terrible halftime show what an utter bunch of rap crap I would rather watch grass grow.

  5. B

    BlueDice

    I thought it was awful. I couldnt understand one thing he was saying. Prince had the best halftime performance I've ever seen. This was crap.

    1 1