Kendrick Lamar, a prominent figure in contemporary rap, is set to command the stage at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in New Orleans on February 9th. This performance comes on the heels of a year marked by both commercial success and a highly publicized feud with fellow rapper Drake. Lamar’s selection underscores the enduring impact of rap music on the cultural landscape, a point he emphasized upon the announcement of his performance last September. He proclaimed that rap remains the most impactful genre and expressed his intention to remind the world of its enduring power. The upcoming halftime show promises to be a significant moment in Lamar’s career and a testament to the cultural relevance of hip-hop.
The past year has been a whirlwind for Lamar, dominated by a back-and-forth with Drake that began in March and continues to unfold. The feud reached a new level of intensity just recently when Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, the label representing both artists. The lawsuit alleges that Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” perpetuates a false and malicious narrative, accusing Drake of pedophilia. This legal action adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious relationship, fueling speculation and anticipation surrounding Lamar’s Super Bowl performance. The ongoing feud serves as a backdrop to Lamar’s selection, adding an element of intrigue to his upcoming performance.
Adding to the excitement, Apple Music confirmed the participation of R&B singer SZA as a guest performer during Lamar’s halftime set. This collaboration isn’t surprising, given their existing musical partnership. SZA appears on two tracks from Lamar’s latest album, “GNX,” released in November, and the two artists are slated to co-headline the “Grand National Tour” later this year. Their combined presence promises to elevate the halftime show to a dynamic and unforgettable musical experience, showcasing the talents of two of the most influential artists in contemporary music. The pairing of Lamar and SZA suggests a powerful and harmonious performance that is likely to resonate with a broad audience.
Scheduled to take place at the Caesars Superdome, Super Bowl LIX will be broadcast on Fox at 6:30 p.m. EST. The halftime show, anticipated to occur between 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. EST, is subject to the flow of the game itself. While the exact contenders are yet to be determined, the AFC and NFC Championship games will finalize the matchup. This year’s Super Bowl marks the sixth year of collaboration between the NFL and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, and the third year of partnership with Apple Music for the halftime show production. This continued collaboration underscores the NFL’s commitment to delivering a high-quality entertainment experience that transcends the game itself.
Interestingly, artists performing at the Super Bowl halftime show typically do not receive a performance fee. The NFL covers expenses and production costs, but the artists themselves often contribute significant personal funds to enhance their performances. Despite the lack of direct payment, the exposure and subsequent surge in streaming and sales offer substantial benefits. Last year’s headliner, Usher, experienced a 550% increase in Spotify streams following his performance. This year’s Super Bowl holds the potential to further solidify Lamar’s position as a leading force in music and pop culture.
This isn’t Lamar’s first Super Bowl halftime experience. He made a guest appearance during the 2022 show headlined by Dr. Dre, which also featured Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent. Last year’s halftime performance, featuring Usher, drew a record-breaking 129.3 million viewers, highlighting the immense global reach of the Super Bowl. With a prolific career spanning six studio albums, numerous mixtapes, and EPs, including his latest surprise release “GNX,” Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX performance promises to be a captivating spectacle. His ongoing feud with Drake, coupled with his undeniable musical talent and the addition of SZA, sets the stage for a memorable and potentially controversial halftime show that will undoubtedly be a talking point for weeks to come.
