History, Hip-Hop, and a Feud Played Out on the Biggest Stage
Super Bowl LIX wasn’t just a night for football—it was a cultural moment. For the first time ever, a solo rapper took center stage at the Super Bowl halftime show, and Kendrick Lamar didn’t just perform—he made a statement.
With Samuel L. Jackson kicking things off in an Uncle Sam-inspired outfit, Lamar took the stage in front of a Buick GNX—a nod to his latest album. But while the setlist showcased his lyrical mastery and stage presence, one moment dominated the conversation: his performance of “Not Like Us,” the now-infamous diss track aimed at Drake.
The Drake vs. Kendrick Feud Goes Primetime
For weeks, the biggest question surrounding Lamar’s performance wasn’t about production or set design—it was whether he’d perform “Not Like Us”, his Grammy-winning diss track targeting Drake. The track accuses Drake of serious allegations, which led to an 81-page lawsuit from Drake against Kendrick’s label, Universal Music Group (UMG), for defamation and harassment.
During the performance, Lamar seemed to tease the controversy, at first suggesting he wouldn’t perform the track by saying:
“I’d love to perform this famous song, but you know they like to sue.”
But then—he did.
Although Lamar omitted a key word from the most inflammatory line, he still looked directly into the camera while rapping the lyric about Drake “liking them young.” The crowd erupted, social media exploded, and just like that, the feud was cemented in Super Bowl history.
NFL & Fox’s Risky Move—Will It Cost Them?
The decision to allow Lamar to perform “Not Like Us” came with serious risks. Legal experts have warned that the NFL and Fox could now face a defamation lawsuit from Drake, even if they censored parts of the song.
🚨 Key Questions:
- Did Fox and the NFL approve the song in advance?
- Could Drake’s lawsuit now extend to the network and league?
- Was this a calculated risk to boost ratings?
If the NFL and Fox thought they were just getting a halftime show, they got a hip-hop history lesson instead.
Kendrick’s Performance: A Moment Bigger Than the Feud
Beyond the controversy, Lamar’s set was a celebration of hip-hop’s evolution—a defining moment in Super Bowl history.
🔥 Setlist Highlights:
- “Squabble Up” – Opened with marching formations, symbolizing power & unity.
- “Humble” – A bold statement about his status in the rap game.
- “Peekaboo” & “Luther” ft. SZA – A mesmerizing ballad moment.
- “All the Stars” – A nod to competition and the biggest stage in sports.
- “Not Like Us” – The moment that stole the show.
- “TV Off” – A playful sign-off referencing New Orleans and football culture.
With Samuel L. Jackson narrating, Lamar crafted a show that was as much about artistic expression as it was about making people think.
The Fallout—What’s Next?
💭 For Kendrick: His boldest move yet could define his legacy.
💭 For Drake: The lawsuit just gained prime-time fuel.
💭 For the NFL & Fox: The league may face legal repercussions, but the ratings win might make it worth it.
Regardless of the outcome, Super Bowl LIX’s halftime show is now one of the most talked-about performances in history.
🚨 What do you think, Black Cosmopolitans? Did Kendrick take it too far, or was this the hip-hop moment we needed? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇🏾
