Photo courtesy: Hindustan Times
As the 2025 Super Bowl approaches, Kendrick Lamar—an intricately skilled lyricist with a rare blend of poetic insight and incisive social commentary, known for his elaborate storytelling—has been chosen to headline the halftime show. While few dispute Lamar’s immense talent and rightful place in the spotlight, the decision has sparked controversy, particularly given that Lil Wayne, a native of New Orleans, was passed over for the role.
While Lamar is signed to TDE, he has worked with Roc Nation in other capacities. Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s entertainment company, has provided management services for Kendrick Lamar. Despite his professional ties with Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar has remained highly relevant in 2024, particularly amidst the ongoing feud with Drake.
“He’s performing because of the Drake beef. You can hear ‘Not Like Us’ everywhere. It was on top for the whole summer. I bet it’s the first song they play,” Nykerica Thrower, a fourth year public relations student, commented.
Lamar and Drake’s summer feud rocked the hip-hop world to its core. In no time, the Drake diss track ‘Not Like Us’ dominated the airwaves and set social media ablaze. Some even argue that ‘Not Like Us’ could become one of the greatest diss tracks of all time.
Adding fuel to the fire is Jay-Z’s involvement as co-producer of the halftime show, a role he has held since Roc Nation’s partnership with the NFL in 2019. Many are questioning whether this connection reveals a deeper agenda, especially considering Jay-Z’s ongoing conflicts with the virtuoso of lyrical prowess Nicki Minaj and other artists. One pressing question remains, does the controversy surrounding Lamar’s appearance overshadow its significance?
“To be honest, it’s good that Kendrick is doing the Super Bowl. I don’t understand why everybody is mad because the performer isn’t from NOLA,” Dequaveon Fuller, a third-year psychology scholar stated.
While there’s widespread agreement that Kendrick Lamar deserves his recognition, we must also revisit and highlight the underlying agendas in the music industry that may hinder opportunities for other deserving artists due to greed and self-interest at another time.
Despite the controversy, students are eagerly anticipating the show, looking forward to the performance and theatrics, and wondering if Kendrick Lamar will bring out Lil Wayne as a surprise guest.
Kevon Smith, a senior broadcast journalism major, says “I feel like it is going to be an exciting and intense show. I say you never know, Kendrick just might bring Wayne out during the show, we never know with the halftime show.”
We asked students what they hope to see Kendrick Lamar perform. Tatiyanna Antoine, a junior public relations scholar, chimed in, “’Not Like Us’ is the obvious choice but I would love if he performed ‘Money Trees,’ literally anything from Mr. Morale, and ‘B**** Don’t Kill My Vibe.”
“He has to perform older songs like ‘Money Trees’, ‘All The Stars’, ‘Don’t Kill My Vibe,’ and obviously ‘Not Like Us.’” Fuller added.
K.Dot has demonstrated that he is far from predictable. His unorthodox approach to art, coupled with his unique subject matter, profound depth, and raw honesty, distinctly sets him apart as an artist. This is the kind of innovative representation and fresh perspective that events like the Super Bowl truly need. As the anticipation for the Super Bowl intensifies, we look forward not only to the game but also to the groundbreaking performance Kendrick Lamar is sure to deliver.