Kendrick Lamar performed a censored version of his Drake diss track during the Super Bowl half-time show on Sunday (09.02.25).
The 37-year-old rap star teased the controversial song, ‘Not Like Us’, throughout his 13-minute set in New Orleans, before finally giving the sold-out crowd at the Caesars Superdome what they wanted.
Prior to the game, fans wondered whether Kendrick would perform the record, after Drake previously filed a defamation lawsuit against his rap rival for lyrics that accuse him of being a sexual predator, which he denies.
A couple of minutes into his performance, Kendrick said: “I want to play their favourite song … but you know they love to sue.”
The Grammy-winning star performed ‘Not Like Us’ at the end of his set, but he opted to censor the most controversial lyrics amid the ongoing legal battle.
Drake’s lawyers are currently suing Universal Music Group, Kendrick’s record label, over the track, observing that the song includes “false factual allegations” about the rapper.
Meanwhile, Kendrick’s show also included performances of ‘Humble’, ‘DNA’, ‘Squabble Up’, ‘Man At The Garden’ and ‘Euphoria’, another Drake diss track.
The rap star arrived on stage atop a black Buick GNX car, the same model his father drove home from hospital after Kendrick was born in June 1987.
Kendrick was later joined on stage by SZA as they performed their hits, ‘All the Stars’ and ‘Luther’, together, while Serena Williams – the Grand Slam-winning tennis legend – also made a surprise appearance as a dancer.
Elsewhere, Hollywood star Samuel L Jackson played host as Uncle Sam, praising Kendrick’s performance with SZA.
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At one point, the actor said: “That’s what I’m talking about. That’s what America wants, nice and calm.”
Kendrick’s performance marked the first time that a solo rapper had headlined the Super Bowl, and his efforts were watched by a host of big names from the world of entertainment, including Sir Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, Ice Spice, Paul Rudd, and Bradley Cooper.
The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22, thereby denying the Chiefs an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl.
