Kaylah Walton
The Philadelphia Eagles triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs with a significant 40-22 win in Super Bowl LIX. Among the major talking points of the evening, notably for its lack of excitement, was the halftime show. Kendrick Lamar took the spotlight with a performance charged with political themes. While viewers at home found the show engaging, it lacked the spectacular visuals typical of previous performances. However, the performance was more than just a musical display; it delivered a powerful message, achieving over 18 million views on YouTube in under 20 hours.
The Intensifying Feud Between Kendrick Lamar and Drake
Kendrick Lamar leveraged his Super Bowl performance to deliver a victory lap in his ongoing rivalry with Drake. Following his five Grammy wins for the diss track “Not Like Us,” Lamar made a strong statement on such a prominent platform. His set, introduced by Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam, showcased new tracks from his latest work, GNX, and popular hits. Yet, the highlight that ignited social media was when he began playing “Not Like Us” but paused to assert, “They love to sue.” This was a clear jab at Drake’s recent lawsuit against Universal Music Group.
The feud between these two artists has been developing for years and escalated in 2024 with several diss tracks. Drake initiated the conflict with Family Matters, suggesting Lamar was covering up a personal issue. Lamar retaliated with Not Like Us, calling out Drake’s behavior. During his Super Bowl appearance, Lamar deliberately censored the provocative lyric “certified pedophile“, yet he still emphasized the line, “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young,” directly to the camera, making a bold statement.
Lamar’s choice to perform “Not Like Us” amidst an ongoing lawsuit has ignited considerable debate. While many fans cheered for him, the reaction from the wider Super Bowl audience was mixed. His selection as halftime performer may have been influenced by the buzz around his feud with Drake, which primarily resonates with a younger demographic. In contrast, the millions of other Super Bowl viewers likely weren’t tuning in to witness a rap confrontation. In the grand narrative of music and sports, this rivalry may seem trivial. Personally, I appreciate Kendrick’s artistry, but the response appears to show more criticism than acclaim.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA Expand Their Tour
Amidst all the drama, Lamar’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. Following the Super Bowl performance, he and SZA have announced plans for an extended European tour. The Grand National Tour is set to start in Minneapolis on April 19, concluding the North American leg in June before traveling to Europe. Confirmed stops include London, Paris, Rome, and Barcelona, with the finale scheduled in Stockholm on August 9. Moreover, Kendrick’s music is experiencing a substantial surge—his Spotify streams rose by 175% shortly after the halftime show, with “Not Like Us” soaring by 430%. Additional tracks from his performance also saw significant growth, including Humble (300%) and All the Stars (290%). SZA, who joined him during “Luther” and “All the Stars,” saw an 80% increase in her streaming numbers. Whether people love or dislike him, Kendrick Lamar knows how to seize the moment.
