By Katina Handrinos, Banner Staff

On Sunday, February 9, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles faced off in Super Bowl LIX, with the Eagles securing a decisive victory, 40-22. However, for some who may be disillusioned with football, the more notable event of that day was the Super Bowl’s Halftime Show, headlined by rapper Kendrick Lamar. 

Born and raised in Compton, California, Kendrick Lamar is one of the most influential hip-hop artists of the 21st century, having received the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, 22 GRAMMY Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. Outside of critical acclaim, Lamar has maintained a huge presence in the cultural zeitgeist, especially in 2024, as he dropped biting track after track targeting singer Drake during their ongoing feud. Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” the seminal track of the Beef, has reached more than one billion streams and took home five awards during the 2025 GRAMMYs, including Song and Record of the Year. Yemisi Adetowubo ’26 noted, “Kendrick Lamar is a special artist to me because his music is not only catchy and lyrically sound, but he also conveys important messages in his music that can help alter the way we view music and its impact on the world.”

At his halftime performance, Lamar opened with an unreleased song. The next track was “squabble up,” off of his latest album, GNX, followed by “HUMBLE.” and “DNA.” Lamar then performed “man in the garden” and “peekaboo” until guest singer SZA appeared. The two performed “luther” and “All the Stars.” “Not Like Us” was maybe the most anticipated song of the night; circles of backup dancers surrounded the rapper as he metaphorically and literally danced on Drake’s grave. Finally, Lamar closed out his performance with “tv off.” 

English Teacher Ms. Simpson remarked, “I love how protective of his Blackness he is. When I’m listening to him, it feels so personal. It feels like a community building exercise to listen to Kendrick Lamar.” Lamar’s identity as a Black man and artist is unquestionably central to all he creates, especially in this national arena; actor Samuel L. Jackson appeared during the performance as Uncle Sam and called out, “This is the great American game!” Though the United States may try to keep people of color out of that “game,” Lamar persists triumphantly, both by commanding the national stage of the Super Bowl and by garnering global success.

Kendal Pauyo ’26  commented, “I feel like rappers are very underrated in halftime performances. Rap has such a big influence on all types of people, so having a rapper have his own halftime show is… big.” There’s no doubt that this halftime performance was monumental, just like Kendrick Lamar’s legacy. ☐