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Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show: A Performance Filled with Symbolism and a Nod to His Feud with Drake
Feb
Super Bowl halftime shows are known for their spectacle, surprises, and cultural impact. But Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 halftime show went beyond just entertainment—it became a moment of artistic expression and lyrical precision, complete with a subtle yet pointed reference to his long-standing feud with Drake.
Hip-hop fans have long followed the tensions between Lamar and Drake, two of the biggest rappers of their generation. While both have taken indirect and direct shots at each other over the years, many were shocked to see Lamar acknowledge the rivalry on one of the biggest stages in the world.
What exactly did Lamar say? How did he incorporate this reference into his performance? And what does it mean for the ongoing tension between these two rap titans? Let’s break down Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 halftime show, the Drake reference, and the larger impact on hip-hop culture.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 Performance: A Masterclass in Storytelling
Kendrick Lamar is no stranger to thought-provoking, visually stunning performances, and his Super Bowl 2025 halftime show was no exception. From the moment he stepped onto the stage, it was clear that this was more than just a concert—it was a statement.
The stage design was cinematic, incorporating elements of his Compton roots, social justice themes, and hip-hop history. Lamar opened his set with “HUMBLE.”, immediately setting the tone with his signature blend of sharp lyricism and high-energy delivery. The performance was a mix of his biggest hits, including “DNA.”, “Alright”, and “King Kunta”, each song carefully chosen to fit within the larger narrative of resilience and cultural pride.
The transitions between songs felt like chapters in a story, each one building upon the other, leading to a climax that had everyone talking—his subtle yet undeniable reference to his feud with Drake.
The Drake Reference: A Subtle but Powerful Moment
In the middle of his performance, Lamar performed a remixed version of “ELEMENT.”, a song from his critically acclaimed album DAMN.. While the original lyrics already carried weight, Lamar changed a line that sent hip-hop fans into a frenzy:
“They say they made me, well tell ’em I built this house with my own hands.”
This was seen as a direct response to Drake’s past lyrics implying that Lamar benefited from industry co-signs early in his career. The moment was subtle, yet intentional, reinforcing Lamar’s reputation as an artist who lets his bars do the talking rather than engaging in social media feuds.
Another moment that fueled speculation came during a break in his performance, where he stood at center stage and simply smirked at the camera before diving into his next song. Fans immediately took to social media, speculating that this was a non-verbal jab at Drake, who is known for his more commercial approach to rap compared to Lamar’s lyrical depth and storytelling ability.
This wasn’t the first time Lamar had taken subliminal shots at Drake, but doing so on the Super Bowl stage—a platform with over 100 million viewers—took the rivalry to an entirely new level.
The History of the Kendrick Lamar and Drake Feud
The feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake is one of the most intriguing rivalries in modern hip-hop. Unlike some beefs that start and escalate quickly, this one has simmered for over a decade, with both artists taking occasional shots at each other through their music.
The tension dates back to 2013, when Lamar delivered his now-iconic verse on Big Sean’s song “Control”, where he called out Drake (along with several other rappers), declaring himself the best in the game. While Drake initially brushed it off, he later responded in interviews, subtly dismissing Lamar’s claim to the throne.
Over the years, both artists have released songs with lyrics that seemed to be aimed at each other. Drake’s “The Language” and “4PM in Calabasas” contained veiled references to Lamar, while Kendrick fired back with lines in “The Heart Part IV” and “Family Ties” (with Baby Keem).
The rivalry has never reached the explosive diss track level seen in other hip-hop beefs, but the Super Bowl reference suggests that Lamar is still very aware of the competition and isn’t afraid to remind the world that he’s a dominant force in rap.
Fan Reactions: Social Media Explodes Over the Super Bowl Moment
As soon as Lamar made the reference to his feud with Drake, social media erupted with reactions. Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit were flooded with comments from hip-hop fans dissecting every lyric and facial expression Lamar made during his performance.
Some of the most viral tweets included:
- “Did Kendrick just diss Drake on the biggest stage in the world? This man plays chess, not checkers.”
- “Subtle but deadly. Kendrick doesn’t need IG rants—he just puts it in the music and lets it speak for itself.”
- “Drake gotta respond after this. No way he lets Kendrick take over the Super Bowl and talk his talk.”
The moment also led to discussions about who holds the crown in hip-hop right now. While Drake has consistently dominated the charts with commercial success, Lamar’s artistic depth and critical acclaim have made him a respected figure among rap purists.
Even celebrities chimed in on the moment. NBA star LeBron James, known for being a hip-hop fan, tweeted:
“Kendrick just dropped a bar that shook the whole game. My guy is different!”
It’s clear that Lamar’s reference wasn’t just a random lyric change—it was a calculated move that reignited the debate about who is truly the best rapper of this generation.
What This Means for Hip-Hop: Will Drake Respond?
Now that Kendrick Lamar has made his stance clear on one of the biggest platforms in the world, the question remains: Will Drake respond?
Historically, Drake has been strategic with his rap feuds. He’s known for his ability to craft commercially successful diss tracks, as seen in his battles with Meek Mill (Back to Back) and Pusha T (Duppy Freestyle). However, Lamar is a different kind of opponent—one whose artistry and lyrical precision make him one of the most formidable figures in hip-hop.
If Drake does decide to respond, it could take a few different forms:
- A direct diss track – This would be the most dramatic move, but it could reignite the feud in a major way.
- A subliminal response in his next album – Drake might take a more subtle approach, embedding his response in a future song.
- Silence – Given Lamar’s focus on art over drama, Drake might decide that a response isn’t necessary and continue focusing on his own music.
Regardless of what happens next, Lamar’s Super Bowl moment has already made history. He used one of the biggest stages in the world to not only deliver an incredible performance but also subtly remind his competition—and the industry—that he is still very much in the conversation as one of the greatest of all time.
Conclusion: A Super Bowl Performance for the Ages
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 halftime show was more than just an entertaining performance—it was a cultural moment. With his sharp lyricism, powerful stage presence, and a subtle nod to his rivalry with Drake, he turned the event into a statement about artistry, dominance, and legacy.
The hip-hop world is now watching to see if Drake will respond, but one thing is certain: Kendrick Lamar just made history, and his Super Bowl performance will be talked about for years to come.
Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard hip-hop enthusiast, this was one of those moments that reminded us why Lamar is considered one of the most important voices in music today.
From dragontrendtees