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Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show: A Setlist for the Ages
Feb
The Super Bowl halftime show has always been a spectacle, drawing millions of viewers worldwide with performances from some of the biggest artists in music history. Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated Super Bowl 2025 halftime show was no different. With a setlist packed with hits, a stunning stage production, and electrifying energy, Lamar once again proved why he is one of the most important and influential artists of his generation.
From his early classics to his most powerful anthems, Lamar’s halftime show was carefully curated to deliver both a nostalgic and forward-thinking performance. In this article, we break down every song Kendrick Lamar performed, the significance of each track, and how this setlist helped create one of the most unforgettable Super Bowl halftime shows of all time.
Opening with a Bang: “HUMBLE.” Sets the Tone
Kendrick Lamar kicked off his halftime show with “HUMBLE.”, one of his biggest hits from his 2017 album DAMN.. As the opening beat dropped, the stadium exploded with energy, and fans knew they were in for a high-intensity performance.
“HUMBLE.” was the perfect choice to start the show. The song’s hard-hitting bass, confident lyrics, and infectious hook immediately grabbed the audience’s attention. Lamar’s stage presence was commanding as he delivered lines like:
“Sit down, be humble.”
The visual effects complemented the song’s theme, featuring dramatic lighting and rapid-cut camera angles that added to the intensity. The choice of “HUMBLE.” as the opener wasn’t just about its popularity—it was a statement. Lamar was here to dominate the stage, and he wasn’t holding back.
A Message of Power: “DNA.” Brings the Energy
Following the explosive opener, Lamar transitioned seamlessly into “DNA.”, a track that is widely regarded as one of his most powerful and aggressive songs.
From the DAMN. album, “DNA.” is a track that showcases Lamar’s intricate flow, rapid-fire delivery, and ability to mix personal storytelling with broader cultural commentary. The song’s themes of identity, resilience, and heritage made it a perfect fit for the Super Bowl stage, where millions of people from diverse backgrounds were watching.
The performance featured stunning visuals, with the stadium lights flickering in sync with the song’s beat, creating an electrifying effect. The intensity of Lamar’s delivery, combined with the deep bass and rapid rhythm, made this one of the most energetic moments of the show.
As the song neared its climax, Lamar stood in the center of the stage, bathed in a spotlight, emphasizing the line:
“I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA.”
The moment felt like an anthem for self-empowerment, connecting deeply with the audience and reinforcing Lamar’s ability to turn a stadium performance into a personal and political statement.
A Cultural Anthem: “Alright” Sparks Stadium Unity
Next, Lamar performed “Alright”, one of his most important and politically charged songs. Released on his 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly, “Alright” became an anthem for social justice movements and a symbol of hope for many.
The decision to include “Alright” in the Super Bowl setlist was significant. The song’s message of resilience, optimism, and unity made it one of the most impactful moments of the show. As Lamar rapped the chorus:
“We gon’ be alright.”
The crowd joined in, creating a powerful moment of solidarity across the stadium. The production team leaned into the song’s uplifting message, with bright lights illuminating the audience, symbolizing a sense of togetherness.
This performance proved that Lamar’s music isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about inspiring people, challenging norms, and creating dialogue. It was a reminder that music has the power to unite, even in a setting as grand as the Super Bowl.
A Tribute to His Roots: “King Kunta” Brings the Funk
Lamar then switched things up with “King Kunta”, a song that blends old-school funk with modern hip-hop. The track, from To Pimp a Butterfly, celebrates Black culture, self-confidence, and Lamar’s rise from humble beginnings to worldwide fame.
The performance of “King Kunta” had a completely different feel from the previous songs—it was fun, funky, and full of swagger. The live band added a groovy vibe, and Lamar’s smooth flow made the entire stadium move.
This song choice was significant because it honored hip-hop’s deep roots in Black music history, drawing connections between past and present musical influences. It reminded the audience that Lamar is not just a rapper—he is a storyteller, historian, and cultural icon.
The crowd engagement during “King Kunta” was one of the best moments of the night, proving that Lamar’s music appeals to both hardcore rap fans and casual listeners.
Closing the Show with Power: “The Heart Part 5”
For the final song of his set, Lamar chose “The Heart Part 5”, a track that captured the depth, introspection, and artistic brilliance that define his career. The song, released as part of his Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers era, features deeply personal lyrics that reflect on his journey, struggles, and the state of the world.
The performance of “The Heart Part 5” was stripped down and emotional. The stage darkened, and a single spotlight shone on Lamar as he rapped with raw intensity. The crowd went silent, fully immersed in the storytelling.
As he delivered lines like:
“I come from a generation of pain, where murder is minor.”
It was clear that Lamar wasn’t just performing—he was making a statement about society, legacy, and the responsibility that comes with success.
Ending the show with this song was a bold choice. While many halftime performers close with an energetic party anthem, Lamar chose to leave the audience with something to think about. It was a reminder that hip-hop is more than just music—it’s a powerful tool for reflection and change.
Conclusion: A Halftime Show for the History Books
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 halftime show was not just a performance—it was a cultural moment. With a setlist that included some of his most powerful, socially conscious, and energetic songs, he delivered a halftime show that was both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Each song served a purpose:
- “HUMBLE.” – A bold and confident opener.
- “DNA.” – A high-energy anthem of self-identity.
- “Alright” – A cultural rallying cry for hope and unity.
- “King Kunta” – A tribute to hip-hop’s roots and Lamar’s personal journey.
- “The Heart Part 5” – A reflective, emotional closing statement.
This performance solidified Lamar’s place as one of the greatest artists of his generation. He didn’t just put on a show—he delivered a message, honored his influences, and engaged millions of viewers on a deeper level.
As the final note played and the stadium erupted in applause, one thing was clear: Kendrick Lamar had just delivered one of the most unforgettable halftime shows in Super Bowl history.
From dragontrendtees