Kendrick Lamar Criticized for “Worst Super Bowl Halftime Performance Ever” Before Diss Track Feud with Drake

Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show at the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans received harsh criticism from fans who labeled it as the “worst halftime performance ever.” The 37-year-old rapper, fresh off his Grammy win, appeared to underperform during his set at the Caesars Superdome, just before the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs.

Despite winning a Pulitzer Prize, Lamar’s performance didn’t quite live up to the hype, with some fans pointing out that he seemed to lack the same energy that made him a Grammy sensation just days earlier. The performance started with Lamar standing on top of a car before launching into a diss track aimed at his long-time hip-hop rival, Drake, 38.

Feud Continues on Stage

Kendrick’s choice to perform “Not Like Us,” the song that got him into legal hot water with Drake, raised eyebrows. The song had stirred controversy with its accusations of Drake being a “certified pedophile,” a claim that Drake has vehemently denied. While Lamar altered the lyrics slightly, removing the controversial line, his added lines still left fans in shock. “Tell Drake, I heard he liked ’em young” and “trying to hit the right note, maybe that’s a second-rate hook,” were some of the remarks that had fans in the stadium singing along to, but questioning the tone of the performance.

In a surprising twist, actor Samuel L. Jackson, 76, made an unexpected appearance dressed as “Uncle Sam” and performed a medley of his greatest hits before R&B singer SZA, 35, joined Kendrick on stage. Lamar also wore a large silver pendant with the letter “a,” which was thought to be a reference to his song’s controversial lyrics.

The diss track “Not Like Us,” released in May of the previous year, went viral and played a major role in Lamar’s Grammy wins the week before. Winning awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video, Kendrick cemented his place as the dominant artist in the ongoing feud with Drake, which has now spanned over a decade.

The Grammy-winning track, which Drake claims contains defamatory statements, led to a federal lawsuit from the Canadian rapper. Drake’s legal team argued that Universal Music Group, the label they both share, knowingly allowed the release of “Not Like Us,” despite its explicit accusations. In court documents, Drake claimed the song’s lyrics “contain false and malicious narratives” and accused him of being involved in pedophilia.

Tensions Between the Rivals

The rap war between Kendrick and Drake has been escalating since 2013, and the Super Bowl performance reignited the flames. While the two have exchanged diss tracks over the years, it wasn’t until Kendrick’s Grammy-winning song that things reached a boiling point. The ongoing battle has even resulted in several high-profile legal battles, including accusations of defamation, as seen with Drake’s lawsuit.

Despite the drama, Kendrick emerged victorious with “Not Like Us,” marking a significant milestone in the feud. After Lamar’s triumphant night at the Grammys, where he took home numerous awards, fans on social media hailed him as the clear winner in the rap rivalry. The song has racked up over 194 million views on YouTube since its release eight months ago, reaching number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, making it Lamar’s first solo number one since 2017’s “Humble.”

Halftime Performance: A Missed Opportunity?

Kendrick’s Super Bowl halftime performance also featured a controversial incident when a man holding a Palestinian flag attempted to interrupt the show but was quickly stopped by security. Though the crowd saw the disruption, television cameras did not broadcast it to the millions of viewers. The halftime show ended with Kendrick and SZA performing their hit “All the Stars,” with SZA notably dressed in all red, leaving many wondering if the performance lived up to the monumental occasion.

As the Super Bowl concluded with a 40-22 victory for the Philadelphia Eagles, social media erupted with criticism, with many fans deeming the halftime show a “missed opportunity.” “Worst halftime show ever,” one user wrote. Another said, “I didn’t know if I was being biased, but I think this was the worst halftime performance I’ve seen.”

Despite the backlash, Lamar continues to enjoy massive success, with his latest album “GNX” receiving critical acclaim and an upcoming tour with SZA set to kick off on April 19 in Minneapolis. Kendrick spoke at an Apple Music press conference about his desire to bring the flavor of LA hip-hop to New Orleans while staying true to his storytelling roots.

Reflecting on the Grammy win and his Super Bowl performance, Kendrick said, “This is me. This is Kendrick Lamar, 37 years old, and I still feel like I’m on the rise.” The rap legend will continue to build on his success, with fans eagerly anticipating what comes next in his ongoing feud with Drake and his future musical endeavors.

Despite the polarizing halftime show, Kendrick’s influence on hip-hop remains undeniable, proving that even in moments of controversy, he is an artist who knows how to command attention