Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show: A Historic Moment for Rap

The 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show was nothing short of groundbreaking, with Kendrick Lamar delivering what many are calling the first true rap performance on the NFL’s biggest stage. His set has sparked intense discussions, with many praising his decision to stay true to hip-hop rather than catering to mainstream expectations. This performance is now being analyzed across various platforms, including the latest episode of Billboard Unfiltered, which dives deep into Lamar’s impact and the controversy surrounding Ye (formerly Kanye West). Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Performance ‘Was a Real Rap Show’.

Kendrick Lamar Delivers an “Unfiltered” Rap Show

Over the years, rap has made its way onto the Super Bowl Halftime stage, but Lamar’s performance marked a significant shift. Unlike previous artists who infused pop elements into their sets, Lamar chose to showcase pure hip-hop, staying true to his signature sound and lyrical prowess.

Billboard’s Damien Scott was particularly vocal about how Lamar’s set was a defining moment for rap music:

“We’ve had rappers before, but we’ve never had a rapper headline. I’m glad it was Kendrick because what we got was a real rap show. He didn’t lean into his pop bag,” Scott said. “You know how hard it is to rap ‘DNA’? I can’t imagine doing that in a leather jacket.”

This performance emphasized Lamar’s lyrical dexterity and breath control, proving once again why he is one of the most respected MCs in the game.

Performing a New Album Instead of a Greatest Hits Medley

One of the most intriguing aspects of Lamar’s Super Bowl setlist was his decision to focus on newer material rather than performing a medley of past hits, as many previous performers have done. Billboard’s Kyle Denis highlighted Lamar’s bold choice:

“You’re at the top of your game right now. As much as I wanted to hear the old stuff, I really respect what he did up there.”

While some fans were expecting a mix of Lamar’s most iconic songs, his approach was a statement—this was not just about nostalgia; it was about the evolution of rap music on a global stage.

Mixed Reactions and Growing Appreciation

Not everyone was initially on board with Lamar’s performance. Angel Diaz, a hip-hop editor and new voice on Billboard Unfiltered, admitted to being underwhelmed at first. However, after revisiting the show in a different setting, his perspective changed:

“It was impressive. His wind, voice control—I kinda wanted some of the features to pop out like the mariachi singer, AzChike. When he announced SZA and people were trashing him, I thought she was gonna do more.”

Lamar’s stylistic choices and collaborations sparked conversations, with some fans wishing for more guest appearances. Despite these critiques, the general consensus remains that Lamar’s technical skill and artistic vision made for a memorable Super Bowl moment.

The Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake Feud: Is It Over?

One of the most talked-about rivalries in recent hip-hop history is the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake beef. With both artists at the peak of their careers, fans have been speculating whether Lamar’s Super Bowl performance served as the ultimate victory in their lyrical battle.

Damien Scott believes the matter is settled:

“Don’t ever mention his name again. Just leave this alone, it’s over, bro.”

With Lamar’s continued dominance and Drake’s recent silence on the matter, it appears that hip-hop fans are ready to move on from the feud—at least for now.

How Will This Translate to the Grand National Tour?

Another major question is how Lamar’s tightly crafted Super Bowl set will translate to his upcoming Grand National Tour. Damien Scott compared Lamar’s performance style to Swiss watches, emphasizing the precision and intricacy of his music.

With stadium tours demanding high-energy and audience engagement, fans are eager to see how Lamar will adjust his Super Bowl-caliber performance for a full-length concert experience.

The Ye Controversy: Where Does He Go From Here?

While Lamar was making headlines for his artistic brilliance, Ye (formerly Kanye West) was making waves for all the wrong reasons. Over the weekend, Ye went on a series of controversial rants, including antisemitic and homophobic remarks, which sparked widespread backlash.

Dana White, among many others, weighed in on Ye’s comments, with Billboard’s Kyle Denis questioning whether covering Ye at this point is even worthwhile:

“I don’t know how Ye gets back if you don’t have a built-in base to bolster you when you need it. Because we’re done. We should be the ones saying, ‘Get some help and we’re here for you.’ But now, we’re like, ‘It’s over, peace.’”

The industry’s response to Ye’s remarks has been swift, with many distancing themselves from him. The question remains—is there any road to redemption for Ye, or is his legacy permanently tainted?

What This Means for the Future of Hip-Hop at the Super Bowl

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance has set a new precedent for hip-hop at mainstream events. His decision to keep it real rather than compromise for commercial appeal has been widely celebrated. This performance has proven that rap can headline the biggest stage in the world without needing to be diluted for mass consumption.

Looking ahead, this could open the door for more hip-hop artists to take center stage at major events. With the genre already dominating global charts, it’s only a matter of time before another rap superstar is given the Super Bowl spotlight.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for Hip-Hop

Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show was more than just a performance—it was a statement. By delivering an authentic rap experience, he solidified his place as one of the greatest hip-hop artists of our time. His ability to balance technical skill, artistic integrity, and mainstream appeal is unmatched, and this show will be remembered as a defining moment in his career.

As hip-hop continues to shape global culture, this performance is proof that rap music deserves the biggest stages in the world. The future is bright for hip-hop, and Lamar has set a standard that will inspire generations to come.