Kendrick Lamar Previews “Storytelling” at Super Bowl Halftime Show as “Not Like Us” Speculation Swirls

by

Three days before his eagerly awaited Super Bowl halftime show and four days following his Grammy win with five awards, Kendrick Lamar teased his upcoming performance at the NFL’s season finale. He hinted that spectators should prepare for a narrative-driven experience designed to let his largest audience ever connect deeply with his music.

37-year-old, multiple platinum-selling and Pulitzer Prize-winning hip-hop artist, who garnered additional recognition at the Grammys by winning awards for record of the year, song of the year, best rap performance, best rap song, and best music video for his blockbuster summer single “Not Like Us,” shared his plans for the upcoming event during a press conference on Thursday.

However, Lamar remained tight-lipped about specifics. The rapper didn’t disclose any potential collaborators who might join him during the concert at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, nor did he confirm whether he would perform his Grammy-winning song that caused controversy. Yet, he did relate Sunday’s performance to his stage appearances throughout his over two-decade career.

In an interview, Lamar expressed that he’s consistently been transparent with storytelling in his entire music collection and history. He added that he’s always been driven to share this on any stage I find myself on… What I’ve always had is a knack for capturing people’s attention, making them listen, but also encouraging them to see things differently and think more deeply.

At the 2022 Super Bowl half-time show, Lamar first appeared on the grand NFL stage, sharing it with rap icon Dr. Dre and other prominent figures in the rap and R&B scene such as Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Mary J. Blige. For his performance at this year’s event, Lamar will be joined by SZA, who he has collaborated with on three tracks over the past six months (“Luther,” “Gloria” and “30 for 30”) and with whom he had a hit in 2018 with “All the Stars.” Lamar, who recently contributed to the re-release of SZA’s highly praised 2022 album, SOS, spoke highly of the critically acclaimed “Kill Bill” singer.

On Thursday, Lamar expressed admiration, saying, ‘It’s astounding to observe her success and journey. I feel privileged to stand beside such talent.’

Lamar has remained tight-lipped about his upcoming concert lineup, but it’s been revealed this week that he plans to perform “Not Like Us.” This song, which is part of an ongoing dispute between the two artists, challenges Drake’s authenticity and integrity as a rapper, and further accuses him of inappropriate behavior towards minors. In response, Drake has taken legal action against Universal Music, arguing that the track falsely portrays him as a criminal pedophile and incites vigilante justice.

Both Lamar and Drake release music under the Universal umbrella.

The song “Not Like Us” was not played at the Grammys on Sunday, and since then, there’s been a growing buzz about whether it might be included in Lamar’s performance lineup this coming Sunday. This speculation arises following a letter sent by a group of Louisiana lawmakers to the leaders of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and the Louisiana Stadium and Expo District, urging family-friendly halftime performances. On Wednesday, according to reports from Fox Sports, TMZ, and the NFL, sources close to Lamar have confirmed that he will indeed be performing the popular song, but it remains uncertain if the controversial lyrics about Drake will be spoken live during the performance.

Read More

2025-02-06 23:27