Millions expected a spectacular Super Bowl LIX halftime show, but Kendrick Lamars performance sparked a heated debate instead.
Kendrick Lamar took center stage at Super Bowl LIXs halftime show on February 9, 2025, delivering a high-energy performance that quickly became a topic of debate among viewers.
A fan comment on Kendrick Lamars performance, dated February 10, 2025 | Source: Instagram/espn | Instagram/espnnfl | Instagram/sportscenter
The rapper, known for his intricate lyricism and commanding stage presence, performed some of his biggest hits, including “Humble,” “Squabble Up,” and “Not Like Us,” a track widely recognized as a diss toward fellow rapper Drake.
As a special moment in the performance, Lamar was joined onstage by R&B star SZA. The two artists, who previously collaborated on Lamars No. 1 album GNX, performed together, adding another layer of excitement to the show.
The official Apple Music Halftime Show Instagram page celebrated the moment, sharing posts like “ITS K-D-O-T…” and “@KendrickLamar and @SZA are the moment.” Clips from the performance, including a video of Lamar rapping “Humble,” quickly circulated online.f
Despite the star power and bold setlist, the show received mixed reviews from fans. While some appreciated Lamars artistry, others were less impressed, with many taking to social media to voice their disappointment.
On Instagram, some viewers criticized the performance. One user wrote,”Might be the worst halftime show of all time [sic].” Another “This halftime show was boring.”
Kendrick Lamar performs with SZA in the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana | Source: Getty Images
Reddit users also weighed in with similar sentiments. One viewer shared,”I was excited for it, and found this utterly underwhelming.” Another said,”Turned the channel during this [sic].” A third comment read,”In front of the president [sic] …”
Over on X (formerly Twitter), reactions varied, but criticism was prevalent. One person wrote,”Kendrick ruined the sb halftime show. Sza too fine to ruin anything [sic].”
Kendrick Lamar performs with SZA in the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana | Source: Getty Images
Another user “I find Kendrick Lamar cringe. His voice is gimmicky to me. His whole Art [sic] feels cartoonish. Not sure how else to say this. And I dont think Drake is exceptional by the way.”
“Kendrick Lamar so mid, his voice so annoying [sic],” another viewer posted. One user asked,”Tell me Im not the only one needing subtitles for this!!” Another added,”Lil Wayne should have been the halftime performer. Kendrick was straight-up mumbling.”
Lil Wayne performs at Sports Illustrated Saturday Night Lights powered by Matthew Gavin Enterprises and Talent Resources Sports on February 2, 2019, in Atlanta, Georgia | Source: Getty Images
The halftime performance continues to be a hot topic, with fans debating whether Kendrick Lamars unique style was fitting for such a massive stage.
Beyond the performance itself, Lamars jewelry choice became a topic of discussion. The rapper was spotted wearing a chain featuring a lowercase letter “a,” which quickly led to online speculation about its meaning.
Kendrick Lamar performs onstage during Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana | Source: Getty Images
Some fans interpreted it as a subtle jab at Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Graham. Others believed it referenced Lamars song “Not Like Us,” which contains the lyric, “Tryna strike a chord and its probably A minor,” referring to a musical note. The debate took off on social media.
One user asked,”what does the lowercase a that kendrick lamar is wearing on his chain mean [sic]?” Another pointed out,”Yall catch the lowercase a chain?!? The pettiness from Kendrick Lamar is unmatched [sic].”
Kendrick Lamar and SZA perform onstage during Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana | Source: Getty Images
“The fact that Kendricks chain is a-minor is the icing on the cake,” one fan wrote. Another added,”The chain… a minor… Kdot next level petty [sic].”
“not kendrick being shady with the chainnnn [sic],” someone else posted. One user “Kendrick Lamar wearing a lower case A (a minor) chain is diabolical work.”
Kendrick Lamar performs onstage during Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana | Source: Getty Images
However, not everyone saw it as a direct shot at Drake. Some fans clarified that the “a” symbol actually comes from the logo of Lamars company, pgLang. Founded by Lamar and Dave Free, pgLang is a creative services company focused on music, visual media, and technology. The name stands for “Program Language.”
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The discussion led to divided opinions. “The a chain is from the logo of Kendrick’s company (PGlang) not a-minor… ” one user explained. Another countered,”I didnt think I needed to explain this, but no, it was an a minor chain. It was a pgLang chain.”
Kendrick Lamar performs onstage during Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana | Source: Getty Images
Some speculated it was a deeper message. “If were being honest it seemed like Kendrick Lamars whole superbowl performance was based around Drake. The songs, the shade, him bringing out Serena Williams, down to the A chain around his neck standing for Aubrey. That proves who the GOAT really is [sic].”
Kendrick Lamar performs in the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana | Source: Getty Images
Kendrick LamarsSuper Bowl halftime show sparked intense debate, with fans split over his performance, song choices, and even his jewelry, keeping the discussion alive well after the game.
