Drake fans, look away now. Kendrick Lamar has been slated to headline the Super Bowl LIX half-time show. The NFL dropped this announcement on Sunday, and it promises to be an electrifying performance on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans.
Lamar, no stranger to the Super Bowl stage, will be making a return after his guest appearance in 2022. But this time, he's taking center stage, ready to showcase why he's considered not just one of the greatest rappers, but also one of the greatest artists of his generation.
"Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I'll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one," Lamar declared in a statement.
At 37, Lamar's resume reads like a hip-hop hall of fame inductee. With 17 Grammy Awards, 29 BET Awards, and a historic Pulitzer Prize for music under his belt, he's not just a rapper—he's a cultural phenomenon.
Hip-Hop History in the Making
When is the Super Bowl LIX, you ask? The next championship will be on February 9, 2025 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
This isn't just another Super Bowl half-time show. It's a celebration of hip-hop's dominance and Lamar's unparalleled artistry. Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation is co-producing the event alongside Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins, said this about Lamar: "Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer. His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision."
From Diss Tracks to Stadium Anthems
Hip-hop faithfuls already know that Kendrick Lamar's coming off a scorching 2024, dominated by his chart-topping diss track "Not Like Us." The summer anthem, birthed from the recent feud with Rapper Drake, is still one of the biggest tracks of the year. With Lamar's current buzz, there's no perfect time than now for him to be chosen for the Super Bowl stage.
Asides from making hits, his fans can also testify how much of a breathtaking performer Lamar is. The rapper is equally known for his thought-provoking lyrics which set him apart from the rest of the rap game. Next year February already seems to be set for a masterclass in hip-hop excellence.
A Legacy in the Making
The Super Bowl half-time show has seen legends grace its stage, from Michael Jackson to Prince. Now, Lamar's set to etch his name alongside these icons. It's not just a performance; it's a statement.
"Wear your best dress, too, even if you're watching from home," Lamar teased in his announcement video. It's clear he's planning something special, something that transcends the typical half-time spectacle—typical of the artistic musician.
As we look ahead to Super Bowl LIX, it is certain that Kendrick Lamar's performance won't just be a show. Just like his The Pop Out: Ken & Friends Concert, it'll be another culture-defining moment. Whether you're a die-hard hip-hop head or a casual fan, this is one half-time show you won't want to miss.