There is one detail that not many people know about the Super Bowl break: the artists do not get paid. It is one of the most watched shows on the planet, attracting millions of viewers worldwide, the best brands fight to appear in the advertising time (and the giant Apple is the one that gives it its official name), but the star only receives the glory. The repercussion is total and it is well worth it. In the 2025 edition (LIX), Kendrick Lamar took to the stage and shone as one of the hottest names in world music.
Kendrick repeated after appearing in the 2022 edition (the one at SoFi Stadium) alongside other star rappers such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem and Mary J. Blige, but he changed things up at the Superdome.
He had all the spotlight and he deserved it. Because his performance is one for the ages, as he is on track to be the most listened to artist in the world on platforms such as Spotify and his recent moment will be remembered.
Because he had just swept the Grammy Awards. He took home five out of five awards with song of the year, album of the year, best rap song, best rap performance and best video. And his biggest hit, ‘Not Like Us’, is controversial and viral as it sends offensive messages against another star, Drake. That’s what prevented the song from being seen at the Super Bowl beyond a few seconds, and the rapper did not hide that there were reasons behind it. “I want to sing their favorite song… but they love to sue,” he said after appearing on stage alongside such greats as Samuel L. Jackson and Serena Williams.
He did not overshadow a global star. Someone who they say is now vindicated. “He’s been humble all his life. Now he’s come to a point where he says yes. That he’s worked for all this s*** and it’s his time,” artist Doechii said of his album in which artist SZA is very prominent
I don’t know what other people’s lives were like. I only know mine. And it was bad. Struggle and pain, and I keep it in my music
Kendrick Lamar
And his presence at the Super Bowl will be remembered. Because the protest rap appeared, he also showed a Palestinian flag and left clear messages to an audience where Donald Trump stood out as the first president of the United States of America to go to the game in office. All while maintaining an undeniable essence. “I don’t know what other people’s lives were like. I only know mine. And it was bad. Struggle and pain, and I keep it in my music,” he told ‘Tentaciones’ in 2016.