Kendrick Lamar Omits Controversial Lyric During Super Bowl Halftime Performance of ‘Not Like Us’

On February 9, 2025, Kendrick Lamar delivered an electrifying Super Bowl LIX halftime performance at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. His set was not only a testament to his artistic brilliance but also a focal point of controversy due to his ongoing feud with Drake.

The highlight of the performance came when Lamar performed his diss track “Not Like Us,” but notably omitted the controversial lyric in which he previously referred to Drake as a “certified p**dophile.”

Background of the Kendrick Lamar and Drake Feud

Kendrick Lamar and Drake have had a tumultuous relationship over the years. Once seen as friendly competitors in the rap industry, their rivalry took a dramatic turn in 2024.

The conflict escalated when Lamar made an appearance on Future and Metro Boomin’s song “Like That,” in which he took direct shots at Drake. This sparked an intense back-and-forth between the two artists.

Between April and May 2024, Lamar released multiple diss tracks targeting Drake, including “Euphoria,” “6:16 in LA,” “Meet the Grahams,” and the highly impactful “Not Like Us.”

The latter became a cultural phenomenon, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning widespread acclaim. In response, Drake released “The Heart Part 6,” fueling the feud further.

Super Bowl Halftime Show Announcement and Reactions

On September 8, 2024, the NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation announced that Kendrick Lamar would headline the Super Bowl LIX halftime show. The decision was met with mixed reactions.

Some, including artists like Lil Wayne, felt overlooked, while others, such as Nicki Minaj and Birdman, accused Jay-Z and Roc Nation of favoritism. However, critics praised the decision, citing Lamar’s artistic impact and storytelling abilities as a fresh and powerful choice for the grand stage.

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance

Lamar’s halftime performance lasted nearly 13 minutes, kicking off with him emerging from a vintage Buick Regal alongside his dancers, setting the stage for an all-American narrative.

Samuel L. Jackson made a surprise appearance as “Uncle Sam,” providing humorous yet thought-provoking commentary between songs.

Setlist:

      “Bodies (GNX Snippet)”
      “Squabble Up”
      “HUMBLE.”
      “DNA.”
      “Euphoria”
      “Man at the Garden”
      “Peekaboo”
      “Luther” (feat. SZA)
      “All the Stars” (feat. SZA)
      “Not Like Us”
    “TV Off”

One of the most talked-about moments was the unexpected appearance of Serena Williams, who has a well-documented history with Drake. She joined the performance during “Not Like Us,” adding to the track’s layered symbolism and public intrigue.

The Omission of Controversial Lyrics

Before launching into “Not Like Us,” Lamar teased the audience by saying, “I wanna perform their favorite song, but you know, they love lawsuits.” This was a clear reference to legal threats made by Drake and Universal Music Group (UMG) regarding the song’s inflammatory lyrics.

During the performance, Lamar deliberately skipped the line where he had previously called Drake a “certified p**dophile.” Many speculated that this was due to potential legal consequences or network pressure to maintain Super Bowl broadcasting standards.

However, the rest of the song’s pointed lyrics remained unchanged, leaving no doubt that Lamar’s message remained as sharp as ever.

Public and Media Reactions

The performance was met with a variety of reactions. Some fans praised Lamar for bringing an unfiltered, thought-provoking, and high-energy set to the Super Bowl stage.

Others, however, criticized the decision to inject a personal feud into a national sporting event meant for a broad audience.

Adding to the controversy, a protestor managed to sneak onto the stage waving a Palestinian and Sudanese flag before being swiftly removed by security. The incident sparked further debate about the role of social and political messages in entertainment spectacles like the Super Bowl.

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show was a historic moment, solidifying his place as one of the most influential and bold voices in modern music.

While he refrained from performing one of the most controversial lines of “Not Like Us,” the performance still carried the weight of his rivalry with Drake and delivered a spectacle that will be remembered for years to come.

The omission of the lyric may have been a strategic move to avoid legal battles, but it did little to soften the impact of the message Lamar intended to send.