Kendrick Lamar Had to Do It

Despite ongoing litigation (and a statement from Drake’s lawyers ahead of the big game), Kendrick Lamar performed “Not Like Us” at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. It was the clean version, though; Kendrick didn’t scream “certified pedophile” in front of a stadium of people that includes President Trump. Do you think he sang along?

Lamar teased the song throughout his performance, with Uncle Sam (Samuel L. Jackson) insisting the rapper keep it professional and controversy-free for the halftime show. Once the iconic horns started coming in, it was all over for Uncle Sam. Kendrick flashed a “little stinker” grin and launched into the song.

Dancing alongside Lamar, MUSTARRRRRRD, and SZA was none other than Serena Williams, who also has quite the long history with Drake. For years, Drake and Williams were rumored to date. Drake says his song “Too Good” is about her. He also took shots at her husband, Alex Ohanian, on “Middle of the Ocean.” Williams made a “Not Like Us” joke at the ESPY Awards last year, and it looks like this Super Bowl guest spot is her final punch line: C-walking to the diss track like she’s back at Wimbledon.

The Superdome crowd yelling “A-MINORRRRR.”

Kendrick Lamar is unreal.#SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/Dw2xZm8EVl

— Ryan Novozinsky (@ryannovoNFL) February 10, 2025

Related

• How Kendrick Lamar Went From BLM Symbol to Super Bowl Star
• A Complete Track-by-Track Timeline of Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s Feud
• The Grammys Turned Into a ‘Not Like Us’ Sing-along