Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show: A Masterclass in Storytelling and Symbolism

Kendrick Lamar delivered a halftime performance packed with cultural references, surprise guests, and subtle jabs at his rivals. Here’s a breakdown of all the hidden Easter eggs.

Kendrick Lamar promised storytelling in his highly anticipated Super Bowl 2025 halftime show, and he certainly delivered. The rapper, known for his intricate lyricism and deep-rooted narratives, took the stage at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans for a 12-minute spectacle that featured surprise appearances, nods to his Compton roots, and even a response to his ongoing feud with Drake.

The GNX Album Cover Tribute

The show opened with Lamar sitting atop a limited edition Buick Regal muscle car, directly recreating the album cover of GNX. The car choice was particularly significant—Lamar’s father reportedly drove him home from the hospital in the same model after he was born. It was a deeply personal tribute that set the tone for the entire performance.

Serena Williams’ Surprise Cameo

One of the night’s most talked-about moments was the appearance of tennis legend Serena Williams. The connection? Williams, a Compton native like Lamar, also happens to be an ex-girlfriend of Drake, adding another layer of intrigue. She performed the Crip Walk—a dance that sparked controversy when she used it as a celebration after winning Wimbledon in 2012. In a video shared on X later that night, Williams humorously addressed her critics: “Man, I did not Crip Walk like that at Wimbledon. Ooh, I would’ve been fined.”

SZA’s Connection to Drake

SZA, a frequent Lamar collaborator, joined him onstage for a powerful segment. While she’s currently touring with him, fans couldn’t ignore another link—her past with Drake. The two dated in 2009, and their connection resurfaced in 2020 when Drake referenced her in Mr. Right Now. By including SZA in his performance, Lamar added another chess move in his ongoing game with Drake.

Samuel L. Jackson as ‘Uncle Sam’

Hollywood icon Samuel L. Jackson took on the role of “Uncle Sam,” sporting a patriotic suit and top hat. Throughout the performance, he acted as a commentator, embodying the voice of authority questioning Lamar’s message. At one point, Jackson interrupted: “Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto. Mr. Lamar, do you really know how to play the game? Then tighten up!”

This exchange seemed to reference Louisiana lawmakers’ request for Lamar to keep his performance “family-friendly” after past Super Bowl halftime shows had been criticized for being too provocative. However, once Lamar launched into Not Like Us, Jackson’s Uncle Sam character exited, symbolizing Lamar’s defiance.

“You Know They Love to Sue”

Before diving into Not Like Us, Lamar teased the audience: “I want to play their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.” This was a pointed reference to Drake’s lawsuit against Lamar’s record label, Universal Music Group, alleging defamation over accusations made in the track. Though Lamar performed the song, he notably omitted the lyrics that directly accused Drake.

The American Flag Formation

Lamar’s dancers played a significant role in the show’s symbolism. At one point, they formed an American flag while surrounding the rapper. Online commentators speculated this was a statement about the country’s history and how it was built on the labor of Black people. Another formation saw the dancers turn away from each other, creating a divide—mirroring Lamar’s role in sparking difficult conversations in his music.

PlayStation Controller Stage and ‘Game Over’

The stage itself featured the iconic shapes from a PlayStation controller—an interesting detail considering PlayStation is owned by Sony, the parent company of Drake’s record label, UMG. To cap off the performance, the stadium lights spelled out “GAME OVER”, seemingly signaling Lamar’s victory in his highly publicized feud.

The Lowercase “A” Necklace

One of the smallest yet most intriguing details was Lamar’s necklace, featuring a lowercase a. Fans quickly linked it to a line from Not Like Us: “Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A-minor.” The lyric—and the necklace—seemed to be another calculated move in Lamar’s ongoing lyrical battle.

A Halftime Show for the History Books

Lamar’s performance wasn’t just entertainment—it was a carefully crafted statement filled with symbolism, cultural nods, and personal history. From revisiting his Compton roots to making subtle digs at Drake, every element of the show had meaning. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl 2025 halftime show will be talked about for years to come.