Kendrick Lamar Hints at 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans, Teases Drake Diss Track

Kendrick Lamar is keeping things low-key regarding his plans for the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show.

At the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show press conference in New Orleans, which Page Six attended on Thursday, the artist remained evasive about the details of his forthcoming performance at the Caesars Superdome.

Nonetheless, the headline performer assured fans that his appearance would heavily feature “storytelling” come Sunday.

“Storytelling has always been a core aspect of my music and artistic narrative. I’m passionate about bringing that element to every stage I occupy,” Lamar, aged 37, hinted. “It’s about getting the audience to not only listen but also visualize and ponder even if just a bit.”

Does this mean he will sing “Not Like Us,” his provocative track that sparked a fierce rivalry with Drake and helped him clinch five trophies at the 2025 Grammys last weekend?

Although rumors earlier this week claimed the contentious song is part of Lamar’s halftime lineup amidst his ongoing legal issues with the “God’s Plan” artist, Lamar himself did not confirm this during the press event, nor was he questioned about it.

However, as if dropping a hint, “Not Like Us” played loudly in the media room as Lamar was introduced on stage by moderators Ebro Darden and Nadeska Alexis.

The Grammy-winning artist also suggested during the conversation that he plans to perform a variety of hits from his extensive music repertoire, including tracks from his recent album, “GNX,” released shortly after his spat with Drake made news.

“Releasing ‘GNX’ felt right at the time… there was this energy brewing within me,” Lamar shared, mentioning a personal call he received from Jay-Z (founder of Roc Nation, the producer of the halftime show) following the May 2024 release of “Not Like Us.” “I aimed to return to the essence of raw, powerful rap; just solid rhymes over tough beats.”

During the press event, the rarely interview-friendly hip-hop star also talked about his choice to invite SZA as a special guest.

Over the years, Lamar and SZA have collaborated on several big hits, including “All the Stars” and “Doves in the Wind,” as well as “Gloria” and “Luther” from Lamar’s latest “GNX” album.

“We’ve been so caught up, we haven’t had a moment to really absorb it,” he joked about their hectic schedules leading up to the big day. “With all the production and rehearsals speeding by, we’ve talked but haven’t fully embraced the moment yet.”

Apple Music and the NFL revealed last September that Lamar would be the headliner for the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show.

“My name is Kendrick Lamar, and I’ll be performing at Super Bowl 59. Are you coming? I hope so… let’s make it happen,” the “Humble” artist posted on social media following the announcement. “Don’t miss it. See you in New Orleans.”

This performance will be Lamar’s second Super Bowl halftime appearance, having previously performed in 2022 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige, with special guests 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak.

Jesse Collins, executive producer of the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show, earlier hinted that Lamar’s 2025 performance will be unprecedented.

“The creative concept is truly innovative, remarkable, and extraordinary. In all our years, this is unlike anything I’ve seen an artist undertake,” Collins disclosed to NBC News. “Roc Nation, Jay, Kendrick, and the entire team have poured immense effort into crafting something unique. I believe it will astonish everyone.”

Fans can watch Lamar’s halftime performance during the NFL championship battle between the reigning champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Philadelphia Eagles. The game kicks off on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. CT / 6:30 p.m. ET.