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Kendrick Lamar is set to perform at the 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl LIX. The Compton rapper announced the news on Sunday, September 8, 2024, in a YouTube video. The clip shows Lamar standing on a field in front of the American flag as he shoots balls from an automatic football passing machine.
"Will you be pulling up? I hope so. You know it’s only one opportunity to win a championship. No round twos," he said, adding,"I won’t want you to miss it. Meet me in New Orleans. February 9, 2025. Wear your best dress, too, even if you watch it from home."
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As news of the announcement spread, fans zeroed in on the phrase "no round twos." While it references that there is no going back in a game, many believe it was also a subtle jab at his rival Drake, with whom he had a rap feud earlier this year.
Needless to say, internet users were quick to react. The video went viral with over 1.5 million views and almost 200,000 likes. One commented:
Netizens remarked that there was no way they would miss the performance, calling his move "cold." Here are some comments seen under K. Dot's YouTube video:
While praising Kendrick's musical skills, fans continued to speculate that he was referencing the Hotline Bling hitmaker in his announcement.
"They got the right one"—Kendrick Lamar on getting to headline Super Bowl LIX
In a separate statement announcing his performance at the halftime show, Kendrick Lamar remarked:
"Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one."
Per a report by AP News, Roc Nation and acclaimed producer Jesse Collins will serve as executive producers. Meanwhile, Lamar's pgLang will provide the creative direction.
In a joint announcement with Apple Music and Roc Nation (which works with the NFL to select the half-time show artist), the Head of Music at the NFL, Seth Dudowsky, praised the rapper for his profound impact on music and culture.
"Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop," Dudowsky said.
Roc Nation founder Jay-Z called the HUMBLE hitmaker a "once-in-a-generation artist and performer." He added that Kenny's work "transcends music" and will impact music "for years to come."
Netizens believe Lamar's cheeky comment is a reference to Drake's Instagram story from his burner account, @plottttwisttttt, last month. It featured Rasheed Wallace (basketball player and coach) asserting, "We will win Game 2." While the Toronto-born rapper quickly deleted the story, it sparked speculations about its meaning.
Many wondered if Drizzy suggested that both rappers would go for round two of their lyrical battle or if he was proclaiming his success in the industry.
Kenny and Drake's feud dates back to the early 2010s, but things escalated earlier this year, with each dropping a diss track after another, calling out the other's career and personal lives. This included Drizzy's The Heart Part 6 and Taylor Made Freestyle, and Kendrick Lamar's Euphoria and Not Like Us. Critics believe Dot's latter song won him the beef.
This is the second time the 17-time Grammy-winning artist would perform during the Super Bowl halftime show. In 2022, he performed at the event alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige.
