It’s official: Kendrick Lamar has been chosen to perform the Super Bowl LIX. Halftime show. The official news was announced by Lamar on Sept. 8. He plans on playing many of his classics, but it’s rumored he may perform an unreleased song. Even though it is too early to say what songs Lamar will perform, the fans have created their ideal list which includes, “Alright, Humble”, “Not Like Us”, “Swimming Pools”, “Money Trees”, “m.A.A.d City”, “All the Stars”, “DNA”, “Euphoria”, and “Family Ties”. The Superbowl has taken a drastic turn from the halftime show being old rock and classics to more present-day music to reach a younger targeted audience. Lamar is a perfect example of this because he is a relatable artist he takes his personal stories and experiences and turns them into an experience many people may already be going through. He is known as the voice of this generation.
Lamar was born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California. He began rapping at the young age of 16, releasing his first mixtape in 2004. Lamar’s music always has a deeper meaning behind it; his first real hit album “Section 80” explored themes of race, poverty, and his struggles growing up. His follow-up album “Good Kid, m.A.A.d city” released in 2012 was critical in putting him on the commercial radar. More recently, Lamar’s 2022 album “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers” continued to dive into social issues and push boundaries. Throughout Lamar’s career, he has always been praised for his genius lyrical depth. His words are more than words that rhyme; they are meant to hit the listener’s heart and make listeners actually think. In “The Blacker the Berry,” Lamar explores themes of identity, racism, and hypocrisy. One striking line is “This plot is bigger than me, it’s generational hatred It’s genocism, it’s grimy, little justification I’m African-American, I’m African confronts.” This shows the complexity of his own existence, contemplating celebrating his race while also acknowledging societal issues.
Not too long ago, Lamar feuded with fellow rapper Drake, after they released 11 hit songs together in three months. Both rappers officially decided to end the drama. Fans were very happy with the overall outcome because the drama got both artists to release new “actually good” songs. Lamar has won numerous awards throughout his career, including 14 Grammy Awards for albums “To pimp a Butterfly” and “DAMN.” Lamar made history in 2018 by becoming the first hip-hop artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music. He received the award for his album DAMN., which was recognized for its “contemporary lyricism” and intense exploration of themes like race, identity, and resilience. The Pulitzer Committee praised the album for its “vivid storytelling” and the way it reflects the complexities of modern life. Lamar also received an American music award for his favorite rap/hip-hop album, and finally a Billboard music award.
Lamar has always been a talented individual; he got his original inspiration from watching Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg perform at the age of eight, and then soon enough he was able to share his talent with the world and quickly became a crowd favorite. Lamar has previously performed at the Super Bowl in 2022. Three years later, Lamar headlining the event on Feb. 9, 2025. Lamar has a lot to live up to, especially after his recent tour, fans have high expectations for Mr. Kendrick Lamar.