Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show is breaking the internet

Yeah, that hit the spot.
By
Chance Townsend
 on 
Kendrick Lamar performs onstage during the Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team 2024 Livery Reveal on February 08, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Credit: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Cash App

The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show (yes, you have to say the full name) has arrived, and Kendrick Lamar just set the stage on fire in New Orleans. The Pulitzer Prize-winning and 20-time Grammy-winning rapper, known for his razor-sharp lyricism and powerful storytelling, delivered a performance that was both visually stunning and emotionally charged, proving once again why he’s one of the greatest artists of his generation.

Thus, social media responded accordingly.

The first song is...

Sorry to anyone who bet their house on "Humble" but the first song Kendrick played was the "GNX (teaser song)" from the rollout of GNX. But, if you want to get technical, it was "Squabble Up."

Mashable Top Stories
Stay connected with the hottest stories of the day and the latest entertainment news.
Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

Guess who's here?

We already knew SZA was going to make an appearance since the two artists are touring together but seeing Samuel L. Jackson was a total surprise.

A-minor

Not Like Us

The whole show Kendrick teased playing "Not Like Us" but he did end up performing it. Thank God, and oh, sorry, Drake. All of New Orleans just sang "a-minor."

Game over

What a show, thank you K-Dot. There weren't as many guests as we would have liked, but it was amazing seeing Serena Williams and DJ Mustard on stage. A very apt homage to some California legends (fun fact, Serena and Drake used to be a thing).

Topics Music Super Bowl

Headshot of a Black man
Chance Townsend
Assistant Editor, General Assignments

Currently residing in Chicago, Illinois, Chance Townsend is the General Assignments Editor at Mashable covering tech, video games, dating apps, digital culture, and whatever else comes his way. He has a Master's in Journalism from the University of North Texas and is a proud orange cat father. His writing has also appeared in PC Mag and Mother Jones.

In his free time, he cooks, loves to sleep, and finds great enjoyment in Detroit sports.


Recommended For You
Samuel L. Jackson narrates Kendrick Lamar's halftime show as 'Uncle Sam'
By Trisha Easto
Samuel L. Jackson on a stage.

Every song in Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime show setlist
Kendrick Lamar at Life Is Beautiful 2023

How to watch Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show
A man crouches on a car on stage, holding a microphone.



More in Life
How to watch Club America vs. Cruz Azul online for free
Detailed view of the shoes of Kevin Alvarez of America

How to watch LA Galaxy vs. Tigres UANL online for free
Gabriel Pec of Los Angeles Galaxy during a game



How to watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of The Americas online for free
Riders compete during the MotoGP Argentina Grand Prix

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 1, 2025
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 1, 2025
Wordle game on a smartphone


Seth Meyers mocks Elon Musk's bid for sympathy over Tesla's cratering stock
Seth Meyers on 'Late Night.'

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 1, 2025
A game being played on a smartphone.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!