Kendrick Lamar, one of hip-hop’s most influential artists, will take center stage at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, the NFL, Roc Nation, and Apple Music announced on Sunday. The Compton-born rapper will headline the event for the first time, marking his return to the Super Bowl stage after his performance in 2022 as part of a star-studded hip-hop showcase.
This announcement follows a major year for Lamar, fueled by his high-profile feud with Drake that birthed the chart-topping track Not Like Us. The rapper’s headlining slot at the Super Bowl adds another highlight to his already eventful 2024.
“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date,” Lamar said in a statement. “And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”
The news was revealed after Lamar shared a short video on social media, featuring him on a football field with a giant American flag as the backdrop. The teaser dropped during the NFL’s opening Sunday, when the majority of teams kicked off their season.
Jay-Z, founder of Roc Nation and a key figure in curating the Super Bowl halftime show, praised Lamar’s cultural influence. “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer,” Jay-Z said. “His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
Lamar’s previous Super Bowl appearance in 2022 saw him share the stage with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, and Mary J. Blige, in the event’s first-ever hip-hop-led halftime performance. Now, Lamar will step into the spotlight as the headliner for what promises to be an unforgettable show.
