If the multiple Grammys for the diss track didn’t prove Lamar’s dominance in the rap beef, then the Super Bowl halftime show was the final nail in the coffin.
WASHINGTON β Leading up to the Super Bowl, it was unclear whether Kendrick Lamar would perform “Not Like Us,” a diss track that decisively won his highly-publicized feud with Drake.
If the multiple Grammys for the diss track didn’t prove Lamar’s dominance in the tense rap beef, then the Super Bowl halftime show was the final nail in the coffin.Β
The Pulitzer Prize winning rapper took several jabs at Drake during his performance, including an unexpected appearance by tennis legend Serena Williams.Β
Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl halftime show performance: Every Drake reference made
A-minor chain?
Lamar is known for making statements through fashion β whether it be in his music videos or at the Super Bowl.Β
Many asked what the large diamond necklace with a lower case “a” meant.
While we don’t know for sure β many speculated it represented “a-minor” as a reference to his song “Not Like Us” β However, it seems instead to be a reference to pgLang, Lamar’s own music and media production company based in Los Angeles.Β
Serena Williams in the halftime show
Tennis legend Serena Williams made an unexpected appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance, bringing Compton spirit to football’s biggest stage and making a not-so-subtle jab at Lamar’s rap nemesis and her ex, Drake.Β
The 23-time Grand Slam champion, emerged during Lamar’s performance of “Not Like Us” and did a Crip Walk β a dance move that previously caused a stir when she did it at Wimbledon in 2012.
Williams’ and Drake’s high-profile relationship spanned from 2011 to 2015, with Drake frequently spotted courtside at her matches from Wimbledon to the U.S. Open. Drake rapped about her in his 2013 track “Worst Behavior,” where he referenced their relationship.
The tennis star, now married to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, seemed to embrace the moment’s subtle shade, having recently poked fun at Drake during the 2024 ESPYs while dancing to the same track.Β
RELATED: Β Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s beef β from its beginnings to the Super Bowl β explained
‘Not Like Us’Β
Lamar teased the “Not Like Us” beat throughout his performance before wrapping up his 13-minute halftime show with the diss track.Β
After singing “peakaboo,” he played the intro to the song for a few seconds.Β
“I wanna play their favorite song but you know they love to sue,β Lamar told the dancers behind him, referencing Drake.
The rap beef between Lamar and Drake has spurred multiple court actions and a stunning rebellion against their shared record label.
‘Say Drake’
Those who weren’t familiar with the Grammy-winning diss track, got a direct answer about who this song was about.Β
During “Not Like Us,” Lamar looked straight into the camera with a smile and sang the lyrics “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young.”
While he was direct with his jab in the verse, Lamar did remove the word “pedophiles” from the lyrics β possibly due toΒ FCC regulations.Β
Even with some pull backs, Lamar managed to get the crowd at the Caesars Superdome to resoundingly sing “tryna strike a chord, and it’s probably A minor.”Β
Game Over
Lamar ended his set with a transition from “Not Like Us” to “tv off” as the field resembled a video game controller.Β
As he finished his song, the lights in the crowd revealed the message “Game Over.”Β
The message possibly alludes to Lamar winning the rap beef, having just performed the diss track on the biggest stage in U.S. sports.Β
Where was Drake during the Super Bowl halftime show?
It seems Drake was about as far as possible from the Super Bowl stage in New Orleans as the rapper is currently on tour in Australia.Β
The Canadian superstar is on his Anita Max Win Tour, which kicked off in Perth, Australia, on Feb. 4.Β
On Super Bowl Sunday, Drake was in Melbourne for a show.Β
