Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl 2025: All the Details & Where to See Him On Tour
When the Super Bowl rolls around every February, a few things are guaranteed. These include good times, a solid (albeit frustrating) football game, and a mid-show concert that all your co-workers can’t stop discussing the next day. On that note, let’s talk about the Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl 2025 performance, shall we? The multiplatinum rapper set a new standard for musical excellence at the iconic event. He delivered a visual and auditory spectacle that mesmerized all of America with revolutionary rap and all-too-relatable pettiness.
Between dissecting symbolism, side-eyeing Lamar’s very public enemy, Drake, and dancing along with tennis pro Selena Williams, Lamar put on one of the best performances in recent years. And he’s just getting started! Here’s everything you need to know about the Kendrick Lamar 2025 Super Bowl performance, and why you need to buy tickets for his Grand National Tour….
Why We Loved the Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl 2025 Performance
A career-spanning setlist
“Since 2009, I had this b**** jumping,” Lamar raps in his 5x-Grammy winning diss track, “Not Like Us.” And he’s hardly exaggerating. The Kendrick Lamar 2025 Super Bowl Performance highlighted every chapter of his iconic career, beginning with his 2011 debut, Section.80, and concluding with his 2024 sixth album, GNX.
Songs like “Squabble Up,” “HUMBLE,” “DNA,” “Luther” and more made an appearance, highlighting Lamar’s status as one of the most iconic hip-hop heroes of our time. It’s been rumored that the crowd of 80,000+ at the Super Bowl sang along to the “A MINOR!” verse in “Not Like Us”…need we say more?
Visually stunning production
Kendrick Lamar is an artist in every sense of the term — with his performances mixing socially-charged lyrics, superb energy, and special effects that will blow your mind. And needless to say, the Kendrick Lamar 2025 Super Bowl Performance went above and beyond. With color-coded dancers in an American flag formation, a game-board-inspired stage, and an LED message in the crowd post-performance, the visuals alone will be discussed for years to come.
Special guest appearances
At the very beginning of the Kendrick Lamar 2025 Super Bowl performance, the audience was treated to none other than legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson, in full “Uncle Sam” garb. He continued to make appearances throughout the halftime show, while Lamar also got support from a few more famous faces.
Serena Williams showed up dancing during the “Not Like Us” portion, sending a very clear message to her ex and Lamar’s rival, Drake. Additionally, his friend, longtime collaborator, and upcoming tourmate SZA joined him onstage for a performance of “Luther” and “All The Stars,” their Academy Award-nominated song from 2018’s Black Panther.
A message that resonates
Kendrick Lamar’s music is not only innovative but also inspirational. He’s never been shy rapping about important topics — including social justice, racism, and wealth disparity, among other things. Therefore, he made a statement in more ways than one during the Kendrick Lamar 2025 Super Bowl performance. People have spoken about his symbolism, bravery, and street smarts ever since he got offstage, and we imagine that this will lead to greater conversations.
Why You Should See Kendrick Lamar on the Grand National Tour
If his Super Bowl performance was any indication, Kendrick Lamar’s upcoming Grand National Tour is going to be epic. Joined by SZA on the full run, here are a few reasons to buy tickets:
Expert storytelling
“Storytelling,” Lamar said in a pre-Superbowl interview, when asked about the main theme of his performance. “I think I’ve always been very open about storytelling. Through all my catalog and my history of music, I’ve always had passion about bringing that on whatever stage I’m on…I like to always carry on that sense of making people listen but also see and think a little.”
Where is the lie? From his beginnings in Compton, CA, to rising the ranks as a powerhouse rapper and Black icon, Kendrick Lamar has always been a prime storyteller. And his tales will come to life in the loudest of ways (literally) on the Grand National tour.
New material and fan favorites
Fans can look forward to a mix of classic hits and new tracks from his latest album, 2024’s GNX. Lamar has hinted that the tour will feature never-before-seen renditions of his greatest songs, with reimagined arrangements and surprise collaborations. Whether you’ve been a fan since his early days or just discovered him, there’s something for everyone.
Premium production value
You know the “Game Over” sign that he flashed in the audience after the Kendrick Lamar 2025 Super Bowl performance? This was only the beginning of what the Compton rapper is visually capable of. While he’s kept mum on the details, the Grand National tour will surely feature state-of-the-art visuals, sound systems, and lighting setups that take your concert experience to the next level. Are you ready for a visual glimpse into Lamar’s brilliant mind? Because we are!
The partnership between Kendrick and SZA
Lamar and SZA have been best friends for over a decade, and even greater musical partners. Some of their best songs together? “Babylon,” “Doves in the Wind,” “Luther” and “30 for 30.” And of course, we can’t forget their record-breaking collaboration on “All the Stars” from the Black Panther soundtrack, which Lamar expertly produced to shed a light on the power of Black culture. How many of these songs will they perform together on the Grand National tour? We’re not quite sure…but we know it will be an epic mashup between two musical superstars.
Enjoy Kendrick Lamar? You’ll Love These Artists
Can’t get enough of Kendrick Lamar? If you’re a fan of his lyrical depth, social consciousness, and genre-blending sound, you might enjoy these artists as well:
Tyler, the Creator
If you’re a fan of Kendrick Lamar, catching Tyler the Creator live is an experience you won’t want to miss. While Kendrick brings deep storytelling and sharp lyricism, Tyler delivers a thrilling mix of raw energy, bold creativity, and genre-blending sounds. His shows are as much about the vibe as the music — think wild stage designs, unpredictable setlists, and a performance style that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
GloRilla
While GloRilla and her music are quite different from Lamar’s, leaning more into Southern hip-hop and trap than his SoCal roots, they also have glaring similarities. From their unapologetic demeanor and street-savvy lyricism to themes of resilience, the two rappers do their respective hometowns proud. And there’s still time to get tickets for the GloRilla tour this spring!
The Weeknd
One dominates the rap scene, while the other is the modern king of R&B. But don’t be fooled, as Lamar and The Weeknd have far more in common than you may think. Both men create thought-provoking and cinematic experiences with their music that complements their often dark, moody tracks. Exhibit A? Their collaboration, “Pray For Me,” from 2018’s Black Panther, proves that their musical styles and smooth vocals blend together like a dream. Do you have your tickets yet for the Weeknd’s “After Hours til Dawn” stadium tour?
Baby Keem
Just how close is Baby Keem to Kendrick Lamar? They’re actually cousins! Having rapped together on the song “Family Ties,” it’s easy to see where he gets his talent. However, the Gen Z artist is a talented rapper in his own right; having worked with big names like Kanye West, Travis Scott, and Don Toliver.
Denzel Curry
The aggressive delivery and reflective lyrics of Denzel Curry make him another candidate for the title of Kendrick Lamar’s protege. His albums TA13OO and Melt My Eyez See Your Future are a prime display of his range, depth, and epic rap speed, all of which you can see firsthand on his upcoming tour.
