The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show is set to be one of the most talked-about performances in recent history, largely due to Kendrick Lamar’s recent dominance in the rap industry. With his viral diss track Not Like Us, Lamar not only secured the upper hand in his feud with Drake but also won five Grammy Awards in 2025.
Now, fans and critics alike are asking the burning question:
Will Kendrick Lamar perform Not Like Us on one of the world’s biggest stages?
How Did the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake Feud Begin?
The rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake dates back to October 2023 when Drake released «First Person Shooter» on his album For All The Dogs, where he claimed to be among the three biggest rappers alongside J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar.
However, Lamar fired back in Metro Boomin’s track «Like That», rejecting the «Big Three» claim and asserting his superiority with the now-infamous line:
«F** the Big Three, n**a, it’s just Big Me.»
This ignited a full-scale rap battle, leading to multiple diss tracks, including:
- Push Ups
- Euphoria
- Meet The Grahams
- Taylor Made Freestyle
- 6:16 in LA
- Family Matters
But Kendrick’s knockout punch came with Not Like Us, a track that dominated the Billboard charts, earned critical acclaim, and led to Drake facing massive public scrutiny.
Why Is Not Like Us So Controversial?
In Not Like Us, Kendrick aggressively discredits Drake, questioning his authenticity, heritage, and credibility while making serious allegations. Some of the most shocking lines include:
- «Certified Lover Boy? More like Certified Pedophile.»
- «Trying to hit a high note, probably with a minor.»
Although none of these accusations have been legally confirmed, the impact on Drake’s reputation has been undeniable.
The Aftermath: Grammys, Lawsuits, and a Changing Industry
Following the release of Not Like Us:
- The track debuted at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for weeks.
- Drake sued Universal Music Group and Spotify, alleging streaming fraud, but the case was dismissed.
- Lamar won five Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Best Rap Performance.
Even after Drake’s legal team attempted to remove the song’s cover art (which featured an aerial view of Drake’s home), the courts ruled in Lamar’s favor, citing artistic freedom.
Will Kendrick Perform Not Like Us at Super Bowl LIX?
Given the song’s massive success, it seems highly likely that Kendrick Lamar will include Not Like Us in his halftime setlist. However, some key challenges remain:
- Super Bowl performances are heavily censored—Lamar may need to alter explicit lyrics.
- Drake remains a major industry figure, and such a performance could further escalate their feud.
- The NFL has previously tried to avoid controversial halftime moments after incidents like Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction (2004).
Despite these factors, hip-hop fans are eagerly anticipating what Lamar will bring to the Super Bowl stage. If he chooses to perform Not Like Us, it could be one of the most iconic halftime moments in history.
Final Thoughts: A Moment That Could Redefine Hip-Hop History
With Super Bowl LIX around the corner, Kendrick Lamar has a unique opportunity to solidify his dominance in the industry. Whether he performs Not Like Us or not, one thing is certain—all eyes will be on him.
