Will Kendrick Lamar Perform ‘Not Like Us’ at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show?

As the countdown to Super Bowl LVIII continues, all eyes are on Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated halftime performance. Fresh off his Grammy wins for *Song of the Year* and *Record of the Year* with his explosive diss track “Not Like Us,” fans are buzzing with one big question: Will Lamar perform the hit song during his set?

According to TMZ, sources close to the production have confirmed that Lamar is indeed planning to include “Not Like Us” in his set list for the event at the Caesars Superdome this Sunday. The track, which became a cultural phenomenon and a defining moment of 2024, is expected to be a highlight of the performance.

Lamar, who has just swept the Grammys with “Not Like Us” winning both Song of the Year and Record of the Year, is set to take center stage with guest artist SZA. This performance marks Lamar’s return to the Super Bowl stage after he previously appeared as a guest during Dr. Dre’s iconic 2022 halftime show alongside other hip-hop legends.

The confirmation from TMZ comes amidst a backdrop of legal drama, with Drake currently suing Universal Music Group, the label representing both artists, over the song’s lyrics which he claims defame him. Despite the lawsuit, which includes allegations of artificial stream inflation, Lamar’s team, along with the NFL and Fox, have decided to go ahead with the performance of “Not Like Us.”

Ahead of Sunday’s big game, Lamar is set to speak during a pre-game media session hosted by Apple Music’s Ebro Darden and Nadeska Alexis. The interview, scheduled for Thursday at 10 a.m. Central time, will be broadcast on Apple Music’s platform and social media channels, including YouTube and Facebook.

What to expect

The Super Bowl, set to take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, will see the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in a championship rematch. Beyond the halftime show, the pregame performances promise to deliver a celebration of Louisiana’s rich musical heritage.

Jon Batiste, a Louisiana native and Grammy-winning artist, will perform the national anthem, while Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle are slated to perform “America the Beautiful.” Ledisi will take the stage to perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a staple of Black American culture.

In a nod to inclusivity, the national anthem and “America the Beautiful” will be interpreted in American Sign Language by actor Stephanie Nogueras, while Otis Jones IV will sign “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The halftime show will be signed by Matt Maxey, ensuring accessibility for all viewers.

With the controversial lyrics of “Not Like Us,” there’s speculation on how the song will be broadcast. TMZ reports that decisions on censoring or editing the song will be finalized during Thursday’s rehearsal, aiming to balance artistic expression with broadcast standards.

This year’s Super Bowl pits the defending champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, against the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch of last year’s championship, adding to the excitement of an already electrifying event.

As the world watches, Lamar’s performance promises not only to entertain but also to make a bold statement on one of the largest platforms in entertainment. With “Not Like Us” confirmed, fans are eager to see how this moment will resonate in the ongoing saga of hip-hop rivalry and cultural commentary.