Kendrick Lamar is gearing up to headline the halftime show at the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans on Feb. 9, promising an electrifying performance that has fans buzzing with excitement. One burning question on everyone’s minds is whether he will include his controversial Drake diss track, “Not Like Us,” in his setlist. Recent legal troubles involving Drake and the track suggest that this may not be a straightforward decision.
The Stir Surrounding “Not Like Us”
In 2024, Kendrick Lamar made waves with “Not Like Us,” a track that appeared to put an end to the ongoing feud between him and Drake. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two separate weeks and earned nominations for five Grammy Awards in 2025, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
With the announcement of Kendrick headlining the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show last September, anticipation has been building for what he will perform. Will he showcase his chart-topping hit at this major event? The answer remains uncertain.
Legal Complications with Drake
“Not Like Us” is a fiery diss track that takes aim at Drake, labeling him as a child predator. This contentious subject matter may not be suitable for a family-friendly Super Bowl audience. Kendrick has previously altered controversial lyrics during live performances, but the stakes are higher for the halftime show.
Drake’s legal actions against UMG, the distributor of both artists’ music, have further muddied the waters. Accusations of defamation and manipulation of “Not Like Us” have led to a legal battle between Drake and the music conglomerate, raising questions about the song’s potential inclusion in Kendrick’s set.
Speculation suggests that Drake’s legal maneuvers are an attempt to pressure the NFL and Apple Music, sponsors of the halftime show, to prevent Kendrick from performing the contentious track. This legal drama adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming Super Bowl performance.
Potential Scenarios
Several outcomes could unfold regarding Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show performance. He may choose not to perform “Not Like Us” either due to external pressure or personal decision-making. Alternatively, he could censor problematic lyrics, omit references to Drake, or deliver the song in its original form, risking backlash and consequences.
Regardless of the outcome, hip-hop fans will be glued to their screens on Super Bowl Sunday, eagerly awaiting Kendrick Lamar’s performance.
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FAQs
Q: Will Kendrick Lamar perform “Not Like Us” at the Super Bowl?
A: The decision remains uncertain due to legal complications and pressure from Drake’s legal actions.
Q: What are the potential outcomes for Kendrick’s performance?
A: Possible scenarios include avoiding the song, censoring controversial lyrics, omitting Drake references, or performing the track as is.
Q: How has Drake’s lawsuit impacted the situation?
A: Drake’s legal actions against UMG have added complexity to the issue, potentially influencing Kendrick’s setlist for the Super Bowl halftime show.
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