Kendrick Lamar didn’t need another fiery diss track to keep fans talking about his Super Bowl halftime performance.
The “Not Like Us” rapper, who became the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the show, lit up social media with surprise appearances by SZA and Serena Williams—both of whom share romantic history with his rap rival, Drake.
SZA joined Lamar onstage for their collaborations “Luther” from his latest album GNX and “All the Stars” from the Black Panther soundtrack. Meanwhile, Williams stole the show during “Not Like Us,” hitting a crip walk to the beat of Lamar’s No. 1 hit.
“Kendrick Lamar is proof that having an arch-nemesis is a fundamental part of the human experience,” one X user wrote.
SZA and Drake briefly dated in the late 2000s, with the singer later calling their fling “so childish” in a 2023 Rolling Stone interview. Drake acknowledged their past relationship in the 2020 track “Mr. Right Now.”
Williams and Drake were linked in 2015 after being spotted together, and archival studio footage that resurfaced in August 2024 suggested the rapper confirmed their relationship—and its influence on his 2016 hit.
Reacting to her Super Bowl cameo, Williams shared on Instagram, “Let’s go Super Bowl halftime??! I died a little! 💃🏿”
Lamar’s bold choice to feature SZA and Williams didn’t go unnoticed, with fans calling it a calculated jab at Drake.
“Serena Williams crip walking to a song about you being a pedophile has to hurt existentially,” one X user wrote.
“Kendrick getting the entire Super Bowl screaming ‘a minor’ with Serena Williams dancing has to feel like a shotgun blast to Drake’s chest,” another added.
Fans also marveled at Lamar’s expert showmanship. “Panning to Serena Williams crip walking was so insane. Let alone teasing the song and then cutting to SZA. This man is insane, his mind omg,” a user posted.
With or without direct shots, Lamar ensured his halftime show would be remembered.
https://x.com/NFL/status/1888764861183635744?t=_rK8gvuVDRWblj3CZrrj2g&s=19
