Kendrick Lamar is familiar with controversy, but the NFL typically approaches such matters with caution. So, what might this interaction look like during the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show?
One of the exciting aspects of the NFL Halftime Show is the surprise factor—ranging from unexpected guest appearances like **Usher’s rumored 2024 cameos** to memorable episodes like **Rihanna’s pregnancy reveal**. This year, however, the excitement is amplified by Kendrick Lamar’s ongoing rap rivalry with Drake.
There are whispers that Kendrick might showcase his fiery diss track, *”Not Like Us,”* the fifth installment aimed at the Canadian rapper. This track, which accuses Drake of various alleged wrongdoings, has become a cultural sensation. It broke **Spotify streaming records** and recently garnered Kendrick both Song of the Year and Record of the Year at the **2025 Grammy Awards**.
Nevertheless, the song and ensuing feud have also given rise to significant legal entanglements. Drake has initiated multiple lawsuits, including one against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, claiming they colluded to artificially inflate the song’s acclaim. He further accused UMG of breaching the RICO Act and later pursued a defamation case against the label, alleging they funneled payments to iHeartRadio.
Despite the prevailing tension, it appears improbable that Kendrick will exploit the Super Bowl platform to intensify the feud, according to Andrew Mall, an associate professor of music at Northeastern University. In an interview with **Northeastern Global News**, Mall elaborated that the NFL meticulously coordinates every aspect of the halftime show to preclude surprises or legal issues.
“He won’t do that, partially because the magnitude, choreography, and production of the Super Bowl halftime show have to be finalized well ahead of time,” Mall stated. “He can’t just improvise and say, ‘I know you asked me not to, but here I am pushing the boundaries.’ I would wager there’s a zero percent chance he’ll catch anyone in a decision-making role off guard with what transpires on stage.”
In the end, fans will need to patiently await what transpires during Kendrick Lamar’s eagerly anticipated performance on February 9, as the Kansas City Chiefs face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. While surprises may still occur, it’s evident that the NFL will strive to ensure the show remains free of controversy.