Kendrick Lamar has once again proven why he stands as one of the most influential voices in modern hip-hop. Over the past week, the Compton-born rapper has dominated headlines with his electrifying Super Bowl LIX halftime performance, sweeping multiple Grammy Awards, and finding himself at the center of a heated industry controversy. From stadium-shaking anthems to record-breaking wins, here’s a deep dive into Kendrick Lamar’s remarkable achievements and the drama that’s been unfolding around him.
Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show – A Performance to Remember
On February 9, 2025, Kendrick Lamar took the Super Bowl LIX stage at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, delivering a halftime performance that will be remembered for years to come. Known for his thought-provoking lyricism and cinematic storytelling, Lamar transformed the halftime show into a spectacle that celebrated hip-hop’s rich history while showcasing his unparalleled artistry.
Setlist and Surprise Guests
His setlist included some of his most iconic tracks, opening with HUMBLE., followed by DNA., Alright, and his recent hit Not Like Us. The crowd erupted when Lamar brought out special guests SZA and Baby Keem, both longtime collaborators. The energy soared when legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson made an unexpected cameo, adding a theatrical touch to the performance. The segment featured a striking visual narrative about Black excellence and hip-hop's impact on culture.
Fans and critics alike praised the show, with Rolling Stone calling it “a masterclass in performance artistry”, while Billboard declared it “the most powerful Super Bowl halftime show in years.”
Kendrick Lamar Sweeps the 2025 Grammy Awards
Just days before his Super Bowl triumph, Kendrick Lamar was the talk of the music industry at the 2025 Grammy Awards. His latest single Not Like Us made history as the first diss track to ever win ‘Record of the Year’, an unprecedented moment that ignited discussions about hip-hop’s evolving role in mainstream music.
Grammy Awards Won by Kendrick Lamar in 2025:
- Record of the Year – Not Like Us
- Best Rap Song – Not Like Us
- Best Music Video – Not Like Us
- Best Rap Album – The Heart, Part VI
- Best Rap Performance – Euphoria
Lamar’s acceptance speech was a defining moment of the night. "Hip-hop has always been a reflection of the world around us—our struggles, our victories, our voices. This is for the culture," he stated, receiving a standing ovation from his peers.
His Grammy dominance reinforced his position as one of the greatest rappers of all time, bringing his career total to 22 Grammy wins.
Kendrick vs. Drake – The Feud Escalates
While Lamar is basking in career-defining moments, his ongoing feud with fellow rapper Drake has taken a new turn. Following the Grammy Awards, reports surfaced that Drake has filed a lawsuit against Spotify and Universal Music Group, alleging that Lamar’s Not Like Us gained “unrealistic streaming boosts” due to algorithmic manipulation.
The lawsuit claims that Kendrick’s record-breaking streaming numbers were “unnatural” and unfairly prioritized, though industry analysts argue that Lamar's success is a result of organic fan engagement and his cultural influence.
Hip-hop fans remain divided, with some defending Drake’s concerns over industry politics, while others see it as “a sore loser” move following Lamar’s sweeping victories.