When Kendrick Lamar took the stage at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, he captivated the audience with his electrifying performance. But as is typical of the HUMBLE. rapper, there was more than just his music at play. Among the music, flashy visuals, and surprise appearances, Kendrick slipped in a subtle yet biting dig at his rival Drake—a dig that almost no one noticed.

A Super Bowl Performance to Remember

Kendrick Lamar is known for his intricate, thought-provoking lyrics and creative performances. His Super Bowl halftime show was no exception, as the 37-year-old rapper made headlines not only for the tracks he chose but for an unexpected Easter egg hidden in his stage design. While viewers were glued to his performance, it was the subtle details that made his set even more memorable.

Kendrick opened the show with an intense energy that had fans buzzing. He didn’t just bring his A-game musically; he made sure to leave an impression with every aspect of his performance. However, it was a specific song that stood out—one that many fans thought might not make the setlist at all.

The Diss Track That Took Over the Summer: ‘Not Like Us’

Released in May 2024, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” quickly became a cultural touchstone. The song was hailed as one of the defining tracks of the summer, not just for its powerful message, but for its pointed shots at Canadian rapper Drake. The rivalry between Lamar and Drake has been brewing for years, but “Not Like Us” was the exclamation point.

Lamar didn’t just perform this track; he owned it. Fans noticed how he looked particularly content as he performed the song during the Super Bowl halftime show. And it wasn’t just the lyrics; the energy in the stadium was palpable as Kendrick took jabs at his rival.

The rapper is known for his subliminal messaging (**Cindy Ord/Getty Images**)

The diss track’s notorious line, “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young,” was likely one of the most memorable moments for fans. However, due to the audience’s mixed demographic—including families and children—the rapper made the decision to censor one specific part of the verse during the live broadcast. It was a move that showed Kendrick’s ability to balance controversy with professionalism. But the diss wasn’t limited to lyrics alone.

The Hidden Message: A Nod to Video Games and PlayStation

Now, here’s where things get interesting. As the show neared its end, the stage lighting dimmed and the words “Game Over” flashed across the side of the stadium. For most viewers, this might have been just part of the closing spectacle. However, for those who pay attention to the details, the set design had a deeper meaning. The iconic PlayStation symbols—cross, circle, triangle, and square—appeared on stage, subtly making reference to the gaming world.

It was a sly dig at Drake, who has often been associated with online gaming culture. The fact that Kendrick chose to display these symbols during the climax of his set was likely a calculated move. After all, it’s no secret that Lamar and Drake have been involved in a long-standing rivalry. This PlayStation nod could easily be interpreted as Kendrick claiming victory—an extra layer to the ongoing beef.

PlayStation & Hip-Hop: A Cultural Intersection

Both gaming and hip-hop have evolved to become integral parts of global youth culture. The blending of these worlds during Kendrick’s performance was a clever and meaningful choice. By incorporating PlayStation symbols, Kendrick wasn’t just showing love for gaming—he was tapping into a shared cultural touchstone, much like how he uses his music to connect with fans on a deeper level.

Gaming fans on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) were quick to notice this unique crossover. One fan tweeted: “Kendrick Lamar brought out the PlayStation symbols and said ‘Game Over’—amazing!” Another added: “The PlayStation reference and the entire vibe of Kendrick’s show just hit different. So many layers to unpack here!”

It was a subtle yet bold message that only fans familiar with Lamar’s and Drake’s rivalry could truly appreciate.

SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, and Other Surprises

Of course, the Super Bowl performance wasn’t all about Kendrick and his beef with Drake. There were plenty of surprise moments throughout the show. Fans were thrilled when Kendrick brought out SZA, the Grammy-winning singer, to join him on stage for a couple of his biggest tracks. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their collaboration added even more energy to an already electric performance.

And, as if that wasn’t enough, Samuel L. Jackson made a surprise appearance, adding a touch of Hollywood flair to the show. The mix of musical and cinematic icons made the performance feel like an all-star event.

Super Bowl Halftime Show: A Cultural Event Beyond Music

The Super Bowl halftime show has become more than just a performance. It’s an event that celebrates pop culture, blending music, fashion, and visual storytelling into one epic spectacle. Kendrick Lamar’s show was no exception. His ability to weave personal rivalry, subliminal messaging, and cultural references into his performance elevated it to new heights.

Minutes before performing “Not Like Us,” Kendrick even took a moment to address the ongoing legal battle with Drake, telling the crowd: “I want to play their favorite song… but you know they love to sue.” The line sent shockwaves through social media, with fans speculating about the implications of such a direct jab.

SZA made an appearance for a couple of Lamar’s songs (**Cindy Ord/Getty Images**)

The Fallout: Drake’s Lawsuit and the Ongoing Beef

For those who may not be aware, Drake filed a lawsuit against Kendrick’s record label over the lyrics of “Not Like Us.” The lawsuit focuses on alleged defamation, with Drake claiming that the lyrics tarnish his reputation. The legal battle between the two rappers has been closely followed by fans, and Kendrick’s comments during the halftime show only added fuel to the fire.

While the lawsuit continues to make headlines, it’s clear that Kendrick is not backing down. Whether or not the legal issues will affect their future music remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake is far from over.

Kendrick Lamar’s Impact: More Than Just Music

Kendrick Lamar has always been a figure who pushes boundaries—not just in his music but also in the way he connects with his audience. His ability to combine social commentary and pop culture into a single performance is what sets him apart from his peers. In many ways, his Super Bowl halftime show was more than just a concert—it was a moment of cultural significance.

For those who missed the performance, it’s worth taking the time to revisit it. Kendrick’s use of visuals, surprise collaborations, and hidden messages make it a standout moment in Super Bowl halftime show history. And as always, Lamar proves that there’s no such thing as an “accidental” detail when it comes to his artistry.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance

Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl performance was a masterclass in subtlety, creativity, and cultural references. From the HUMBLE. rapper’s diss track aimed at Drake to the hidden gaming symbols on stage, every detail was carefully chosen to make an impact.

It’s clear that Kendrick Lamar’s influence extends far beyond music—he’s shaping the way we experience entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of hip-hop, gaming, or just cultural commentary, Kendrick’s performance was one for the books.

Featured Image Credit: X