The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show on February 9, 2025, has already cemented its place in history, not just for the electrifying performance by headliner Kendrick Lamar, but for the controversial and highly-debated setlist choices. Just ten months ago, on this December 12, 2025, we can look back at the definitive song list that the Compton rapper used to bridge the gap between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The show was a masterclass in modern hip-hop, blending deep cuts from his newest album, *GNX*, with his most explosive chart-toppers, all condensed into a high-octane 13-minute spectacle that immediately sparked global discourse.
The performance, which was sponsored by Apple Music, delivered on the promise of a politically charged and artistically complex show, featuring a total of nine songs and multiple surprise guests. The decision to include tracks fresh off his 2024 album *GNX*, alongside his most viral hit "Not Like Us," ensured the show was one of the most talked-about cultural events of the year, polarizing critics and fans alike.
The Confirmed Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Setlist (February 9, 2025)
Kendrick Lamar’s setlist was a carefully curated journey through his discography, designed to showcase his lyrical prowess and his ability to command the world's biggest stage. The show prominently featured tracks from his latest work, *GNX*, alongside career-defining anthems. The entire performance was a whirlwind of quick transitions and high-impact visuals, a signature of the modern Halftime Show format.
Here is the confirmed, chronological song list from the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show:
- wacced out murals (Album: *GNX*) - The show opened with the intro from his latest album, a powerful, atmospheric start that immediately set a serious tone.
- squabble up (Album: *GNX*) - A high-energy track that quickly got the crowd moving, demonstrating Lamar's commitment to showcasing his newest material.
- HUMBLE. (Album: *DAMN.*) - The first major, globally recognized hit, a massive crowd-pleaser that transitioned the energy from his new work to his celebrated classics.
- DNA. (Album: *DAMN.*) - Following "HUMBLE.," this track kept the intensity high, featuring the rapid-fire delivery that solidified his status as a rap legend.
- euphoria (Single) - The inclusion of the highly-publicized diss track was a moment of pure shock and cultural significance, fueling the ongoing public discussion of his feud with Drake.
- man at the garden (Album: *GNX*) - Another track from *GNX*, showcasing the depth and complexity of his recent musical evolution.
- peekaboo (Album: *GNX*) - This deep cut from his new album further emphasized the artistic, non-commercial choices Lamar made for his setlist.
- luther ft. SZA (Album: *GNX*) - The highly-anticipated guest appearance by SZA, a fellow TDE artist, provided a soulful, melodic shift in the performance.
- Not Like Us (Single) - The definitive closing track, the song that became a cultural phenomenon in 2024, ending the show on a massive, unifying, and controversial high note.
The Cultural Impact of the Setlist: From GNX to 'Not Like Us'
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl setlist was a calculated risk that paid off in massive cultural dividends. Unlike many previous Halftime Shows that rely heavily on a greatest hits medley, Lamar chose to foreground tracks from his latest album, *GNX*. This decision immediately elevated the topical authority of the performance, proving that the Halftime Show could be a platform for current artistic expression rather than just a nostalgic retrospective.
The inclusion of "squabble up," "man at the garden," "peekaboo," and the opener "wacced out murals" signaled a clear intent to move beyond his most famous albums like *Good Kid, M.A.A.D City* and *To Pimp a Butterfly*. This commitment to the present sparked a significant debate among fans: should the Super Bowl prioritize the artist's current artistic vision, or their most universally known hits?
The most explosive moment, however, was the inclusion of "euphoria," a direct reference to his highly-publicized rap feud. This was a rare and unprecedented moment of real-time hip-hop beef being injected into the NFL’s biggest event, ensuring the performance dominated news cycles for weeks. The controversy, which also included a protestor unfurling a flag related to global conflicts, only amplified the show's visibility, making it a truly unforgettable and complex cultural touchstone.
Surprise Appearances and Setlist Strategy
The Halftime Show is as much about the guest stars as it is about the headliner. While rumors of appearances from artists like Taylor Swift (due to their collaboration on "Bad Blood") or even a reunion with his *Good Kid, M.A.A.D City* collaborators were rampant, Lamar kept his circle tight, focusing on key figures who could amplify his message.
The confirmed guest list included:
- SZA: The TDE labelmate joined Lamar for a powerful rendition of "luther," a track from *GNX*. Her presence added a necessary R&B counterpoint to the rap-heavy set, showcasing the strength of their shared musical collective.
- Samuel L. Jackson: The legendary actor made a brief, theatrical appearance as an 'Uncle Sam' figure, opening the show and setting the stage for Lamar's politically charged performance.
- Serena Williams: The tennis icon also made an appearance, adding a layer of star power and cultural gravitas to the spectacle.
- Mustard: The influential producer's involvement further cemented the show's connection to modern West Coast hip-hop culture.
The closing song, "Not Like Us," was the culmination of the entire performance. The track, which became a global anthem, was an undeniable choice for the finale. Its high-energy beat and sing-along chorus provided the massive, unifying moment the Halftime Show requires, even amidst its controversial background. The song's placement ensured the final moments of Super Bowl LIX were a pure, unadulterated celebration of West Coast hip-hop, leaving a lasting impression on the millions watching worldwide.
Topical Entities and Discography Deep Dive
To truly understand the setlist, one must appreciate the depth of Kendrick Lamar’s discography. The show drew heavily from five main entities, creating a cohesive narrative for the performance:
- *GNX* (2024): The newest album, represented by four major tracks ("wacced out murals," "squabble up," "man at the garden," "peekaboo," and "luther"), was the core of the show's artistic statement.
- *DAMN.* (2017): His Grammy-winning album provided the stadium anthems ("HUMBLE.," "DNA.") needed for mass appeal.
- *Good Kid, M.A.A.D City* (2012): Although no full tracks were played, the spirit of his breakout album, which includes hits like "Swimming Pools (Drank)" and "Poetic Justice," was referenced in the overall flow and lyrical themes.
- *To Pimp a Butterfly* (2015): His critically-acclaimed, jazz-infused masterpiece was the philosophical backbone, with its political undertones influencing the show's overall message.
- The Drake Feud Singles: The inclusion of "euphoria" and the finale "Not Like Us" transformed the Halftime Show from a concert into a major cultural event, dominating the conversation around the Super Bowl.
The Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, featuring Kendrick Lamar and special guest SZA, was a landmark moment for hip-hop and for the NFL. It proved that the biggest stage in the world can be used for more than just nostalgia, serving as a platform for current, complex, and sometimes controversial artistic statements. The definitive setlist, a blend of new material and essential hits, will be studied and debated for years to come.
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