The highly anticipated Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, headlined by hip-hop icon Kendrick Lamar, delivered an electrifying and politically charged performance that has cemented its place in NFL history. Held on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, the 13-minute spectacle was a masterclass in blending chart-topping hits with deep-cut album tracks and, most notably, featuring a surprise appearance by SZA and a massive, culture-defining moment with his recent viral diss track. This article breaks down the *confirmed* and *official* song list, analyzing how K-Dot managed to condense a decade of revolutionary music into a tight, unforgettable set.
The performance, officially the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, was a calculated showcase of Lamar's entire Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) era discography, spanning from his early classics to his chart-dominating 2024 releases. Unlike previous shows that focused solely on radio hits, Lamar’s setlist provided a complex narrative, starting with his newest material from the album *GNX* and culminating in a powerful, stadium-shaking finale. The choice of New Orleans, a city with a deep musical heritage, also influenced the energy and production, featuring local legends like Jon Batiste, Ledisi, Lauren Daigle, and Trombone Shorty in the pre-game festivities.
Kendrick Lamar: The Definitive Super Bowl LIX Biography and Profile
- Full Name: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
- Stage Name: Kendrick Lamar (K-Dot, Kung Fu Kenny)
- Born: June 17, 1987 (Age 37 as of late 2025)
- Hometown: Compton, California
- Record Label: PGLang (formerly Top Dawg Entertainment/TDE)
- Studio Albums: *Section.80* (2011), *good kid, m.A.A.d city* (2012), *To Pimp a Butterfly* (2015), *DAMN.* (2017), *Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers* (2022), *GNX* (2024)
- Grammy Awards: 17+ wins, including multiple Best Rap Album awards.
- Pulitzer Prize: Music (2018) for *DAMN.* (The first non-classical or jazz artist to win)
- Super Bowl Appearances: LVI (Guest Performer), LIX (Headliner)
- Halftime Show Date: February 9, 2025
- Venue: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
The Confirmed Song List: 12 Tracks That Defined the 2025 Halftime Show
The Super Bowl Halftime Show is notoriously short, typically clocking in at around 13 minutes, forcing artists to create truncated medleys of their biggest hits. Kendrick Lamar’s setlist, however, was a masterwork of pacing, mixing his most aggressive tracks with his introspective, poetic material. The inclusion of songs from his 2024 album, *GNX*, ensured the performance was the freshest in Super Bowl history.
Here is the complete, confirmed song list for the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show:
The Official Super Bowl LIX Halftime Setlist (Kendrick Lamar)
- "Wacced Out Murals (Intro)" (From *GNX*)
- "Squabble Up" (From *GNX*)
- "N95" (From *Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers*)
- "ELEMENT." (From *DAMN.*)
- "DNA." (From *DAMN.*)
- "King Kunta" (From *To Pimp a Butterfly*)
- "Backseat Freestyle" (From *good kid, m.A.A.d city*)
- "HUMBLE." (From *DAMN.*)
- "All The Stars" (feat. SZA) (From *Black Panther* Soundtrack)
- "euphoria" (Single, 2024)
- "Not Like Us" (Tease/Crowd Chant) (Single, 2024)
- "TV Off" (with Mustard) (From *GNX*)
The flow of the setlist was designed to build energy. He opened with "Wacced Out Murals (Intro)" and the high-octane "Squabble Up," immediately anchoring the show in his most recent, successful work. The transition into the aggressive "ELEMENT." and "DNA." from his Grammy-winning album *DAMN.* kept the momentum high, satisfying the core hip-hop audience.
Key Moments and Controversial Track Selections
While the setlist included fan favorites like "HUMBLE." and "King Kunta," the most talked-about moments revolved around his recent high-profile feud with Drake. Lamar used the global stage to amplify his message, making the 2025 Halftime Show a cultural flashpoint.
The SZA Collaboration: A TDE Reunion
In a powerful nod to his TDE roots, Kendrick Lamar brought out fellow superstar SZA, a frequent collaborator, to perform their Grammy-nominated track "All The Stars" from the *Black Panther* soundtrack. The performance was a visually stunning, softer interlude that showcased their vocal chemistry and the depth of the TDE roster. SZA’s presence also highlighted the duo’s upcoming 19-city North American tour, linking the Super Bowl to their broader commercial ventures.
The Diss Tracks: "euphoria" and "Not Like Us"
The inclusion of "euphoria" was a direct, unapologetic move that transformed the Halftime Show into a battleground. The song, which was a massive hit in 2024, is widely known as a diss track aimed at Drake. Following this, the performance’s true climax came with the infectious, crowd-surging energy of "Not Like Us". Though Lamar only teased the track, allowing the crowd to erupt in a massive singalong, the message was clear and undeniable. This move was unprecedented, using the NFL’s biggest platform to deliver a decisive statement in one of music’s biggest rivalries.
New Orleans Flavor and Local Artists
Lamar’s team, recognizing the historic location of the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, ensured the event paid homage to the city's musical legacy. While not part of the Halftime Show itself, the pre-game entertainment featured New Orleans icons like Jon Batiste, Ledisi, Lauren Daigle, and Trombone Shorty, grounding the entire Super Bowl LIX experience in the rich musical tapestry of Louisiana.
The Halftime Show's Lasting Impact and Topical Authority
Kendrick Lamar's 2025 performance is now viewed as a pivotal moment in the history of the Halftime Show, not just for the music but for its cultural audacity. By including tracks from his most recent album, *GNX*, and his controversial diss tracks, he proved that the event can be both a mainstream spectacle and a platform for current, cutting-edge hip-hop and social commentary.
The show's success was immediately evident, with clips of his performance, especially the "Not Like Us" moment, becoming the most-watched and shared content on social media following the game. The setlist was a strategic, complex, and ultimately triumphant declaration of Lamar's status as a generational artist, successfully navigating the limitations of the 13-minute window while delivering a powerful, cohesive, and deeply personal narrative for the global audience.
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