Kendrick Lamar set to headline 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show
Roc Nation, Apple Music, and the NFL have confirmed that Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar will headline the 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. The event is set to take place on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. This performance marks Lamar's second appearance at this prestigious event following his special guest performance in 2022 alongside Dr. Dre's West Coast hip-hop showcase.
Lamar's rise to prominence and previous Super Bowl performance
Lamar first rose to prominence with his label debut Good Kid, m.A.A.d City in 2012. Since then, he has won 17 Grammy awards and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for his album DAMN. His most recent album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers was released in 2022. In his previous Super Bowl performance (2022), he shared the stage with Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent during Dr. Dre's set.
Lamar's statement and Jay-Z's praise for the rapper
Lamar expressed his enthusiasm about headlining the show, stating, "Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I'll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one." Roc Nation founder Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter also praised Lamar as a once-in-a-generation artist and performer whose deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He added that Kendrick has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally.
Creative direction and production details for Lamar's performance
The creative direction for Lamar's performance will be handled by his pgLang company, which also managed his successful "Big Steppers" tour from 2022 through early this year. The telecast of the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show will be produced by DPS with Roc Nation and Jesse Collins serving as executive producers. Hamish Hamilton is set to direct the show, while Roc Nation will also serve as the strategic entertainment advisor for the live performance.
