Expected guests and setlist predictions
Kendrick Lamar has officially been announced as the headlining performer for the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, scheduled for February 2025. The game will be held in New Orleans, and fans are already buzzing about what surprises Lamar has in store for this highly anticipated performance. While there has been some debate about the NFL’s decision to select Lamar over New Orleans native Lil Wayne, the excitement is building for what is sure to be a historic show.
Read more: Kendrick Lamar to headline Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in New Orleans
Rap’s impact on the Super Bowl Stage
Kendrick Lamar’s music has become a staple of modern hip-hop, and his influence extends far beyond the genre. With six studio albums and 75 Billboard Hot 100 entries to his name, Lamar’s ability to blend thought-provoking lyrics with chart-topping hits has made him a force in the industry.
As he prepares to take the Super Bowl stage, Lamar expressed his excitement, saying,
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.
Jay-Z, a co-producer of the Super Bowl Halftime Show since Roc Nation’s partnership with the NFL in 2019, also praised Lamar’s selection, calling him a “once-in-a-generation” artist.
Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come, Jay-Z said in a statement.
Setting the stage for a monumental Halftime Show
With just 15 minutes to perform, narrowing down Kendrick Lamar’s extensive discography into a Super Bowl setlist will be a challenge. Fans are eager to see which songs make the cut and if there will be any surprise collaborations. Lamar has a history of working with a wide range of artists, from pop icons like Taylor Swift to fellow rappers like Future and Travis Scott.
Below are some potential guest performers who might join Lamar during his Super Bowl set:
Guest appearances we might see
Lil Wayne
With the Super Bowl taking place in Lil Wayne’s hometown of New Orleans, many fans hoped the rap icon would headline the Halftime Show. While he wasn’t chosen as the main act, there’s still a chance that Lamar could bring Wayne on stage for their 2018 collaboration, “Mona Lisa,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Despite Wayne admitting he’d need to brush up on the lyrics, his presence would electrify the New Orleans crowd.
Read more: Drake shows unwavering support for Lil Wayne amid Super Bowl Halftime Show controversy
SZA
SZA, a frequent collaborator with Lamar under the Top Dawg Entertainment label, could make a significant impact with a Super Bowl appearance. Their track “All The Stars” from Black Panther: The Album was a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, making it a perfect fit for Lamar’s setlist. A performance of this song would be a powerful moment for both fans of hip-hop and pop music.
Travis Scott
Travis Scott has already performed at a Super Bowl, sharing the stage with Maroon 5 in 2019. A return to the Super Bowl alongside Lamar for their hit “Goosebumps” would be a fan-favorite moment. With Scott currently on his Circus Maximus Tour, this collaboration would add a modern, edgy feel to the performance.
Future & Metro Boomin
Earlier in 2024, Kendrick Lamar teamed up with Future and Metro Boomin for the track “Like That,” which dominated the charts. Including this hit in the Super Bowl performance would create a fresh, dynamic moment, especially if Future and Metro join Lamar on stage.
Baby Keem
Family ties run deep for Kendrick Lamar and his younger cousin, Baby Keem. The two have worked together on hits like “Family Ties” and “The Hillbillies,” making Keem a natural fit for a surprise appearance. Their joint performance would not only showcase Lamar’s versatility but also highlight Baby Keem’s rise in the hip-hop world.
Rihanna
Rihanna headlined the Super Bowl in 2022, debuting her second pregnancy during her performance. A reunion with Lamar for their track “Loyalty” from DAMN. would be a nostalgic and powerful moment. The song, which won Best Rap/Sung Performance at the 2018 Grammy Awards, would add star power to the lineup.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on the remix of her 2015 hit “Bad Blood” was a defining moment in both pop and hip-hop. Swift has yet to grace the Super Bowl stage, and with her Eras Tour dominating the globe, a surprise appearance with Lamar could send fans into a frenzy.
Jay-Z
As a key figure in Lamar’s selection as the Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jay-Z make a cameo. The two teamed up for the remix of “B***h, Don’t Kill My Vibe” in 2013, and Hov’s appearance would add a legendary touch to the performance.
Beyoncé
Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé have shared the stage before, most recently during Bey’s Renaissance World Tour in 2023. Their collaborations on tracks like “Freedom” and “AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM (Remix)” are fan favorites, making Queen Bey a potential guest to bring the house down at Super Bowl LIX.
Anticipation builds for Super Bowl LIX
As fans eagerly await Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, the anticipation surrounding Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show continues to grow. With his reputation for delivering electrifying performances, the pressure is on for Lamar to create an unforgettable set that cements his place in Super Bowl history.
Whether he’s joined by longtime collaborators or surprises the audience with new twists, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance promises to be one for the ages. Fans will be waiting with bated breath to see how he condenses his extensive catalog into a 15-minute set, all while bringing his unique artistry to the world’s biggest stage.
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