Kendrick Lamar is set to make a notable appearance at the NFL’s biggest stage next year. The Grammy-winning artist will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation confirmed on Sunday that Lamar will take center stage at the Caesars Superdome on February 9. Lamar, a rap powerhouse who has garnered 17 Grammy Awards, expressed his excitement about infusing hip-hop into the NFL’s championship game, recalling his previous halftime performance in 2022 alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, and Eminem.
“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date,” Lamar stated. “And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”
Since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012, Lamar, now 37, has soared to massive success. His exceptional talent was further validated in 2017 when he became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to receive a Pulitzer Prize for his album “DAMN.” His most recent project, “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers,” was released in 2022. Lamar’s collaboration with Future and Metro Boomin on the track “Like That” dominated the Billboard Hot 100, maintaining the number one spot for three weeks this year. He also achieved success with the hit “Not Like Us.”
Notably, Lamar has delivered memorable performances at previous award ceremonies. In 2016, he captivated audiences with a powerful seven-minute set featuring “The Blacker the Berry” and “Alright” at the 58th Grammy Awards. He continued to astound as the opener at the Grammys two years later with a stunning performance of “XXX.”
In June, Lamar transformed his Juneteenth “Pop Out” concert into a celebration of unity in Los Angeles, following a fierce rap battle with Drake. The event featured a mix of rising local talent and established stars like Tyler, The Creator, Steve Lacy, and YG.
Roc Nation founder Jay-Z praised Lamar as a “once-in-a-generation” artist and performer, emphasizing his profound love for hip-hop and culture which shapes his artistic vision. “He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come,” Jay-Z remarked.
Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins will co-executive produce the halftime show, with the creative direction led by pgLang, a company founded by Lamar and Dave Free, the latter having previously directed many of Lamar’s music videos.
“Kendrick has continuously proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop,” commented Seth Dudowsky, the head of music at the NFL.
Last year, Usher delivered a remarkable performance featuring a roster of guest stars including H.E.R., Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon, Ludacris, and Alicia Keys.
“The Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show is a celebration of the music we love and the incredible artists who make it, all on the world’s biggest stage,” said Oliver Schusser, the vice president of Apple Music and Beats.
