Kendrick Lamar is about to break the internet on Super Bowl Sunday. The rap icon is officially headlining the halftime show at Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans, and if that wasn’t hype enough, he’s bringing longtime TDE collaborator SZA along for the ride.
But the real question: What’s Kendrick performing?
The Compton legend has no shortage of bangers to choose from, and with the world watching, there’s one track that feels almost inevitable — his five-time Grammy-winning hit “Not Like Us.” If there was ever a way to put a definitive period on his headline-dominating feud with Drake, it’s by performing this track in front of millions.
That’s a must-play, but we’ve gone full music nerd and crafted the ultimate Kendrick halftime setlist. Here’s what we think is coming — and what we’re manifesting.
The expected: Not Like Us, All the Stars, Luther, 30 for 30
With SZA joining him on stage, it’s almost guaranteed that the duo will perform one of their many collaborations. The most obvious choice? “All the Stars,” the lead single from the Black Panther soundtrack — aka, the not-so-secret Kendrick-curated showcase for Top Dawg Entertainment artists back in 2018.
It’s easily their biggest hit, racking up over 1.9 billion streams on Spotify.
From their most recent collabs on GNX and SOS Deluxe, “Luther” and “30 for 30” stand out as prime picks if Kendrick and SZA decide to slow things down. The former is currently Kendrick’s most popular track on Spotify, while the latter was a lead single for Lana.
But let’s be real — the most anticipated moment of the night? That belongs to “Not Like Us.” The 2024 Grammy-winning Record of the Year and undisputed song of the summer, this Drake-diss anthem is practically built for a mic-drop Super Bowl moment. Of course, with Drake’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group still looming, the NFL might try to nudge him away from some of those more pointed lyrics.
Club classics: Family Ties, HUMBLE, DNA, King Kunta, Alright
If Kendrick wants to turn the Super Bowl stage into a full-blown celebration of his club anthems, he’s got plenty to pull from. “Family Ties” brings high-energy braggadocio with a beat drop that’s built for a stadium. Plus, it’ll be likely that if Kendrick does this song, his cousin, rapper Baby Keem, will also make an appearance.
“HUMBLE” and “DNA.” are straight-up mosh pit starters, packed with the kind of chest-thumping bravado that makes crowds go wild.
And if he wants to tap into his signature funk-infused West Coast vibe, “King Kunta” is the move. But no Kendrick setlist would be complete without “Alright” — the modern-day protest anthem that became a cultural rallying cry. Expect the entire stadium to scream that hook in unison.
Mashable Top Stories
GNX singles: tv off, squabble up
Riding high off the success of his sixth studio album, GNX, it wouldn’t be a shock if Kendrick showcased some of its biggest singles — especially since the project is a full-blown love letter to LA and West Coast hip-hop.
“squabble up” is a masterclass in West Coast fusion, seamlessly shifting from G-funk to hyphy to even mariachi, making it a dynamic track that would explode in a stadium setting.
Meanwhile, “tv off” might just be the most sonically dazzling song on the album — a high-energy, bouncing beat paired with a message that tells his critics to literally turn the TV off. If Kendrick follows up a massive Grammys win with “tv off” at the Super Bowl, it’d be the ultimate victory lap.
Throwbacks/Deepcuts: i, Swimming Pools, Money Trees, LOVE, Blow My High, Rigamortus
For the day-one Kendrick fans, a setlist stacked with throwbacks and deep cuts would be a dream. “i” delivers an uplifting, self-love anthem with a groove that’s tailor-made for a live performance.
“Swimming Pools” takes a darker turn, but its hypnotic hook still makes it a crowd favorite.
“Money Trees”? An instant classic, and if Jay Rock shows up for his verse, it’d be a beautiful moment for the two rappers who have gone through so much together in the industry.
For the romantics, “LOVE.” is a no-brainer, offering a melodic breather in an otherwise high-energy set.
But if Kendrick really wants to flex his rap acrobatics, “Blow My High (Members Only)” and “Rigamortus” would be deep-cut gold—showcasing his sharp lyricism and relentless flow that first put him on the map.
On a personal note, these two tracks — along with all of Section .80 — were my introduction to Kendrick way back in 2011 (hard to believe that was over a decade ago). Hearing them on the Super Bowl stage would be nothing short of surreal.
Surprises: Like That, Loyalty, Mirror, Mona Lisa, Freedom
If Kendrick wants to pack his set with jaw-dropping guest appearances, these tracks set the stage perfectly. “Like That” doesn’t need Future or Metro Boomin to hit, but given it’s the song that started the Drake feud, performing it would be a bold statement all on its own.
“Loyalty” practically begs for a Rihanna cameo — imagine the stadium erupting if she walks out unannounced, or how upset Drake would be.
“Mirror” might be an unexpected choice, but its introspective energy could bring a rare, reflective moment to the spectacle.
“Mona Lisa” is also a super long shot but its a storytelling masterclass. If Lil Wayne shows up to trade bars live in his hometown, it would be legendary.
And then there’s “Freedom” — a Beyoncé track, but one where Kendrick’s verse is unforgettable. If Queen Bey joins him, it’d be an all-time Super Bowl moment, no debate.
