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In a statement on Sunday, the artist Kendrick Lamar confirmed that he will be headlining the next year’s Super Bowl half-time show in New Orleans.
“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why,” Lamar said in a statement on social media.
“They got the right one.”
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Next year’s Super Bowl will take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9.
The National Football League showpiece is the biggest annual event on the US sporting calendar, with the half-time concert traditionally one of the highlights of the spectacle.
A list of past Super Bowl half-time performers reads like a Who’s Who of the music world, including the likes of the Rolling Stones, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, U2, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Beyonce.
Rap and hip hop have also been well-represented, with Lamar featuring alongside the likes of Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eminem and 50 Cent in a memorable performance at the 2022 Super Bowl in Los Angeles.
“Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar,” the NFL’s head of music Seth Dudowsky said in a statement.
“Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop,” he said.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Kendrick, (entertainment company) Roc Nation, and Apple Music to deliver another unforgettable halftime show.”
Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation co-produces the halftime show, added in a statement, “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer. His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs 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.”
Lamar and Dave Free’s pgLang will serve as creative directors on the Super Bowl halftime performance.
Seth Dudowsky, Head of Music at the NFL, added in a statement, “Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar. Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop.”
Lamar has spent much of 2024 engaged in a culture-shaking rap beef with Drake, a feud that has resulted in new classics like “Meet the Grahams,” “6:16 in LA,” “Euphoria,” and Song of the Summer contender “Not Like Us.” The battle had largely subsided by summer’s end, with numerous media outlets declaring Lamar the victor, with his pick as Super Bowl performer only solidifying that decision.
