The Philadelphia Eagles dominated the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl blowout, but it wasn’t just the game that had people talking. The halftime show delivered plenty of fireworks, with Kendrick Lamar at the center of controversy.
Fans had high expectations leading up to Kendrick’s performance, especially given his ongoing feud with Drake—one of hip-hop’s most talked-about rivalries. And Kendrick didn’t disappoint when it came to making a bold statement.
Taking the stage at Caesars Superdome, he wore a massive silver and diamond chain featuring a lowercase “a.” At first, the meaning behind the letter was unclear, but it didn’t take long for fans to connect the dots. The “a” was a direct reference to his diss track Not Like Us, where he raps, “Why you trollin’ like a b**h? Ain’t you tired? Trying to strike a chord and it’s probably A minor.”
The subtle but calculated jab at Drake had social media buzzing.
“Kendrick Lamar wearing a lowercase A (a minor) chain is diabolical work,” one fan tweeted.
Another added, “Kendrick Lamar said all he had to with that ‘a minor’ chain.”
Others speculated that the “a” could stand for “Aubrey,” referencing Drake’s real first name, making the insult even more personal.
But Kendrick wasn’t done there. He took things to another level by bringing out tennis legend Serena Williams, one of Drake’s most famous exes. The moment sent the crowd into a frenzy, and when Williams started Crip Walking on stage, the pettiness reached new heights.
Williams didn’t make any direct comments about Drake, but she made sure to share her excitement after the show. Posting on X, she wrote, “Let’s go Super Bowl halftime??! I died a little!”
The rivalry between Kendrick and Drake has been brewing since 2023, escalating after Not Like Us dropped. Things got even messier when Drake sued Universal Music Group, claiming the label helped Kendrick land the Super Bowl halftime gig. The lawsuit even alleged that Not Like Us portrayed him as a pedophile, though legal experts were skeptical that the case would hold up.
Entertainment attorney Camron Dowlatshahi told The U.S. Sun, “This is a hit song, and he’s the main artist. So I’m fairly confident he’s gonna play it.”
And he did—loud and clear.
Kendrick Lamar knows how to make a statement, whether through his lyrics, his jewelry, or his choice of guests. Fans had plenty to say about his performance, with many celebrating the way he used the stage to send a message.
One thing is for sure: this year’s Super Bowl halftime show won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
