Kendrick Lamar Makes History with Epic Super Bowl Halftime Show—Snoop Dogg, SZA, and Jay Rock React!
Kendrick Lamar made history on Sunday night (February 9, 2025), becoming the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. His electrifying 15-minute performance at Caesars Superdome silenced any lingering doubts about his claim to being the best rapper alive.
The show featured a medley of hits like “HUMBLE,” “All the Stars,” and “Not Like Us,” along with stunning visuals, intricate choreography, and appearances by SZA and other collaborators. It was a landmark moment for both Kendrick and hip-hop, earning high praise from fans, peers, and legends across the music and entertainment industries.
Snoop Dogg Rides for Kendrick
Snoop Dogg, a fellow California native, documented his excitement as he watched Kendrick’s performance from home. Despite previous tensions over Snoop’s perceived support for Drake during his feud with Kendrick, Tha Doggfather left no doubt about his loyalty this time.
“The West Coast is the shit, you hear me? Get ’em, Dot. Get ’em, nephew,” Snoop exclaimed, cheering Kendrick on while rapping along to “HUMBLE.” His visible enthusiasm underscored the pride he felt for his protégé.
SZA and Jay Rock Share Their Praise
SZA, who joined Kendrick onstage to perform their Grammy-nominated hit “All the Stars” and the fan-favorite “Luther,” shared a heartfelt message of gratitude.
“THANK YOU @kendricklamar for consistently putting the world on your back. At all times,” SZA wrote on Instagram. “You’re a prophet. But you knew that. I wasn’t nervous today. I was ready to rep for you. For US. Thank you, God, Dot, and the NFL for this opportunity.”
Kendrick’s longtime friend and collaborator Jay Rock also expressed his admiration on Twitter: “K DOT 👌🏾👌🏾🔥🔥 killed it!!!!” Fellow TDE artist Doechii added: “Congratulations SZA and Kendrick! So proud of y’all, so inspired.”
Industry Legends and Peers React
The performance resonated far beyond Kendrick’s inner circle. Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav was particularly amused by the crowd’s reaction to Kendrick’s diss-filled performance of “Not Like Us,” writing: “The way the WHOLE stadium just yelled ‘A MINOOOOOOOOOORRRRR.’”
Hip-hop veteran Jermaine Dupri marveled at Kendrick’s artistry, tweeting: “Dope performance, no back track, breath control, choreography, skits, straight rap shit.”
Atlanta’s Killer Mike praised Kendrick’s dedication to the craft: “And That Was That ‘RAP SHIT.’ Wow, brilliant.”
Even outside the music world, fans like Ben Stiller, Magic Johnson, and Deion Sanders celebrated Kendrick’s show. Magic Johnson tweeted: “Kendrick Lamar brought the house down tonight! I loved his song selection and the production was amazing!”
A Historic Moment for Hip-Hop
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance solidified his place in hip-hop history. From his powerful delivery to the seamless execution of his set, Kendrick’s performance was a reminder of why he is regarded as one of the greatest artists of his generation.
As Snoop Dogg said: “The West Coast is the shit, you hear me? Get ’em, Dot.” And get ’em, he did.
