The biggest loser of the Super Bowl isn’t just the Chiefs — it’s also Drake. The Toronto-born rapper found himself on the receiving end of a jubilant and petty Kendrick Lamar, who made sure to get his licks in during his Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show performance with SZA.
The set was high-energy and fast-paced, but Kendrick is a master of the subtle (and not-so-subtle) jab. So, for those who might have missed a moment, we’ve rounded up every shot, diss, and subliminal Kendrick slipped into his Halftime Show in New Orleans.
A-minor chain
The most glaring subliminal shot at Drake came in the form of Kendrick’s “A minor” chain. The gleaming pendant was a centerpiece of his Halftime Show look, and it didn’t go unnoticed. A not-so-subtle nod to the now-infamous beat selection discourse that erupted during their feud, the jewelry choice was equal parts flex and troll—precisely the kind of calculated pettiness Kendrick excels at.
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‘Not Like Us’
You knew it was coming, and of course, he delivered. Kendrick Lamar hit the Super Bowl LIX stage and performed “Not Like Us” to the absolute delight of the 73,000 fans packed into the Superdome. He teased it, stretched out the moment, and — naturally — skipped over the more explicit lines (national television and all), but when the beat dropped, the crowd took over. Thousands belted out “A minor,” making sure the message was heard loud and clear. Good thing Drake is conveniently on tour in Australia right now.
Serena Williams
In a moment no one saw coming, Serena Williams hit the stage to hit a smooth Crip Walk during the performance of “Not Like Us.” The moment wasn’t just electric; it was layered. Serena and Drake famously dated years ago and seeing her do that dance felt like a final, brutal nail in the coffin.
‘Game over’
To close out his set, Kendrick Lamar ended with “TV Off,” a track widely interpreted as a direct message to his haters—literally telling them to turn the TV off if they can’t handle it. As the final notes rang out, Kendrick, smiling, gestured for the camera to move forward.
Then, in a perfectly orchestrated mic-drop moment, the stadium lights cut out, revealing “GAME OVER” spelled out in the stands. A fitting end to a performance that was equal parts spectacle, statement, and straight-up victory lap.
