Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl Ban?
Will “Not Like Us” Be Silenced at Super Bowl LIX?
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” dominated 2024, becoming not just a viral anthem but a cultural movement. It was played in locker rooms, blasted in arenas, and celebrated as the ultimate statement track. As the Super Bowl LIX halftime show approaches, fans are wonderingwill the NFL allow Lamar to perform his biggest hit on the game’s grandest stage? With all eyes on the league’s entertainment choices, the question isn’t just about musicit’s about control, controversy, and how much influence the NFL wants to wield over what artists can say.
The Song That Took Over
Released as part of Lamar’s ongoing feud with fellow rap legend Drake, “Not Like Us” instantly became an anthem beyond hip-hop beef. It transcended rap drama, finding a life in sports culture, from NBA players vibing to it pregame to entire stadiums erupting in cheers when the beat dropped. The song’s bouncing West Coast energy and razor-sharp lyrics made it a crowd favorite, but its underlying message could be the very thing that keeps it off the NFL stage.
Why the NFL Might Block It
The NFL is notoriously careful about its Super Bowl halftime show. This isn’t just about putting on entertainmentit’s about branding, corporate sponsorships, and maintaining an image that appeals to everyone from die-hard football fans to casual viewers. Here are a few reasons why “Not Like Us” might not make the cut:
The Hypocrisy of Hype Songs
What’s interesting is that “Not Like Us” has already been embraced by sports culture. Athletes have used it to hype themselves up, stadiums have played it to energize crowds, and it’s become a victory anthem for many teams. If the song is good enough for game day, why wouldn’t it be good enough for the Super Bowl? The NFL allows aggressive, high-energy tracks during broadcasts, yet when it comes time for the halftime showthe part of the game that caters to the largest audiencethey crack down on anything even remotely controversial.
What This Could Mean for Kendrick Lamar’s Performance
Lamar, who previously performed in the Super Bowl LVI halftime show alongside Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and others, knows how to navigate the league’s restrictions. But this time, it’s different. This would be his show, not a guest appearance, meaning full creative controlor at least as much as the NFL lets him have. If Lamar wants to bring “Not Like Us” to the Super Bowl, he may find himself negotiating with the league. Could he tweak the lyrics? Could he go the symbolic route and let the beat play while avoiding specific lines? Or will he avoid the battle entirely, opting to perform only safer, universally accepted hits?
The Bigger Picture
This debate goes beyond just one song. It’s about the NFL’s gatekeeping of culture. Hip-hop has become an inseparable part of sports, yet when it reaches its most powerful moments, the league often pumps the brakes. Fans want authenticity. They want the moments that feel real, not sanitized versions made to appease corporate sponsors. If the NFL bars Lamar from performing “Not Like Us,” it may face significant backlashnot just from hip-hop fans but from athletes and entertainers who see it as an unnecessary step in controlling what gets played.
Final Play: Will It Happen?
The NFL hasn’t officially commented on whether Kendrick Lamar will be allowed to perform “Not Like Us” at Super Bowl LIX. But if history tells us anything, the league will play it safe unless Lamar and his team push to make it happen. Whether the song gets performed or not, the fact that it’s even up for debate says something about the power of music and how it shapes culture. One thing’s certainif the NFL blocks it, plenty of fans will be blasting it in protest, proving that no ban can silence a song that has already taken over the world.
