Kendrick Lamar is about to interrupt the web on Tremendous Bowl Sunday. The rap icon is formally headlining the halftime present at Tremendous Bowl 59 in New Orleans, and if that wasn’t hype sufficient, he’s bringing longtime TDE collaborator SZA alongside for the trip.
However the actual query: What’s Kendrick performing?
The Compton legend has no scarcity of bangers to select from, and with the world watching, there’s one observe that feels virtually inevitable — his five-time Grammy-winning hit “Not Like Us.” If there was ever a strategy to put a definitive interval on his headline-dominating feud with Drake, it’s by performing this observe in entrance of tens of millions.
Will Kendrick Lamar diss Drake throughout the Tremendous Bowl halftime present? Why and why not.
That’s a must-play, however we’ve gone full music nerd and crafted the final word Kendrick halftime setlist. Right here’s what we predict is coming — and what we’re manifesting.
The anticipated: Not Like Us, All of the Stars, Luther, 30 for 30
With SZA becoming a member of him on stage, it’s virtually assured that the duo will carry out certainly one of their many collaborations. The obvious selection? “All of the Stars,” the lead single from the Black Panther soundtrack — aka, the not-so-secret Kendrick-curated showcase for High Dawg Leisure artists again in 2018.
It’s simply their largest hit, racking up over 1.9 billion streams on Spotify.
From their most up-to-date collabs on GNX and SOS Deluxe, “Luther” and “30 for 30” stand out as prime picks if Kendrick and SZA resolve to gradual issues down. The previous is at present Kendrick’s hottest observe on Spotify, whereas the latter was a lead single for Lana.
However let’s be actual — essentially the most anticipated second of the night time? That belongs to “Not Like Us.” The 2024 Grammy-winning Report of the Yr and undisputed tune of the summer time, this Drake-diss anthem is virtually constructed for a mic-drop Tremendous Bowl second. After all, with Drake’s lawsuit towards Common Music Group nonetheless looming, the NFL may attempt to nudge him away from a few of these extra pointed lyrics.
Membership classics: Household Ties, HUMBLE, DNA, King Kunta, Alright
If Kendrick needs to show the Tremendous Bowl stage right into a full-blown celebration of his membership anthems, he’s acquired a lot to drag from. “Household Ties” brings high-energy braggadocio with a beat drop that’s constructed for a stadium. Plus, it’s going to be probably that if Kendrick does this tune, his cousin, rapper Child Keem, can even make an look.
“HUMBLE” and “DNA.” are straight-up mosh pit starters, full of the form of chest-thumping bravado that makes crowds go wild.
And if he needs to faucet into his signature funk-infused West Coast vibe, “King Kunta” is the transfer. However no Kendrick setlist could be full with out “Alright” — the modern-day protest anthem that grew to become a cultural rallying cry. Anticipate all the stadium to scream that hook in unison.
Mashable High Tales
GNX singles: television off, squabble up
Driving excessive off the success of his sixth studio album, GNX, it wouldn’t be a shock if Kendrick showcased a few of its largest singles — particularly for the reason that challenge is a full-blown love letter to LA and West Coast hip-hop.
“squabble up” is a masterclass in West Coast fusion, seamlessly shifting from G-funk to hyphy to even mariachi, making it a dynamic observe that may explode in a stadium setting.
In the meantime, “television off” may simply be essentially the most sonically dazzling tune on the album — a high-energy, bouncing beat paired with a message that tells his critics to actually flip the TV off. If Kendrick follows up a large Grammys win with “television off” on the Tremendous Bowl, it might be the final word victory lap.
Throwbacks/Deepcuts: i, Swimming Swimming pools, Cash Timber, LOVE, Blow My Excessive, Rigamortus
For the day-one Kendrick followers, a setlist stacked with throwbacks and deep cuts could be a dream. “i” delivers an uplifting, self-love anthem with a groove that’s tailored for a reside efficiency.
“Swimming Swimming pools” takes a darker flip, however its hypnotic hook nonetheless makes it a crowd favourite.
“Cash Timber”? An on the spot traditional, and if Jay Rock reveals up for his verse, it might be a phenomenal second for the 2 rappers who’ve gone by means of a lot collectively within the business.
For the romantics, “LOVE.” is a no brainer, providing a melodic breather in an in any other case high-energy set.
But when Kendrick actually needs to flex his rap acrobatics, “Blow My Excessive (Members Solely)” and “Rigamortus” could be deep-cut gold—showcasing his sharp lyricism and relentless stream that first put him on the map.
On a private notice, these two tracks — together with all of Part .80 — have been my introduction to Kendrick manner again in 2011 (onerous to consider that was over a decade in the past). Listening to them on the Tremendous Bowl stage could be nothing wanting surreal.
Surprises: Like That, Loyalty, Mirror, Mona Lisa, Freedom
If Kendrick needs to pack his set with jaw-dropping visitor appearances, these tracks set the stage completely. “Like That” doesn’t want Future or Metro Boomin to hit, however given it is the tune that began the Drake feud, performing it might be a daring assertion all by itself.
“Loyalty” virtually begs for a Rihanna cameo — think about the stadium erupting if she walks out unannounced, or how upset Drake could be.
“Mirror” is likely to be an surprising selection, however its introspective power might deliver a uncommon, reflective second to the spectacle.
“Mona Lisa” can be an excellent lengthy shot however its a storytelling masterclass. If Lil Wayne reveals as much as commerce bars reside in his hometown, it might be legendary.
After which there’s “Freedom” — a Beyoncé observe, however one the place Kendrick’s verse is unforgettable. If Queen Bey joins him, it might be an all-time Tremendous Bowl second, no debate.
