Kendrick Lamar is again on the largest stage in sports activities. The rap icon is about to headline the Tremendous Bowl 59 halftime present because the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs face off towards the Philadelphia Eagles — spherical two in a high-stakes rematch simply three years within the making. It marks Lamar’s first return to the Tremendous Bowl stage since his 2022 efficiency alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Mary J. Blige, however this time, he’s operating the present solo.
Hypothesis over shock friends is at a fever pitch. One title is already locked in: longtime collaborator SZA, which is of no shock because the two introduced they’d be happening tour collectively.
That is Kendrick Lamar although so there might be extra friends. Right here’s who else may be stepping onto that stage with him:
Lefty Gunplay
A Lefty Gunplay cameo wouldn’t be stunning — particularly if Kendrick needs to make waves in New Orleans. The L.A. rapper is one among a number of hometown voices featured on GNX, showing on the standout single “TV Off.” If Kendrick provides it to the setlist, bringing Lefty alongside looks like a no brainer.
There’s additionally an actual risk that, very similar to his The Pop Out occasion in Inglewood, Kendrick opts for a full-circle second — bringing the complete GNX roster on stage as a tribute to their shared L.A. roots.
Child Keem
Household ties run deep. Child Keem, Kendrick’s cousin and frequent collaborator, has been one among rap’s most enjoyable new voices. “Household Ties” received them a Grammy, and their chemistry on stage is untouchable.
Mashable High Tales
A Keem look can be high-energy, high-impact, and completely anticipated.
Future & Metro Boomin
The enemy of my enemy is my halftime visitor? Metro and Future have each had their points with Drake, and with Not Like Us sweeping the Grammys, there’s no higher time for some strategic alliances.
Metro’s manufacturing formed an period, and Future’s hypnotic stream may flip this into a full-circle second. In the event that they come out for “Like That” or “Masks Off,” the subs might be loud, the gang might be louder, and the web won’t survive.
Pusha T
Persevering with the pattern of “dudes who’ve beef with Drake” bringing out Pusha T could possibly be seen as the final word energy transfer.
Pusha T already ended one chapter of Drake’s saga with “The Story of Adidon” and with “Not Like Us” solidifying Lamar as hip-hop’s reigning diss champion, this could be the exclamation level.
Lil Wayne
A rap elder statesman and a generational icon — Lil Wayne stays among the finest to ever do it. His respect for Kendrick has all the time been mutual, however their relationship feels oddly strained in the meanwhile. A shock halftime cameo may function an olive department.
Wayne hasn’t been shy about his frustration over being snubbed for the Tremendous Bowl in his personal hometown, claiming the NFL “ripped” the present away from him. Whether or not or not he nonetheless holds the load to headline is one other debate totally, however the sting is actual.