The NFL announced on Sunday that rap artist Kendrick Lamar will be the headliner at the halftime show at Super Bowl LIX.
This will be Lamar’s second time on the Super Bowl stage as he appeared along with an ensemble of artists including Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent in 2022, per Variety. Super Bowl LIX is scheduled for February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Lamar issued a statement on the news, saying, “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”
The 37-year-old Compton-born recording artist was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018, making him the first recipient who wasn’t from a jazz or classical music category. He’s also won 17 Grammy Awards along with multiple other accolades over the course of his career.
Lamar is an outspoken supporter of Black Lives Matter and other leftist social causes. He made headlines in June 2022 after donning a fake crown of thorns during a performance and dousing himself in fake blood to protest the overturning of Roe v. Wade with the Dobbs decision, as The Daily Wire previously reported.
“I wear this crown. They judge Christ. They judge you, they judge Christ,” Lamar told the cheering crowd at the time before beginning the song “Savior” as buckets of fake blood rained down on him.
Tickets for “Am I Racist?” are on sale NOW! Buy here for a theater near you.
After the song concluded, Lamar continued chanting, “They judge you, they judge Christ. Godspeed for women’s rights,” over and over as he left the stage.
Roc Nation founder Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter commented on the rapper performing at the Super Bowl this season. “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer. His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come,” he said.
Head of Music at the NFL Seth Dudowsky also shared a statement, saying, “Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar. Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop. We’re excited to collaborate with Kendrick, Roc Nation, and Apple Music to deliver another unforgettable Halftime Show.”