At the Super Bowl showdown between the Eagles and the Chiefs, hip-hop superstar Kendrick Lamar took center stage in New Orleans, captivating millions with his electrifying performance. While he made headlines recently due to his ongoing feud with Drake, it seems his Super Bowl appearance has generated another buzz in the NFL community.
Rumors have emerged suggesting the NFL considered fining Lamar for references in his performance, particularly regarding his rival. Notably, his lyrics from the song “Not Like Us” stirred controversy, catching the attention of fans and officials alike. Lines that hinted at sensitive subjects raised eyebrows, yet it’s important to note that Kendrick Lamar did not end up facing any fines following the event.
Adding to the spectacle of the performance, Lamar brought out fellow artists SZA and Serena Williams, both of whom have prior ties to Drake. Their surprise appearances sent social media into a frenzy, amplifying the drama surrounding the already charged atmosphere of the game.
In a twist of events, while Lamar managed to avoid any financial penalties, a “streaker” who made headlines by rushing the stage with a Palestine flag received a lifetime ban from NFL activities. Fortunately for him, he avoided any criminal charges.
Interestingly, the NFL has maintained its stance since 2016 that performers for the Super Bowl do not get paid in a traditional sense. Instead, they cover all expenses for the artists, which means Kendrick Lamar also did not receive a paycheck for the prestigious performance. The NFL views the exposure from the Super Bowl—an audience that reached 133 million viewers—as a form of payment, providing an unparalleled platform that few artists experience in their careers.
So, while Kendrick faced his share of drama on social media and with the league, he walked away from the Super Bowl with visibility that could be priceless as he continues to solidify his legacy in the music industry.
