Rap star Kendrick Lamar will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX halftime show in New Orleans this February.
Lamar is scheduled to perform at the Caesars Superdome in Louisiana on February 9th, and has been endorsed by the National Football League (NFL), Apple Music and Roc Nation. Announced on SundayThe news was announced just hours before the league was set to begin its first full schedule of Sunday games of the 2024 season.
The 17-time Grammy Award-winning rapper said he's looking forward to bringing rap music to the NFL Championship Game.
“Rap music remains the most influential genre, and I'm here to remind the world why: they made the right choice,” he said in a statement.
Lamar Shared the news Sunday In a YouTube video The piece features the rapper standing on a football field with a large American flag behind him.
“Hey everyone, my name is Kendrick Lamar and I will be performing at Super Bowl 59,” he said. “Are you coming? I hope so. You only get one chance to win a championship, there is no second round. … Don't miss it. See you in New Orleans on February 9, 2025. Even if you're watching from home, make sure you dress up in your best outfit.”
Roc Nation, the entertainment company founded by Jay-Z, will serve as strategic entertainment advisor for the live performance, the company announced.
Jay-Z called Lamar a “once in a generation” artist and performer.
“His deep love of hip hop and culture shapes his artistic vision,” said Jay Z. “He has the unmatched ability to define and influence culture around the world. Kendrick's work transcends music and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
Lamar, 37, is a multi-award-winning performer who quickly rose to popularity with his 2012 debut album, “Good Kid, Mad City.” He has won 17 Grammy Awards, This was the first time A non-classical, non-jazz musician who won the Pulitzer Prize in 2017 for his album DAMN. From the Associated Press (Associated Press).
Lamar made headlines earlier this year after a rap battle with Drake that took the hip-hop world by storm for several weeks and was even debated among members of Congress.
One of Lamar's most popular diss tracks hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was featured at the Democratic National Convention during the California roll call. Lamar is a Compton, California native.
While Super Bowl LIX will mark his first time headlining an NFL championship event, it won't be Lamar's first time on the Super Bowl stage: He appeared as a guest artist in 2022, performing alongside Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige and 50 Cent.
His latest album, Mr. Moral and the Big Steppers, was released in 2022. Earlier this year, he was featured on the song “Like That” with Future and Metro Boomin, which stayed at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks, according to the Associated Press.
“Few artists have had a greater impact on music and culture than Kendrick Lamar. Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique talent for creating moments that shake, redefine and ultimately shake the foundations of hip-hop,” NFL president of music Seth Dudowsky said in a statement.
Usher, eight-time Grammy Award-winning artist Headlining the halftime show at Super Bowl 53 The concert, held at Allegiant Stadium earlier this year, featured surprise guests Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Ludacris, Jermaine Dupri and Lil Jon.
The Associated Press contributed.
