Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LVIX halftime show didn’t just entertain—it sparked a seismic shift across the music industry. His electrifying performance, which aired to a record-breaking audience of over 133.5 million viewers, became a cultural moment that catapulted his music to new heights on streaming platforms.
And his music is dominating the charts including the smash hit ‘Not Like Us’ surging back to the #1 slot according to Billboard.
Lamar’s setlist, a masterful blend of socially conscious lyrics and high-energy beats, resonated globally, sending shockwaves through the Billboard charts and reaffirming his status as one of hip-hop’s most dominant figures.
Top 10 Billboard Songs (February 22, 2025)
| 1 | Not Like Us | Kendrick Lamar |
| 2 | Luther | Kendrick Lamar & SZA |
| 3 | TV Off | Kendrick Lamar ft. Lefty Gunplay |
| 4 | Die With A Smile | Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars |
| 5 | Squabble Up | Kendrick Lamar |
| 6 | Birds Of A Feather | Billie Eilish |
| 7 | APT. | Rose & Bruno Mars |
| 8 | A Bar Song (Tipsy) | Shaboozey |
| 9 | Pink Pony Club | Chappell Roan |
| 10 | 30 For 30 | SZA with Kendrick Lamar |
A Historic Chart Takeover
Following the performance, Lamar achieved an unprecedented feat: landing five songs simultaneously in the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10. His infectious hit “Not Like Us” surged back to #1, fueled by the Super Bowl’s colossal viewership and its underlying narrative of Lamar’s lyrical sparring with fellow rapper Drake. This milestone places Lamar in an elite class of artists who have translated halftime show buzz into long-term chart success—joining icons like Prince, Beyoncé, and Shakira.
The Cultural Impact of “Not Like Us”
“Not Like Us” became more than just a chart-topping single—it evolved into a cultural talking point. The song, which originally gained traction due to its pointed lyrics about Drake, received a fresh wave of attention after Lamar’s Super Bowl performance featured subtle references to their ongoing feud. Social media platforms exploded with commentary dissecting the performance’s symbolism, from Lamar’s stage design to his lyrical delivery. Spotify reported a 225% increase in streams of the track within 24 hours of the show, while YouTube views of the official music video doubled during the same period.
Super Bowl Halftime Show: A Career-Defining Moment
This wasn’t Lamar’s first Super Bowl appearance—he previously joined Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige during the 2022 halftime show—but this performance was uniquely his own. Critics praised his commanding stage presence, innovative production, and his ability to turn a 12-minute set into a storytelling masterpiece. Entertainment Weekly hailed it as “one of the most politically and culturally resonant halftime shows in recent history.”
The Lamar-Drake Rivalry: Fueling the Fire
The Super Bowl performance reignited Lamar’s ongoing feud with Drake, which has become one of hip-hop’s most compelling rivalries. Industry insiders speculate that Lamar’s Super Bowl appearance was strategically designed to coincide with the release of Drake’s collaborative album with PartyNextDoor, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U. While Drake’s album generated significant initial buzz, analysts noted a sharp decline in streaming numbers within days of Lamar’s halftime show dominating headlines.
Streaming Dominance Beyond the Super Bowl
Lamar’s halftime show impact wasn’t limited to his newer releases. Classic tracks like “HUMBLE.” and “DNA.” experienced massive streaming surges, as younger audiences unfamiliar with his DAMN. era explored his back catalog. Apple Music reported Lamar as the most-streamed artist globally in the week following the game, surpassing even pop powerhouses like Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny.
The Legacy of Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LVIX performance solidified his place not only as a musical innovator but also as a cultural commentator capable of turning societal observations into global talking points. With five tracks dominating the top 10 and his album streams skyrocketing, Lamar’s halftime show wasn’t just a musical event—it was a defining moment for hip-hop’s modern era.
Key Takeaways
- Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance sparked massive streaming gains across his catalog
- Five songs from Lamar now occupy spots in the Billboard Hot 100 top 10
- “Not Like Us” returns to #1 following the halftime show performance
Kendrick Lamar’s Billboard Hot 100 Takeover
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance on February 9, 2025, sparked a massive surge in his music’s popularity across the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with multiple songs reaching top positions simultaneously.
Chart Success of ‘Not Like Us’
“Not Like Us” shot from #15 to reclaim its #1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 following Lamar’s electrifying Super Bowl performance. This marks the song’s third non-consecutive week at the top spot.
The track’s resurgence stems from significant increases in streaming numbers across platforms like Apple Music and iTunes. Digital sales jumped 425% in the week following the performance.
The song’s streaming performance has been particularly strong on major platforms, generating over 2 million streams within 24 hours of the Super Bowl broadcast.
Kendrick Lamar’s Dominance with Top 10 Hits
Lamar currently holds five spots in the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10. This rare achievement places him among an elite group of artists who have dominated the charts so comprehensively.
His current Top 10 positions include:
- “Not Like Us” (#1)
- “luther” (#3)
- “DNA” (#5)
- “HUMBLE” (#7)
- “Money Trees” (#9)
The Grammy-winning artist’s streaming numbers have increased by 300% across all platforms since the Super Bowl performance.
Artist Profile: Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s influence in hip-hop continues to grow with each release. The Universal Music Group artist has earned 14 Grammy Awards throughout his career.
His latest achievement with multiple songs in the Top 10 demonstrates his ability to maintain relevance while pushing artistic boundaries. Sales data from Luminate shows his music resonating strongly with both longtime fans and new listeners.
The rapper’s commercial success matches his critical acclaim, with his albums consistently debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200.
Cultural Impact of Kendrick Lamar’s Music
Kendrick Lamar stands as a defining voice in modern music, transforming hip-hop through his thought-provoking lyrics and innovative musical approach. His recent Super Bowl performance showcased his ability to merge artistic excellence with powerful social messaging.
Influence on Hip-Hop and Popular Music
Lamar’s artistic innovations have reshaped hip-hop’s creative boundaries. His 2017 album “DAMN.” earned him a Pulitzer Prize – the first non-jazz or classical artist to receive this honor.
His storytelling techniques and complex rhyme schemes have inspired a new generation of artists. Songs like “DNA” demonstrate his mastery of multiple flow patterns and layered metaphors.
The success of the “Black Panther” soundtrack, which Lamar curated and performed on, proved his ability to bridge mainstream entertainment with authentic hip-hop artistry. “All the Stars” earned both Grammy and Oscar nominations.
Collaborations and Industry Recognition
Lamar’s collaborations span genres and generations. He has worked with artists from Dr. Dre to Taylor Swift, each partnership expanding hip-hop’s reach.
His 5 Grammy wins in 2025 add to an impressive collection of 19 total Grammy Awards. The Recording Academy has recognized his work across multiple categories, from Best Rap Album to Album of the Year.
Major brands seek his creative input, leading to partnerships with Nike, Beats by Dre, and most recently, Apple Music’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show.
Music as Social Commentary
His Super Bowl LIX performance featured Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam, challenging traditional American symbolism through a Black perspective.
Lamar’s lyrics address systemic racism, mental health, and social inequality. His music serves as a historical document of Black American experiences.
Each album creates dialogue about critical social issues. His work connects personal struggles with broader societal challenges, giving voice to marginalized communities.
Recent songs like “Not Like Us” continue his tradition of mixing commercial success with meaningful commentary on contemporary social issues.
A Historic Super Bowl Halftime Show Performance
Kendrick Lamar delivered a groundbreaking performance at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, marking the first time a solo hip-hop artist headlined the prestigious halftime show.
Super Bowl LIX’s Musical Showcase
The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome transformed into Kendrick Lamar’s stage on February 9, 2025. The 22-time Grammy winner performed a dynamic set featuring his classic hits alongside new tracks from his latest album.
Samuel L. Jackson made a surprise appearance during the show, adding star power to an already electrifying performance. The setlist included fan favorites and new singles like “TV Off” and “Squabble Up.”
The stage design incorporated innovative visual elements, with Lamar’s signature storytelling approach weaving through each segment. His performance featured elaborate choreography and stunning lighting effects.
Reception and Significance of the Performance
The show drew massive viewership numbers and immediate critical acclaim across social media platforms. Music critics praised Lamar’s artistic vision and seamless blend of social commentary with entertainment.
This performance broke new ground as the first solo hip-hop headlining act in Super Bowl history. The achievement represents a significant milestone for rap music in mainstream American culture.
The show’s impact extended beyond entertainment, with streaming numbers for Lamar’s catalog seeing substantial increases across all platforms. His performance of “Peekaboo” particularly resonated with viewers, becoming an instant viral moment.
Social media engagement during the show set new records for a halftime performance, with millions of tweets and posts discussing the historic event.
Exploring Kendrick Lamar’s Creative Universe
Kendrick Lamar’s artistic vision spans multiple forms of expression, from complex musical narratives to powerful stage performances that challenge societal norms. His work connects deeply with audiences through intricate storytelling and social commentary.
Themes and Narratives in Kendrick Lamar’s Discography
Lamar’s latest hit “Not Like Us” builds on his signature style of weaving personal experiences with social commentary. The track addresses identity and authenticity in the music industry.
His recent feud with Drake sparked three diss tracks, including “Gnx,” which dominated social media conversations throughout January 2025. The rivalry showcases Lamar’s sharp wordplay and competitive spirit.
Each album creates its own universe. His Compton roots remain central to his storytelling, while his collaboration with SZA on “Control” demonstrates his ability to blend different musical styles.
Lamar’s Presence in Media Beyond Music
The 2025 Super Bowl performance proved Lamar’s mastery of visual storytelling. His stage design featured symbolic elements representing his journey from Compton to global stardom.
Universal Music Group reports that Lamar’s streaming catalog grew 300% after the Super Bowl show. His music videos consistently generate millions of views within hours of release.
His upcoming North American tour will feature innovative stage designs and multimedia elements. The tour includes special installations that let fans interact with recreated scenes from his music videos.
Recent partnerships with major brands have expanded his influence beyond music. These collaborations maintain his artistic integrity while reaching new audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kendrick Lamar’s recent Super Bowl performance has sparked renewed interest in his chart success, with multiple songs reaching Billboard’s top positions and impressive streaming numbers across platforms.
How many songs does Kendrick Lamar have in the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10?
Kendrick Lamar currently holds 5 positions in the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10. This achievement marks his strongest presence on the charts since his career began.
His surge in chart positions follows his memorable Super Bowl halftime show performance.
What is the duration of ‘Not Like Us’ at the number 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100?
‘Not Like Us’ has maintained the number 1 position for 3 consecutive weeks. The song returned to the top spot after Lamar’s Super Bowl performance.
Streaming numbers for the track doubled in the 24 hours following the halftime show.
What are the chart-topping hits of Kendrick Lamar on the Billboard Hot 100?
‘Not Like Us’ leads his current chart success at #1. Other hits in the top 10 include ‘Man at The Garden’ (#3), ‘Street Lights’ (#5), ‘Downtown’ (#7), and ‘Mirror Talk’ (#9).
How many number 1 songs does Kendrick Lamar have to his credit?
Kendrick Lamar has achieved 4 number 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. His first chart-topper was ‘HUMBLE.’ in 2017.
‘Not Like Us’ represents his fourth number 1 hit.
Can you list Kendrick Lamar’s albums that have reached number 1?
All five of Lamar’s major studio albums have reached number 1 on the Billboard 200. These include ‘good kid, m.A.A.d city’, ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’, ‘DAMN.’, ‘Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers’, and his latest release.
Which artist holds the record for the longest duration at number 1 on the Billboard chart?
Lil Nas X holds the record with ‘Old Town Road’ at 19 weeks at number 1. This record was set in 2019.
The previous record was 16 weeks, held jointly by ‘Despacito’ and ‘One Sweet Day’.
