Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Superbowl Performace
Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime performance was a striking fusion of fashion, culture, and subtle commentary on his ongoing feud with Drake. Styled by Taylor McNeill, Kendrick was dressed in a custom varsity style jacket by Martine Rose, a black shirt, blue Celine Hedi Slimane low-waisted bootcut jeans, Nike Air DT Max 96s, a Rahaminov brooch worth $68,000, and a backwards hat. Lamar’s outfit captured his signature streetwear aesthetic, while still holding a place in the larger spectacle of the event. His loose-fitting bootcut jeans have caused a stir among the public, with flare jeans now predicted to be the biggest trouser trend of 2025! His casual yet bold look was a powerful representation of how he stays grounded in his roots while commanding attention on the global stage. Just as bell bottoms symbolised rebellion in the 1960s and 1970s, Kendrick Lamar’s choice to wear bootcut jeans reflects his defiance- not just of fashion norms but of the rap industry’s status quo, boldly asserting his independence. Whether you love or hate them, they’re making quick moves onto the catwalk scene, dominating the fashion world, and are about to be everywhere from the first Monday in May. The bootcut is back!
The performance was not just about music but also layered with cultural significance. Lamar’s backup dancers, dressed in red, white, and blue, formed an American flag, amplifying the themes of identity and patriotism, which are central to Lamar’s body of work. But the show took an even more intriguing turn when Lamar brought out Serena Williams, ex-girlfriend of Drake. This was a deliberate move that seemed to add fuel to the fire of the ongoing rivalry between Lamar and Drake. The symbolism of having Serena, a key figure in both Drake’s past and the cultural landscape, join him on stage felt like a subtle yet pointed message.
Additionally, Lamar’s performance of "Not Like Us," which many interpreted as a diss track aimed at Drake, added another layer to the tension. By bringing out Serena, who had been involved with Drake publicly, Lamar seemingly made a statement without saying a word, using fashion, stage presence, and powerful cultural icons to respond to the ongoing drama in the rap world.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show wasn’t just about music or fashion; it was a carefully orchestrated moment of cultural commentary, addressing rivalries, power dynamics, and identity through the perfect blend of performance, fashion, and symbolism.