Eminem and Kendrick Lamar, two of hip-hop’s greatest icons, have both delivered unforgettable Super Bowl Halftime Show performances, leaving an undeniable mark on music history. Each artist brought their own unique energy, solidifying rap’s dominance on one of the world’s biggest stages.
Eminem’s Super Bowl LVI Performance (2022)
At Super Bowl LVI on February 13, 2022, Eminem joined a legendary lineup featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar in what became one of the most celebrated Halftime Shows of all time.
His performance of “Lose Yourself”, alongside drummer Anderson .Paak, was a standout moment. However, it was his decision to kneel on stage—widely seen as a tribute to Colin Kaepernick and a statement on racial justice—that made headlines worldwide.
Impact and Legacy
- Widely praised by fans and critics
- Won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special
- As of March 2025, the official NFL video has surpassed 320 million views, making it the most-watched performance on the NFL’s YouTube channel
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Performance (2025)
On February 9, 2025, Kendrick Lamar made history as the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in New Orleans.
Introduced by Samuel L. Jackson, Lamar’s setlist blended new tracks and classics like HUMBLE.. He also surprised fans with a guest appearance from SZA for a powerful duet. Another standout moment was his performance of Not Like Us—a song rumored to take aim at Drake—adding an extra layer of excitement for fans.
Impact and Legacy
- First solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show
- Featured a surprise collaboration with SZA
- Considered a career-defining moment for Lamar
Eminem vs. Kendrick Lamar: Who Left the Bigger Mark?
Both performances highlight the power and influence of hip-hop on the Super Bowl stage. Eminem brought emotion, experience, and activism, while Kendrick Lamar showcased his innovative artistry and solidified his place as a modern rap legend.
While Eminem’s performance carried a powerful social message, Lamar’s headline set proved that hip-hop has fully taken over mainstream culture.
The Verdict?
Both artists have earned their place as rap icons, proving that hip-hop deserves the spotlight on music’s biggest stage. Whether through Eminem’s raw intensity or Kendrick Lamar’s boundary-pushing creativity, their performances will be remembered as some of the greatest Super Bowl Halftime Shows of all time.
