DJ Mustard Joins Kendrick Lamar for Memorable Halftime Show as Grammy Wins Spark Controversy
In a highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime show, Kendrick Lamar was joined by DJ Mustard to deliver an electrifying performance of his latest single “TV Off” from the breakout album GNX. The performance not only captivated the audience but also coincided with recent victories for Lamar at the 2025 Grammy Awards, creating a buzz in the music industry and igniting an ongoing feud with rapper Drake.
A Memorable Performance and Creative Direction
As Lamar performed, a striking visual display accompanied the music, featuring a stage designed like a tic-tac-toe board. Just as the song reached its climax, the stadium went dark, perfectly timed with Lamar’s emphatic line “Turn his TV off,” cementing the moment in both fans’ memories and social media as it quickly was turned into memes. The halftime show was produced by Diversified Production Services, in collaboration with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and Jesse Collins, while Kendrick’s creative company, pgLang, directed the visuals and overall presentation.
Grammy Success and Competitive Tensions
This performance followed a significant achievement for Lamar, who swept all five categories he was nominated for at the Grammy Awards. His hit track “Not Like Us” not only secured top accolades, including Song of the Year and Best Music Video, but also set a notable comparison in the hip-hop community: it garnered the same number of Grammy Awards as industry heavyweight Drake has earned throughout his career, which stands at five. The competitive atmosphere was palpable as the audience at the Grammy gala enthusiastically sang along to “Not Like Us,” amplifying the tension between the two artists.
Legal Controversy Surrounding "Not Like Us"
Compounding the drama, Drake recently filed a federal lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over the promotion of “Not Like Us,” which he claims contains damaging accusations. In a pointed statement released just before the Super Bowl, Drake’s legal team accused UMG of prioritizing corporate profits over artist welfare. The statement asserted, “UMG is masquerading as a champion of artist freedom…but there is nothing entertaining about pedophilia or child abuse in the real world.”
This legal battle has left fans speculating whether Lamar would risk performing the contentious track on such a high-profile platform. Nevertheless, Lamar’s decision to include the song during the halftime show signals his indifference to the brewing controversy and highlights the fierce rivalry between the two artists.
Lamar’s Halftime Legacy
This year’s performance at the Super Bowl marked Kendrick Lamar’s second halftime show appearance, following his debut in 2022 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, where he performed alongside icons like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Each performance adds to his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary hip-hop, using national platforms to showcase not only his artistry but also his willingness to confront personal and professional rivalries publicly.
In summary, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, marked by DJ Mustard’s unexpected entry and a visually striking performance, was a significant event in his illustrious career, underscored by his recent Grammy triumphs. The potentially controversial selection of “Not Like Us,” alongside Drake’s ongoing legal challenges, suggests that the rivalry is far from over. As hip-hop continues to evolve, the unfolding narrative between these two artists captures the attention of fans and industry insiders alike, hinting at larger themes of artistic integrity, competition, and the complexities of celebrity in the music world.
