During the Super Bowl LIX halftime show at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Kendrick Lamar delivered a memorable performance featuring surprise guest Serena Williams.
Lamar, a native of Compton, California, shares a connection with Williams, who, although born in Michigan, moved to Compton during her childhood. Their shared roots added depth to the collaboration.
Williams’s appearance was particularly notable given her past relationship with rapper Drake. In 2015, Williams and Drake were rumored to be dating, a connection that added layers to the performance.
During the halftime show, Williams joined Lamar on stage, dancing during his performance of “Not Like Us,” a track widely interpreted as a diss aimed at Drake. This move was seen by many as a subtle jab at her former flame.
At the 2024 ESPY Awards, which Williams hosted, she humorously referenced Lamar’s influence, stating, “If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that none of us should ever pick a fight with Kendrick Lamar.” She added, “The next time Drake sits courtside at a Raptors game, they’re gonna Forrest Gump him, seats taken.” This comment highlighted the playful tension between the artists and foreshadowed her future collaboration with Lamar.
Fans quickly took to social media to express their reactions. One user noted, “The fact that Serena Williams used to date Drake and Kendrick got her up there crip walking, I will never recover.” Another commented, “I saw her, loved her, had no idea what she was doing there until I heard she and Drake used to date. Loved the pettiness.”
Williams’s participation in the halftime show not only showcased her versatility beyond tennis but also added a layer of intrigue due to her past with Drake, making the performance a standout moment in Super Bowl history.
