American rapper Kendrick Lamar is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, as confirmed by the National Football League and Apple Music on Sunday.
This marks the second appearance for the Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist at one of music’s most high-profile events, and his first time as the main act.
“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date, and I’ll be there to remind the world why,” Lamar said in a statement. “They got the right one.”
The event is scheduled for February 9 in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.
At the 2022 Super Bowl, Lamar shared the stage with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige. That performance won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live).
At 37, the Compton-born rapper is celebrated as one of the most innovative lyricists in hip-hop. In 2018, he became the first hip-hop artist awarded the Pulitzer Prize for music.
“Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop,” commented Seth Dudowsky, NFL’s Head of Music.
This year, Lamar was in the news for a public feud with Canadian rapper Drake, which saw them releasing several diss tracks.
Among these, two tracks featuring Lamar, Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That” and Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” became major hits.
Past performers at this massive sports event include Rihanna, Usher, Beyoncé, the Rolling Stones, and Bruce Springsteen.
The Super Bowl is the biggest sports event in the US, attracting tens of millions of viewers and broadcast worldwide.
