Grammy-winning artist SZA is set to join forces with rap icon Kendrick Lamar for an electrifying performance at next month’s Super Bowl halftime show, marking one of the most anticipated collaborations in recent history. The announcement, which sent waves of excitement through the music industry and sports world alike, was made via a playful yet stylish teaser video released on Thursday. In the clip, Lamar is seen discussing potential guest performers on a football field before SZA appears, playfully dousing him with a slow-motion Gatorade shower. The performance is officially scheduled for February 9 in New Orleans, and fans are already counting down the days to this monumental musical event.
A Collaboration Years in the Making
Apple Music, the primary sponsor of the halftime show, released a 30-second teaser featuring both artists with the tagline: “Hip-Hop’s MVP takes the big stage, with guest performer SZA.” The announcement builds on a long-standing creative partnership between the two. SZA and Lamar have collaborated multiple times, most recently on two tracks from Lamar’s latest album, GNX—specifically, the songs “Luther” and “Gloria.” Meanwhile, Lamar made a guest appearance on SZA’s track “30 For 30,” featured on her 2024 project, SOS Deluxe: Lana.
Their history of working together dates back even further. Fans will remember their 2018 Oscar-nominated hit “All the Stars” from Black Panther: The Album, which became a cultural touchstone and solidified their status as a dynamic duo in contemporary music. With this shared creative history, their upcoming Super Bowl performance promises to be an unforgettable showcase of their musical synergy and innovation.
Aligning with a Major Tour and Career Milestones
The timing of this performance couldn’t be better, as it coincides with the launch of their upcoming Grand National Tour, set to begin in April. The tour is expected to feature high-energy performances, and the Super Bowl stage will serve as the perfect preview for what’s to come.
Lamar’s selection as the headliner was initially announced in September through an attention-grabbing promotional video featuring the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper standing in front of an American flag. In the clip, he boldly declares, “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.” His words resonated with fans and industry insiders alike, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most influential artists of his generation.
The NFL’s Vision for the Halftime Show
NFL Head of Music Seth Dudowsky weighed in on the significance of selecting Lamar, stating, “Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar. 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.”
Lamar’s return to the Super Bowl halftime show marks his second appearance on the prestigious stage. He previously performed at the 2022 Super Bowl alongside an all-star lineup that included Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige. That performance was widely praised as a landmark moment for hip-hop on one of the world’s biggest stages. Now, as a headliner, Lamar has the opportunity to curate an even more impactful show that showcases his artistry on an even grander scale.
Creative Direction and Expectations
According to reports from Adweek, Lamar’s creative agency, pgLang, will be taking the reins in shaping the visual and thematic direction of the performance. Given pgLang’s track record of pushing artistic boundaries, the halftime show is expected to be a visually stunning and conceptually profound experience. The goal? To surpass last year’s record-breaking viewership of 123.4 million, set by Usher’s performance.
Both artists are entering the performance at a high point in their careers. SZA’s latest film with Keke Palmer, One of Them Days, has achieved widespread acclaim, demonstrating her versatility beyond music. Meanwhile, Lamar’s recent diss track, “Not Like Us,” targeting fellow rapper Drake, has stirred controversy and earned Grammy nominations for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Building Anticipation for the Big Show
In the lead-up to the event, Apple Music has been curating special playlists titled “Kendrick Lamar’s Road to Halftime,” designed to build excitement and give fans a deeper appreciation of his extensive catalog. Promotional efforts have also included a teaser video featuring uniformed figures moving in formation across a football field, hinting at the visual spectacle that awaits viewers on game day.
While details of the setlist remain under wraps, industry speculation suggests that the duo may perform a mix of their iconic collaborations alongside their solo hits. If history is any indication, fans can expect a performance filled with electrifying stage presence, thought-provoking themes, and a celebration of hip-hop’s enduring cultural influence.
Conclusion
As the countdown to the Super Bowl continues, all eyes are on Kendrick Lamar and SZA, two of the most innovative and celebrated artists in modern music. With an impressive catalog of hits, a history of collaboration, and a stage as massive as the Super Bowl, their halftime show promises to be one for the history books. Whether you’re a die-hard hip-hop fan or just tuning in for the spectacle, this is one performance you won’t want to miss.
