Rap megastar Kendrick Lamar will headline the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show

LOS ANGELES – Kendrick Lamar will perform on the NFL’s biggest stage next year: The Grammy winner will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans.

The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced Sunday that Lamar would headline the halftime festivities on Feb. 9 from Caesars Superdome. The rap megastar, who has won 17 Grammys, said he was excited to bring hip-hop to the NFL's championship game, where he performed as a guest artist with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent and Eminem in 2022.

“Rap music remains the most influential genre to date,” Lamar said in a statement. “And I'll be there to remind the world why. You've found the right thing.”

Lamar, 37, has had huge success since his debut album, “good kid, mAAd city,” in 2012. Since then, he has won 17 Grammys and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize for his 2017 album, “DAMN.”

The rapper's latest album, “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers,” was released in 2022. He appeared with Future and Metro Boomin on the song “Like That,” which spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 this year. He also had another hit with “Not Like Us.”

In 2016, Lamar delivered a stunning seven-minute performance at the 58th Grammy Awards, featuring tracks like “The Blacker the Berry” and “Alright.” Two years later, Lamar opened the Grammys with a performance of “XXX.”

In June, Lamar turned his Juneteenth concert, “Pop Out,” into a celebration of Los Angeles unity. It followed shortly after his rap battle with Drake during the three-hour concert, which featured a mix of up-and-coming LA rappers and stars like Tyler, The Creator, Steve Lacy and YG.

Roc Nation founder Jay-Z called Lamar a once-in-a-generation artist and performer.

“His deep love for hip-hop and culture shapes his artistic vision,” said Jay-Z. “He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture worldwide. Kendrick's work transcends music and his influence will be felt for years to come.”

Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins will serve as co-executive producers of the halftime show, while creative direction for Lamar's performance will be provided by pgLang, a creative company founded by Lamar and Dave Free – who previously directed the rapper's music videos.

“Kendrick has demonstrated time and again his unique ability to create moments that resonate, redefine and ultimately shake the foundations of hip-hop,” said Seth Dudowsky, NFL music director.

Last year, Usher shone with a star-studded show with guests such as HER, Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon, Ludacris and Alicia Keys.

“The Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show is a celebration of the music we love and the incredible artists who make it – all on the biggest stage in the world,” said Oliver Schusser, vice president of Apple Music and Beats.