Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show has the viewers divided. While some are praising the rapper for his ingenious and incredible performance, others have several reasons to criticize him. Well, you see Taylor Swift fans are upset that Lamar didn’t perform their collaboration, Bad Blood. A very plausible reason if you’re a Swiftie. Shaquille O’Neal, who had previously shown his love for the rapper, also opened up about his one complaint about Lamar, while the same was appreciated by Jamal Crawford. Confused?
Like many fans, Big Aristotle also fixated his eyes on the TV to watch this much-anticipated show. And don’t get the wrong idea—he absolutely loved it and was even gushing over it during the latest episode of The Big Podcast. “I liked it and I like what’s going on now. Everyone’s talking about it so great job by Kendrick…marketing expert you know the funny thing is you see people grab their phone and give their opinion. Kendrick Lamar don’t care about that I thought it was great,” he said.
And his only complaint might also be relatable to you. “I would have liked him to play a couple more hits,” as he sang the verses of one of Lamar’s song which was likely ‘m.A.A.d city’ while host Adam Lefkoe also agreed as he suggested (seemingly) ‘Alright.’
Fans initially feared that Lamar might not perform his most controversial song, Not Like Us, a diss track aimed at Canadian rapper Drake considering the lawsuit. However, much to fans’ relief, he performed it. And oh, he also performed the song that O’Neal just wouldn’t stop obsessing over on TNT.
Yes, we’re talking about the famous TV Off. O’Neal and the rest of the cast were seen vibing to Mustard’s chants on NBA Tip-Off. When Jalen Rose, who replaced Kenny Smith, hinted at a fear of a lawsuit, host Ernie Johnson brushed it off.
Grammy award winning rapper Kendrick Lamar headlines the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday, February 9, 2025. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY SBP202502091026 JOHNxANGELILLO
O’Neal also found Serena Williams’ crip walk on Not Like Us and the drama surrounding it quite amusing. “Serena was jamming wasn’t she?” O’Neal noted. Lamar performed Squabble Up, HUMBLE., DNA., Euphoria, Man at the Garden, Peekaboo, and more. It seems the Grammy Award-winning rapper only had to perform a few more of his hits to make O’Neal happy. But he certainly thrilled Jamal Crawford with such a display!
Jamal Crawford loved the uniqueness of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance
This 2025 Super Bowl performance was definitely a hit, with 127.7 million U.S. viewers across television and streaming platforms. And as for Crawford, his perspective on the rapper has completely changed. Amidst the rising criticism over the snub of Lil Wayne, Crawford had previously announced, “Only one KDOT.”
After the performance, the former Chicago Bulls legend appreciated the rapper’s unique choice to break away from the trend of Super Bowl Halftime performers only performing their hits.
“The only star I’ve ever seen play the Super Bowl, and not do all their “hits”. Thinking different! Kendrick. Respect bro!” Crawford said. Not just retired NBA player, but Magic Johnson also had words of praise for the rapper. “Kendrick Lamar brought the house down tonight in his half time performance! I loved his song selection and the production was amazing!” Johnson wrote. While yes, some of Lamar’s hits got snubbed but his performance also got appreciated by many and despite unfufilled wish, the Los Angeles Lakers legend was seemingly satisfied.
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