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Kendrick Lamar has provided more context behind his upcoming Super Bowl performance, and his beef with Drake.
The Compton native spoke to the press in New Orleans on Thursday, February 6, ahead of the big game at the Caesars Superdome. During an interview, K.Dot was asked about his intentions for all the work he put in this year between his diss tracks for Drake and his recent album GNX.
"My intent....from day one was to keep the nature of it as a sport," he replied. "I don't care how motherf****ers look at it as far as like a collaborative effort, that's cool too."
"I love when artist grit their teeth," he continued. "I still watch battle raps, I still watch Smack URL from Murda Mook to Lux to Tay Roc, my bro Daylyt, this always been the core definition of who I am and it's been the way from day one."
The discussion surrounding Kendrick Lamar and Drake's beef has ramped up over the past few weeks ahead of Lamar's set at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. His popular diss track "Not Like Us" topped the charts last year and won several awards at the 2025 Grammy Awards. It's not clear whether or not Lamar will perform the track in NOLA. However, fans can expect a lot of L.A. spirit and "storytelling" during his set.
“I’ve always been open about storytelling in my music,” Lamar said. “It’s something I’m passionate about bringing to every stage, whether it’s a world tour or a small club show.”
“I want to bring that LA energy to New Orleans for the world to see,” he continued. “I want it to radiate through the televisions and the crowd in the stadium.”
Kendrick Lamar is set to hit the stage with special guest SZA. No other performers have been confirmed but it's possible we may see a cameo from his Black Hippy brethren Ab-Soul, Jay Rock and ScHoolboy Q. His "tv off" collaborators Mustard and Lefty Gunplay might pop out as well. Super Bowl LIX is going down this Sunday, February 8, beginning at 6:30 p.m.