The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced Sunday that Lamar will lead the halftime festivities from Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9. The 17-time Grammy-winning rap star said he looks forward to bringing hip-hop to the NFL Championship Game, where he performed as a guest artist with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg in 2022.
“Rap music is still the most influential genre to date,” the rapper said in a statement. “And I’ll be here to remind the world why. They found the right guy.”
Lamar has enjoyed significant success since his debut album good kid, m.A.A.d city in 2012. He has since become the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize for his album DAMN of 2017.
The rapper’s latest album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers was released in 2022. It can also be heard on the song Like That with Future and Metro Boomin, a track that spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 this year. He also had another hit with Not Like Us.
Roc Nation founder Jay-Z called Lamar a “one-of-a-kind” artist and performer.
“His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision,” Jay-Z said. “He has an unmatched ability to define and influence culture on a global scale. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
Roc Nation and Emmy Award-winning producer Jesse Collins will co-executive produce the halftime show, with pgLang providing artistic direction for Lamar’s performance.
