Kendrick Lamar took center stage at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show on Sunday night (Feb. 10), delivering a performance rich with narrative depth, hidden references, and, unsurprisingly, subtle jabs at Drake.
Accompanied by SZA and DJ Mustard, K. Dot electrified the crowd with a medley of his greatest hits, including the crowd favorite “Not Like Us.” Throughout his set, he teased the track, building excitement before finally diving into the song that sent the Caesars Superdome into a frenzy. As he reached the line referencing his rival Drake, Kendrick locked eyes with the camera, flashing a mischievous grin that quickly became a viral meme.
This subtle yet impactful moment instantly became one of the most discussed highlights of the night, flooding social media with reactions. The speculation didn’t end there. During his performance, some fans speculated that his lowercase “a” pendant was a nod to his “a minor” lyric, while others suggested it simply represented his label, pgLang.
Every aspect of Kendrick’s show was meticulously planned, from his song selections to the American flag-themed stage design, and even the inclusion of Samuel Jackson as Uncle Sam. Adding to the intrigue, Serena Williams, Drake’s ex, made a surprise appearance, performing the C-walk, further emphasizing the underlying message the GNX impresario aimed to convey.
Below, take a look at some of the memes inspired by Kendrick’s iconic smile and fans’ reactions to his unforgettable performance.
