By Madison Fessler / The Jambar
The Super Bowl is this Sunday and while I couldn’t care for the game, I’m excited for the halftime performance.
Pulitzer Prize and 22 Grammy winning rapper, Kendrick Lamar, will perform at Super Bowl LIX. I’ve been a fan of his since the album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” released in 2011.
The New York Times released predictions for what songs Lamar would perform and I want to add my two cents, or at least the songs I hope are a part of the set list.
Lamar is potentially bringing out Solána Rowe, professionally known as SZA, as a guest, so obviously they have to perform at least one of their collaborations. I hope the duo picks “luther” as I absolutely love that song.
However, I think “All The Stars” will make the setlist, as it’s Lamar’s most streamed song on Spotify with over one billion plays.
Lamar is definitely going to play “Not Like Us,” the song that won him five Grammys. The New York Times also predicted this song and “tv off” are going to be on the Super Bowl stage.
All these songs are off albums post-pandemic, so let’s look at his earlier career. I need to hear “Money Trees.” I feel like it’s a requirement after the year Lamar has had.
While I would love for the entire “DAMN.” album to be performed, I understand time limits on the performance. I believe he’ll pay homage to what critics call his best work with “DNA.” and “HUMBLE.,” his most recognized songs off that album.
Robyn Fenty, known as Rihanna, performed the Super Bowl LVII halftime performance, bringing her out for “LOYALTY” would be a great callback to her iconic show.
There’s some songs I’m not sure he’ll play, but I’d love to hear and witness. “Swimming Pools (Drank),” “squabble up,” “Alright” and “N95” should be on the setlist, but I’m biased towards those songs.
I would love for the entire halftime to be a recap of the beef between Lamar and five-time Grammy winner Drake, as it’s arguably the most influential rap beef since Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.
It would be insane, especially now that Lamar is the only artist to win a Grammy for a diss track, let alone five for “Not Like Us.”
SZA is practically confirmed as the guest performer, but there are other artists I hope he highlights. Bringing out U2 for “XXX.” might make people lose their minds. I feel like Jay Rock deserves to be on that stage, given the role he’s played in Lamar’s come up.
I also believe inviting Hykeem Carter Jr., known as Baby Keem, for “family ties” would be the perfect closer to the set and hype the crowd up for the second half of a game most people don’t care to watch.
Then again, I’m incredibly biased towards my favorite songs being played and there’s no telling what Lamar will show out with Feb. 9.
