DJ Mustard electrified the crowd during the halftime set, joining Kendrick Lamar on stage as the hit song “TV Off” resonated throughout the stadium. In a moment that quickly became viral, Lamar passionately shouted “Turn his TV off” just as the visuals on screens went dark, creating a powerful connection with the audience.
The creative direction for this captivating performance was orchestrated by Lamar’s company, pgLang. The halftime show’s production was led by Diversified Production Services, with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and Jesse Collins at the helm as executive producers. Hamish Hamilton directed the show, while Roc Nation provided strategic entertainment advice, elevating the live performance to new heights.
This show followed the recent surprise release of Lamar’s album, “GNX,” along with his impressive wins at the 2025 Grammy Awards. The worldwide star dominated the ceremony, taking home five awards for his trailblazing single “Not Like Us,” which matched the total Grammy count of his diss track’s target. The applause at the gala echoed the audience’s enthusiasm for Lamar’s memorable performance.
Moreover, the backdrop of the halftime show featured the ongoing federal lawsuit filed by Drake against Universal Music Group (UMG) in relation to their promotion of “Not Like Us.” This litigation has stirred debates about whether Lamar would choose to perform the controversial track on such a prominent platform. Just before the show, Drake’s legal team issued a statement condemning UMG, claiming the company exploited artists’ welfare for profit while failing to address serious issues in the industry.
Lamar previously made his Super Bowl halftime show debut in 2022 in Inglewood, California, sharing the spotlight with a star-studded lineup including Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, Anderson .Paak, and Mary J. Blige. The anticipation surrounding his performances continues to captivate fans and elevate the intersection of music and sport.