Hip-hop fans eager to witness Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime performance may face some unexpected disappointment. According to reports, the NFL has reportedly requested the Compton rapper refrain from performing his controversial track “Not Like Us,” widely interpreted as a scathing diss aimed at fellow artist Drake.
The rumored decision comes as “Not Like Us” continues to generate buzz for its sharp lyrics, including allegations likening Drake to a pedophile. Multiple sources suggest the league is concerned about the track’s contentious nature overshadowing the event, leading them to request its removal from Lamar’s setlist.
As the rumors spread online, fans took to social media to voice their frustrations. One Twitter user passionately declared, “If ‘Not Like Us’ gets cut from the Super Bowl, the crowd better rap it word for word for the culture and for Kendrick!”
Another speculated about a deeper connection to Drake’s recent legal actions, saying, “I wonder if this lawsuit was just a way to block Kendrick from performing ‘Not Like Us’ at the Super Bowl. Imagine being such a sore loser.”
Some fans suggested bold alternatives, with one remarking, “Kendrick should just play ‘Not Like Us’ six times in a row and call it a day.”
The NFL’s alleged request coincides with an intensifying legal battle between Drake and Universal Music Group (UMG), the label behind Kendrick Lamar. Drake recently withdrew a lawsuit against Spotify and UMG, only to file a fresh one accusing UMG of devaluing his brand by promoting Lamar’s diss track.
UMG, however, denies the claims, with an official telling Variety that Drake’s lawsuit is an attempt to prevent Lamar from succeeding using the same competitive tactics Drake has reportedly employed throughout his career.
As fans await official confirmation of the Super Bowl setlist, the controversy surrounding “Not Like Us” has already fueled excitement and anticipation. Whether Kendrick will adhere to the NFL’s alleged request or stay true to his artistry remains to be seen.
