ClutchPoints
The Super Bowl is here, and Kendrick Lamar is ready to own the halftime stage. Some fans may have hoped for Lil Wayne to get the honor, but make no mistake—Kendrick is the last artist anyone will regret seeing. His performances are always electrifying, packed with precision, energy, and, above all, storytelling. As the lights dim and the crowd roars in anticipation, the question lingers: what song will he start with?
This seems like the obvious pick, but for good reason. The track defined an era, boasting a music video that’s closing in on a billion YouTube views. It’s loud, it’s aggressive, and it’s the kind of anthem that instantly ignites a crowd. Opening with it would send an undeniable message: Kendrick Lamar is here to set the tone.
A song that turned a snippet into a social media sensation before dropping in full and taking over playlists. While the Super Bowl is happening in New Orleans, this track’s West Coast bounce makes it impossible to resist. Its thumping beat and infectious hook would bring an undeniable energy, setting the perfect mood for the halftime show.
The moment this song plays, the stadium might just erupt. Some would argue that it should be saved for later in the set, but what if Kendrick just went for the biggest explosion right away? With a live band backing him, this could be the most electrifying opening imaginable. The song has already become an anthem beyond music, carrying cultural weight and momentum that would be impossible to ignore.
If the set doesn’t kick off with Not Like Us or Squabble Up, this could be the perfect alternative. DJ Mustard, who produced the track, revealed that Kendrick compared its energy to that of Goku, and honestly, that’s exactly what a Super Bowl halftime show needs. The closing line of the final verse even references New Orleans, making it a fitting way to launch into the performance. The added significance of the lyric tied to the city could be a strategic move to immediately connect with the audience on a deeper level.
FanDuel Canada has released odds on which song will open the set, reflecting how unpredictable Kendrick’s choice could be:
The odds are tight, which makes sense given how unpredictable Kendrick’s setlists have been in recent years. The variety in these options also reflects his deep catalog and how different audiences respond to each track.
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