Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show Draws 125 FCC Complaints, Including a Few Drake Feud Gripes
Kendrick Lamar’s electrifying Super Bowl LIX halftime performance on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans was a historic moment for hip-hop. As the first solo rap artist to headline the iconic event, Lamar delivered a 13-minute set that captivated an estimated 133.5 million viewers—the largest audience ever recorded for a Super Bowl halftime show. However, the performance, which included a fiery rendition of his chart-topping diss track “Not Like Us,” didn’t sit well with everyone. According to a report by TMZ, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) received 125 complaints about the show, with a handful specifically targeting Lamar’s ongoing feud with Drake.
A Record-Breaking Performance with Controversy
Lamar’s halftime show was a cultural milestone, blending high-energy performances of hits like “HUMBLE.” and “DNA” with a powerful political undertone introduced by Samuel L. Jackson, who appeared as Uncle Sam. The standout moment, however, came when Lamar performed “Not Like Us,” his Grammy-winning diss track aimed at Drake. The song, which has fueled one of the most talked-about rap rivalries in recent years, saw Lamar flashing a “devious smile” to the camera as he delivered pointed lyrics. He even teased the audience beforehand, saying, “I want to perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue,” a nod to Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over the track’s allegations.
The performance wasn’t just a musical flex—it was a victory lap in Lamar’s feud with Drake, which dates back to 2013 and escalated in 2024 with a series of diss tracks. Featuring a surprise cameo from Serena Williams—Drake’s rumored ex—the show added an extra layer of personal provocation. For many fans, it was a triumphant moment for Lamar, who has dominated the cultural conversation with “Not Like Us” and his recent five Grammy wins. But for some viewers, it crossed a line.
FCC Complaints: Drake Feud and Beyond
Roughly six weeks after the Super Bowl, TMZ obtained the 125 complaints lodged with the FCC, revealing a mix of grievances. While the majority focused on broader issues—such as “inappropriate lyrics,” “raunchy dance moves,” and perceived “anti-American themes”—at least 10 zeroed in on Lamar’s jabs at Drake. Critics accused Lamar of using the Super Bowl platform to push a “personal vendetta.” One complainant wrote, “Kendrick Lamar made fake false and scandalous claims that are unfounded. He [said] Drake was a pedophile on TV in front of millions of ppl, do better, this is a sad day.” Another called out the halftime show for allowing Lamar to air his beef, arguing it was inappropriate for such a massive audience.
The Drake-related complaints stem from “Not Like Us,” where Lamar accuses the Canadian rapper of serious misconduct, including pedophilia—claims Drake has denied and countered with legal action against UMG, though not Lamar directly. Drake’s lawsuit alleges UMG knowingly promoted a “malicious narrative” for profit, a point his legal team later tied to the Super Bowl performance, citing its 133.5 million viewers as evidence of ongoing harm.
Interestingly, the 125 complaints pale in comparison to past halftime controversies. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s 2020 performance drew over 1,300 FCC complaints, while Rihanna’s 2024 show garnered just over 100. Lamar’s relatively low complaint count suggests that, for most of his massive audience, the show was a resounding success.
The Bigger Picture: Lamar’s Triumph and Drake’s Response
For Kendrick Lamar, the Super Bowl was more than a performance—it was a statement. As he told the BBC, the success of “Not Like Us” and his selection as the halftime headliner “meant everything” to him, reflecting his mission to restore rap’s “bite” as an art form. The show, coupled with the song’s return to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 post-performance, cemented his dominance in the feud and the genre.
Drake, meanwhile, didn’t stay silent. Five days after the Super Bowl, he dropped Some Sexy Songs 4 U, a collaborative album with PartyNextDoor. The track “Gimme a Hug” appeared to address the rivalry, with Drake rapping, “F*** a rap beef, I’m tryna get the party lit,” signaling a possible pivot away from the conflict. Yet, his legal team kept the feud alive, referencing Lamar’s halftime show in court filings to argue against delays in the UMG lawsuit.
A Polarizing Moment in Hip-Hop History
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show will be remembered as a landmark for hip-hop—a solo rapper commanding the world’s biggest stage with unapologetic swagger. The 125 FCC complaints, including the handful griping about his Drake feud, are a footnote in a performance that resonated with millions. Whether it’s the artistry, the controversy, or the sheer scale of the event, Lamar’s set proved once again why he’s a force in music—and why his rivalry with Drake continues to captivate the world.
