After a huge Grammy win, Kendrick Lamar spoke at a Super Bowl press conference yesterday (February 7) and talked about his approach to preparing for the halftime show, his huge success and his approach to musical storytelling. Ta. Walking on stage to the current iconography rather than our beat, Lamar kept things easy about beef with Drake, but his diss track and surprise album GMX made rap its roots It revealed that it is to return: raw energy, lyrical fights, and intense beats.
“I think a lot of people were pushing raps against your back. You weren’t watching that grit anymore,” he explained in a conversation with Eblo Darden and Nedeska Alexis. “From the start, I saw this as a sport. Some people might see it differently, and that’s fine, but I really love the artists going for it. I still look at Battle Rap, Smack URL, Murdamook, Lux, Taylock and my peers, Daylit. This is what rap has always been for me.”
Lamar wasn’t surprised at how well he played against Drake. “I’ve been doing this for years, with my team at Carson Studios, my friend’s garage, and TDE. It’s the same, just in a big stage. I’ve been doing it for a while to know exactly how to connect it with people. I spent it.”
Beyond the drama, Lamar is preparing for the historic Super Bowl Ricks halftime show in New Orleans on Sunday night. There, he will be his first solo rap act with the headline of the 13-minute set. Fans can also expect special guest appearances from SZA ahead of the Grand National Tour in April. Known for weaving deep stories into his work, Lamar emphasized that storytelling is at the heart of his performance.
catch @kendricklamar With the guest @sza. #AppleMusichalftime #sblix https://t.co/vxwpuamykp@pglang @rocnation @nfl @nflonfox pic.twitter.com/9aqcv9mcvh
– Apple Music (@AppleMusic) January 23, 2025
“I’m always open about musical storytelling and I’m passionate about bringing it to the stage,” he shared at an Apple Music press conference. “I like listening to people, but I can also look at and think a little.”
.@kendricklamar I say I’ll look for his storytelling #AppleMusichalftime Sunday performance. He gives @oldmanebro and @neweryork Take a sneak peek at what fans can expect from the show. #sblix https://t.co/vxwpuamykp pic.twitter.com/ebbck3lcyo
– Apple Music (@AppleMusic) February 6, 2025
Before the big game, Lamar will be sitting with actor Timote Chalamett airing at 7am ET on Friday, February 7th. With five Grammy Awards wins, including Son of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, Best Music Videos, and Records from the Year that’s not like us, Lamar promises to be an unforgettable performance We are closing the week.
Check out the full interview below.
