During the Super Bowl LIX halftime show at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Kendrick Lamar delivered a powerful performance that included his Grammy-winning diss track, "Not Like Us."
Notably, Lamar altered the song's lyrics, omitting the term "pedophile" from the line, "Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophile," which is widely interpreted as targeting fellow rapper Drake.i
This modification comes amid an ongoing legal battle between Drake and Universal Music Group (UMG). Drake has filed a defamation lawsuit against UMG, alleging that the label facilitated the release and promotion of "Not Like Us," which he claims contains false and damaging allegations against him.
By adjusting the lyrics during this high-profile performance, Lamar navigated the complexities of delivering his art while acknowledging the sensitive nature of the ongoing legal proceedings. The performance maintained its intensity and message, even with the omission, highlighting Lamar's ability to adapt his work for a broad audience without compromising its core impact.
The Super Bowl audience was also treated to surprise appearances by SZA and Serena Williams during Lamar's set, adding to the show's dynamic energy.
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