Multi-platinum, Grammy- and Emmy Award-winning artist Kendrick Lamar has been confirmed as the principal act for next February’s Apple Music Super Bowl LIX halftime show.

Co-founder of creative imprint pgLang, Lamar has achieved massive critical and cultural success since his debut album good kid, m.A.A.d city in 2012. Since its release, the performer has accumulated 17 Grammys, and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize for his 2017 album DAMN. Lamar’s latest album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, was released in May 2022 but he continues to enjoy success, with April of this year seeing Like That, a collaboration with Future and Metro Boomin, spending three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and Lamar’s record-breaking Not Like Us also reaching the top spot in June. Creative direction for Lamar’s performance will be provided by pgLang.

“Few artists have impacted music and culture as profoundly as Kendrick Lamar,” noted Seth Dudowsky, Head of Music at the NFL. “Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop. We’re excited to collaborate with Kendrick, Roc Nation, and Apple Music to deliver another unforgettable halftime show.”

Lamar returns to the Super Bowl stage just three years after appearing in the 2022 halftime show which also featured Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem and Mary J. Blige. The performance garnered five Emmy nominations, winning three. Earlier this year, the Super Bowl LVIII halftime starring Usher became the most-watched halftime performance of all time and garnered three 2024 Emmy nominations, while the Super Bowl LVII event featuring Rihanna scored five such nominations, taking home two.

“Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer,” insisted Roc Nation founder Shawn ‘JAY-Z’ Carter. “His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”

Super Bowl LIX takes place at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday, February 9^th.

Prior to the Super Bowl announcement, the NFL and Roc Nation launched 2024’s ‘Songs of the Season’, a season-long initiative highlighting music from superstars and emerging artists of all genres via ROC Nation distribution. Fans will hear songs across NFL platforms and league broadcast partners throughout the 2024-2025 season, as well as at stadiums and more. ‘Songs of the Season’ continues to support the NFL’s Inspire Change platform, advancing social justice initiatives.

“Music is such an integral part of everything we do at the NFL, and this year’s Songs of the Season is all about capturing the energy and passion that defines the sport,” Seth Dudowsky commented. “We’re thrilled to once again partner with Roc Nation to showcase artists whose music will enhance the fan experience throughout the season, whether you’re at home or at an NFL stadium.”

Flau’jae’s explosive hit Came Out A Beast, featuring Lil Wayne, leads this year’s Songs of the Season playlist. Flau’jae was the first McDonald’s All-American to join the LSU women’s basketball team, helping to lead them to a first NCAA national championship title in her freshman year.

(Kendrick Lamar photo courtesy of pgLang)