Kendrick Lamar praised his former labelmate, SZA, during Thursday’s Apple Music Super Bowl LIX halftime show press conference. The “Not Like Us” rap star celebrated the “Kill Bill” singer, calling her journey “amazing to see.” The two will share the stage Sunday at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Asked if they had taken time to reflect on their success ahead of the Super Bowl and their upcoming Grand National Tour, Lamar admitted they hadn’t had the chance.
“Everything has been moving fast with production and rehearsals, so we’ve spoken, but we haven’t really settled into the moment,” he said. “For me, watching her career evolve has been incredible.”
Lamar recalled witnessing SZA’s early days in the studio, writing and discarding songs in pursuit of perfection. “I finally understand how some people must’ve seen me coming up,” he said. “She’s always had it. She’s always been great. I’m just honored to stand next to her talent.”
Lamar’s Super Bowl performance follows a triumphant night at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where he won five Grammys, including record of the year and song of the year for “Not Like Us.” Accepting his award, he paid tribute to the West Coast artists who shaped him.
“This is what it’s about,” Lamar said. “Nothing is more powerful than rap music. We are the culture. We’ll always be here.”
He closed his speech with a message for young artists. “Respect the art form, and it’ll take you where you need to go. I appreciate y’all. I love y’all.”
Lamar and SZA have a history of collaborations, including the Grammy-, Oscar-, and Golden Globe-nominated “All the Stars” from the Black Panther soundtrack. More recently, they worked together on “Gloria” and “Luther” from Lamar’s 2024 album GNX.
Super Bowl LIX kicks off Sunday, Feb. 9, at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the Philadelphia Eagles facing the Kansas City Chiefs. The game airs on Fox.
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