Kendrick Lamar debuted his latest song – his first since the release of “Not Like Us” – just in time for the start of the Video Music Awards on Wednesday night. The thoughtful new song also arrived amid controversy surrounding the announcement four days earlier that he would headline the Super Bowl LIX halftime show.
Although the untitled track is not yet available on streaming services Spotify and Apple Music, it has been released on Lamar’s social media channels and begins with the statement, “I think it’s time to watch the party die.” Soon after, Lamar launches into the first verse, “If they can’t see the future first, then why fight with these clowns?/If the circus is working well, then just go toe-to-toe with the man/That’s enough. Everybody’s solid/It’s love, but tough love sometimes has to end in violence,” before explaining, “Influencers talk down because I don’t agree with the basic shit/But they don’t hate me. They hate the man I represent.”
The song also contains references to Lamar’s collaborator Terrace Martin and rapper Lecrae.
On Sunday, the NFL, Roc Nation and Apple Music announced that Lamar will perform at center field at the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show on February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
“Rap music remains the most influential genre to date. And I will be there to remind the world why,” Lamar said in a statement. “You hit the right note.”
In a separate statement, Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation is co-producing the halftime show, called the artist “a truly one-of-a-kind artist and performer.” Jay-Z added, “His deep love of hip-hop and culture shapes his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture worldwide. Kendrick’s work transcends music and his influence will be felt for years to come.”
The announcement, however, quickly sparked controversy as artists close to New Orleans native Lil Wayne took to social media to criticize the NFL’s decision to choose Lamar rather than Wayne to headline the halftime show.
