Kendrick Lamar didn’t just set the stage on fire at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show—he made it clear that every detail of his performance was meticulously planned. While the show was packed with powerful messages against racism and the U.S. government, his jacket emerged as another element rich in symbolism that few noticed.
Kendrick Lamar’s Jacket and Its Hidden Messages
During his Super Bowl LIX performance, Kendrick sported a letterman-style jacket emblazoned with the word “GLORIA” on the chest. At first glance, it might have seemed like a mere stylistic choice, but it actually concealed several powerful references:
🔥 “GLORIA” – In both English and Spanish, the term calls to mind his song “Gloria” from the album GNX, where he collaborated with SZA.
🔥 PGLang – Printed on the back is the name of his entertainment company, founded together with Dave Free.
🔥 Compton – Just above PGLang, a tribute to his hometown, Compton, California.
🔥 Sleeve Patches – On the left, nods to his Grand National tour and his album GNX; on the right, snippets of lyrics from “Not Like Us” and “Peekaboo” — tracks aimed squarely at… yes, at Drake.
🔥 Pendant with the Letter “a” – A recurring symbol in his work with PGLang.
Kendrick’s jacket wasn’t just a nod to his music and roots—it was also a direct jab at his perennial rival in rap.
The Ongoing Feud Between Kendrick Lamar and Drake
For those not up to speed on the drama: the rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake is one of the most intense in recent hip-hop history.
The Making of Kendrick Lamar’s Custom Martine Rose Superbowl Jacket (2025) pic.twitter.com/3D1puqc2Ko
— Outlander Magazine (@StreetFashion01) February 10, 2025
It all exploded in 2023 when Drake dropped “First Person Shooter” alongside J. Cole, self-proclaiming himself as one of rap’s “Big Three” with Kendrick and J. Cole. Kendrick wasn’t one to stay silent; he fired back with “Like That,” making it clear that he didn’t see himself as being in the same league as the other two—because, quite frankly, he’s in a class of his own.
Since then, it’s been a constant exchange of subtle digs and diss tracks—Drake with “Push Ups” and Kendrick with “Euphoria,” in which Kendrick labels Drake a manipulator and a liar.
- Read also: VIDEO: Undercover Dancer With Palestinian and Sudanese Flags Crashes Super Bowl Halftime Show
And of course, the Super Bowl proved to be the perfect stage to turn up the heat: not only did Lamar perform “Not Like Us,” but every element of his show, from his jacket to his set design, delivered a resounding musical slap to Drake.
Could an Emmy Be on the Horizon for Kendrick?
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Beyond his ongoing feud with Drake, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX performance could very well make history—even contending for an Emmy. Here’s why:
✨ Flawless Production: Stunning choreography and next-level visual effects that captivated audiences.
✨ Powerful Messaging: A thought-provoking commentary on the social and political realities of the United States.
✨ Star-Studded Appearances: High-profile guests like Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams, and SZA elevated the spectacle even further.
✨ A Historic Milestone: As the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the Halftime Show, Kendrick has marked a significant turning point in the event’s history.
With overwhelmingly positive reactions from both fans and critics alike, it wouldn’t be surprising if Kendrick Lamar adds an Emmy to his already impressive collection.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Alan Cruz in Cultura Colectiva.
