A Historic Halftime Moment with Kendrick Lamar
This year’s Super Bowl halftime show made history by focusing entirely on rap and hip-hop. It was a big moment for the genre—and fans loved it. Headlined by Kendrick Lamar, the performance was especially popular with Gen-Xers and Millennials. Social media lit up with praise for Lamar’s energy and talent.
But with all the excitement, it was only natural that people started comparing it to past shows. One performance kept coming up again and again: Prince’s legendary 2007 halftime show. Even now, many say it’s still the best ever—and there’s a good reason for that.
Kendrick Lamar Shines on the Super Bowl Stage
The Super Bowl halftime show always brings big names, though not always at the peak of their careers. This year, though, was different. Kendrick Lamar is already one of rap’s most respected voices, and his 2024 hit “Not Like Us” made him a global superstar. That success made him a perfect choice for the halftime spotlight.
Lamar delivered a sharp, confident performance that impressed many. But even with all that talent, the bar for halftime greatness is still set by Prince.
Why Prince’s 2007 Halftime Show Still Stands Out
Prince’s 2007 performance was unforgettable. The stage was shaped like his iconic “Love Symbol,” making it visually striking. But what made the show truly magical was the unexpected rain.
Just before Prince went on, it started to pour. Concerned about safety, organizers asked if he wanted to delay or change the performance. His response? “Can you make it rain harder?”
That fearless attitude showed exactly who Prince was as a performer.
As he played “Purple Rain,” the storm turned into part of the show. Rain fell as purple lights lit the stage, and Prince stood tall, guitar in hand. It felt less like a concert and more like a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
A Legacy of Greatness
Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance was a big win for hip-hop and an exciting moment in Super Bowl history. But when it comes to iconic shows, Prince’s 2007 performance remains in a league of its own. His ability to turn a challenge into magic is what continues to set that night apart.