Kendrick Lamar Takes Home Second Emmy After Super Bowl LIX Performance

In 2022, Kendrick Lamar reached a defining moment in his career, earning his first Emmy for his role in the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show. Sharing the stage with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent, Lamar was honored in the category of Outstanding Variety Special (Live). The accolade marked a milestone for hip-hop, underscoring the genre’s growing influence within mainstream entertainment.

A year later, Lamar once again made history with his performance at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, drawing 133.5 million viewers. The number surpassed Michael Jackson’s 1993 record of 133.4 million, cementing Lamar’s place as a cultural force capable of commanding unprecedented attention on a global stage.

During the show, Lamar delivered a dynamic medley, featuring hits such as “Humble,” “DNA,” and “Euphoria.” Among the standout moments was a powerful live rendition of “Not Like Us,” a track recently spotlighted in a lawsuit filed by Drake against Universal Music Group. Lamar’s performance blended theatricality with precision, offering fans a vivid glimpse into both his catalogue and his artistic evolution.

Lamar’s Emmy Win and Chart Streak

The presentation earned Lamar his second Emmy, this time for Outstanding Music Direction, an honor he shared with his musical director, Tony Russell. The performance also garnered nominations for Outstanding Choreography for Variety/Reality, Outstanding Directing in a Variety Special, and Outstanding Variety Special (Live), reflecting the careful craftsmanship behind the production.

Beyond these accolades, Lamar continues to set benchmarks in contemporary music. Reports indicate he is the only rapper this year to have a song appear on the Billboard Hot 100 each week. Tracks from his latest album—including “Luther” featuring SZA, “TV Off,” “Peekaboo,” and “Not Like Us”—have driven this streak, reaffirming his reputation as one of hip-hop’s most influential and visionary voices.