The 2025 Super Bowlcaused many talking points as expected, but perhaps none bigger than Serena Williams' cameo in Kendrick Lamar's halftime show. As Kendrick Lamar performed his Grammy award-winning track "Not Like Us," the tennis superstar was spotted dancing along, leading many to wonder what the history behind this cameo is.
How Serena Williams Fits Into The Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake Beef
Regarding why Serena Williams was dancing to Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," it stems from the song's origins. "Not Like Us" was created by Lamar as a diss track towards fellow rapper Drake, with the two now synonymous for the back-and-forth beef they endured during 2024. "Not Like Us" was undoubtedly the biggest of the diss tracks released by either musician, hence its focus at the 2025 Super Bowl. Where Serena Williams is concerned, the tennis legend has a connection to both Lamar and Drake, explaining her brief appearance.
It was rumored that Williams once dated Drake, with the rapper even referencing her in two of his songs from 2013 and 2022. In "Not Like Us," this history is referenced via the lyric "better not speak on Serena," explaining the dance performed by Williams during the show. Finally, Williams and Lamar are both from Compton, with the former even speaking out in 2024 about how big an impact "Not Like Us" will have regarding the beef between the latter and Drake.
This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.