Serena Williams Joins the Kendrick Lamar-Drake Drama – Or Did She?
Serena Williams set social media on fire when she was spotted vibing to Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show on February 9, 2025.
The song, which won a Grammy and became a cultural phenomenon, is known for its not-so-subtle jabs at Drake.
Given Williams' rumored past with the Canadian rapper, fans couldn’t help but wonder—was this just a coincidence, or was she sending a message?
Kendrick Lamar Takes Shots at Drake on a Massive Stage
Kendrick Lamar’s performance at the Super Bowl was already making headlines for its sharp lyrical content and high-energy execution.
Before performing "Not Like Us," Lamar teased the audience, saying, "I want to perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue," a clear reference to Drake’s legal dispute with Universal Music Group over the track.
But the biggest shock came when Serena Williams made a surprise appearance on stage, dancing along to the song.
The "A" Necklace and More Subtle Jabs
Fans also noticed Lamar wearing a necklace with the letter "A"—a potential reference to Drake's real name, Aubrey. These details, combined with Serena’s moment on stage, fueled the social media firestorm, with fans analyzing every move.
Serena Williams' Playful Jab at the ESPYs
If Serena’s Super Bowl moment wasn’t enough, she doubled down at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11. While presenting an award, she quipped,
"If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that none of us, not a single one of us, not even me, should ever pick a fight with Kendrick Lamar."
As if to emphasize her point, she broke into a quick dance to "Not Like Us." The crowd went wild, and the internet had its next viral moment.
Williams Expresses Love for the Song at the ESSENCE Festival
Earlier in July, at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans, Williams casually mentioned her love for the song.
"I love that song. It’s like the hit of the summer. When they play that jam, I’m jamming," she said.
While she didn’t directly address Drake or Kendrick’s beef, fans connected the dots and assumed she was subtly taking sides.
Social Media Reactions: Coincidence or Shade?
The internet had a field day with Serena’s moves. Some fans saw it as a lighthearted moment, while others believed she was sending a message.
"Serena out here dancing to Kendrick like she don’t know Drake gonna see this? Savage!" one fan tweeted.
Another added, "She’s just enjoying the music, y’all reaching."
Regardless of her intent, one thing is clear—Serena Williams knows how to keep the internet talking.
Super Bowl Halftime Protester Gets Lifetime NFL Ban
In a separate Super Bowl halftime controversy, an activist from Kendrick Lamar’s 400-member field cast was detained after unveiling a flag that blended Sudanese and Palestinian elements with "Sudan" and "Gaza" inscribed on it.
The NFL stated that neither Roc Nation, which produced the show, nor Lamar’s team had any knowledge of the planned protest.
As a result, the league has permanently banned the individual from all NFL stadiums and events.
Final Thoughts: A Cultural Moment to Remember
Serena Williams’ dance move may have been just that—a dance move. But in an era where everything is analyzed, dissected, and turned into a meme, her moment at the Super Bowl and ESPYs will be remembered as a defining cultural moment.
Whether she meant to stir the pot or not, the internet will keep the conversation going.
What do you think? Was Serena just having fun, or was there a deeper meaning? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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