Music played a major role in the Super Bowl festivities that took place in New Orleans over the weekend. Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show headlining performance was the clear highlight, with the multiple Grammy-winning Compton rapper delivering a medley of hits from his chart-topping album, GNX, including “Squabble Up,” “TV Off,” and his hit Drake diss track, “Not Like Us,” which included a special cameo appearance by tennis legend – and Drake’s ex – Serena Williams. SZA joined Kendrick to perform their hit collaborations, “Luther” and “All the Stars,” with the R&B superstar also taking advantage of the moment to share four additional new tracks from SOS Deluxe: Lana. The halftime show was introduced by Samuel L. Jackson dressed as “Uncle Sam,” who provided humorous social commentary as Kendrick’s set went on.

The Super Bowl pre-game show featured an emotional Lady Gaga performance of “Hold My Hand” that was pre-recorded on Bourbon Street the night before. The poignant moment paid tribute to the 14 people who died there in the recent terror attack, while also honoring the city’s first responders. The pre-game festivities also featured a performance of “Lift Every Voice And Sing” by New Orleans native Ledisi that honored the 125th anniversary of the beloved hymn, which also featured a 125-piece children’s choir. New Orleans music legend Harry Connick Jr. led a “tribute to New Orleans music and culture,” which featured jazz trumpeter Terrence Blanchard, the Soul Rebels, the Spirit of New Orleans Gospel Choir, and the Southern University Marching Band. “America the Beautiful” was performed by New Orleans natives Trombone Shorty and Lauren Dagle, while Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste delivered a soulful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” shortly before kickoff.

Prior to game day, Nelly delivered a hits-filled set at legendary New Orleans restaurant Brennan’s on Friday night, while Post Malone, Travis Scott, Ice Spice, Snoop Dogg, and Ludacris all performed at special events in New Orleans throughout Super Bowl weekend. Posty even threw some shade at Kansas City during his Super Bowl Tailgate concert on Sunday by dedicating his hit, “I Had Some Help” to the Chiefs and the NFL referees who “assisted” the team on their way to their third straight big game. (Billboard)