Kendrick Lamar has officially released a new track titled "Watch the Party Die" via his Instagram account. This five-minute song marks the first new music from the acclaimed rapper since his previous release, "Not Like Us." The unveiling of this track coincides with Lamar's recent announcement as the headliner for the much-anticipated 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
The selection of Lamar has sparked debate among fans in the hip-hop community. Many have voiced their opinions regarding the decision, with some arguing that fellow rapper Lil Wayne, a native of New Orleans—the city hosting this year's Super Bowl—would have been a more suitable performer. Support for this viewpoint has come from several figures in the industry, including Nicki Minaj, who have openly backed Lil Wayne. They cite his significant contributions to the genre as justification for this opinion.
Conversely, supporters of Lamar highlight his impressive accolades, including a Pulitzer Prize, which underscore his qualifications as the Halftime Show headliner. This decision has ignited online discussions and controversies, particularly splitting fanbases regarding the choice.
In his new track, Lamar addresses the existing tensions within the music industry, delivering provocative lines such as, "Just walked that man down, that'll do everyone a solid / It's love but tough love, sometimes you gotta result in violence." The single's cover art features a pair of worn black Air Force 1 sneakers, leading to speculation about potential references to his ongoing rivalry with rapper Drake, particularly in relation to Drake's track "Push Ups."
Moreover, Lamar mentions notable figures like Terrace Martin and Christian rapper Lecra, along with a nod to media personality DJ Akademiks. He criticizes media practices with the line, "The radio personality pushing propaganda for salary / Let me know when they turn up as a casualty."
For more details on the Super Bowl announcement, read more here.