Kendrick Lamar has officially unveiled a new track titled "Watch the Party Die" via his Instagram account. This five-minute single represents Lamar's first new music since his previous release, "Not Like Us." Remarkably, the timing of this release coincides with Lamar's recent announcement as the headliner for the highly anticipated 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
The announcement of Lamar's performance has ignited a debate among fans in the hip-hop community, with many expressing conflicting views regarding the selection of the acclaimed rapper. A significant faction of fans argues that fellow rapper Lil Wayne, a New Orleans native, would have been a more fitting choice for the Halftime Show, especially considering the event will be taking place in the city. Notable industry figures, including Nicki Minaj, have echoed these sentiments, highlighting Wayne's considerable contributions to hip-hop as justification for their stance.
Conversely, supporters of Lamar note his impressive accolades, including a Pulitzer Prize, underscoring his qualifications to take center stage during the Super Bowl. This decision has led to heated discussions online, indicating a divide in fanbases over the headlining artist.
In "Watch the Party Die," Lamar addresses existing tensions within the music industry and delivers 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, sparking speculation regarding potential references to his ongoing rivalry with rapper Drake, particularly in relation to Drake's track "Push Ups."
Furthermore, Lamar makes mention of notable figures, such as Terrace Martin and Christian rapper Lecra, as well as media personality DJ Akademiks, while also critiquing media practices with the incisive line, "The radio personality pushing propaganda for salary / Let me know when they turn up as a casualty."
For further details on Lamar being named as the Super Bowl headliner, you can read more here.