Kendrick Lamar has officially unveiled a new track titled "Watch the Party Die" via his Instagram account. This five-minute single is Lamar's first new music since his previous release, "Not Like Us." The timing of this release coincides with his recent announcement as the headliner for the upcoming 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
The announcement has sparked a debate among fans in the hip-hop community, with many sharing differing opinions on Lamar's selection as the headliner. A significant portion of fans believe fellow rapper Lil Wayne, a native of New Orleans, would have been a more fitting choice for the Halftime Show, especially since the event will be held in the city. Notable industry figures, such as Nicki Minaj, have voiced similar sentiments, alluding to Wayne's substantial contributions to hip-hop as a basis for their argument.
On the contrary, supporters of Lamar are emphasizing his impressive accolades, including being a Pulitzer Prize winner, to highlight his qualifications for this prestigious performance. This decision has ignited heated discussions online, illustrating a divide among fanbases regarding the choice of headlining artist.
In "Watch the Party Die," Lamar addresses pre-existing tensions within the music industry and delivers bold 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, which has led to speculation about potential references to his ongoing rivalry with rapper Drake, particularly linked with Drake's track "Push Ups."
Additionally, Lamar mentions notable figures such as Terrace Martin and Christian rapper Lecra, as well as media personality DJ Akademiks. He critiques media practices with sharp lines like, "The radio personality pushing propaganda for salary / Let me know when they turn up as a casualty."
For further details on Lamar's headliner announcement for the Super Bowl, you can read more here.