The 2025 Super Bowl halftime show was a spectacle that garnered immense attention, not least due to Kendrick Lamar’s standout performance. However, it was not just his musical prowess that made headlines—the 37-year-old rapper sparked a flurry of intrigue with his choice of accessories. Kendrick adorned himself with a diamond-encrusted lowercase “A” chain, a piece that quickly became the focal point of speculation and debate. This glittering accessory was interpreted by many as a subtle yet pointed jab aimed at none other than Drake, a fellow artist with whom Kendrick has a long and storied history of rivalry. The chain, some speculated, was a reference to Kendrick’s lyric in his track “Not Like Us,” where he critiques Drake for his alleged pursuit of younger women. Whether intentional or not, the necklace added another layer of drama to their ongoing feud, captivating fans and fueling endless discussions across social media platforms.
The public’s reaction to Kendrick’s attire was both swift and passionate. Fans took to social media to express their theories, with some interpreting the chain as a direct diss towards Drake. Comments ranged from amusement to awe at the perceived audacity of Kendrick’s move. A fan on X (formerly Twitter) humorously remarked, “Kendrick smiled right into the camera, wearing a lowercase ‘a’ chain and had Serena? That man is a whole super villain.” Others echoed this sentiment, with one user dramatically exclaiming, “Not the ‘a minor’ necklace Kendrick,” while another succinctly pointed out, “Kendrick’s A necklace is for A MINORRRRRRR.” These reactions underscored the public’s deep engagement with the feud, turning a simple accessory into a symbol of the ongoing drama between the two music giants.
Kendrick’s recent success at the Grammys added another dimension to the narrative. His song “Not Like Us” swept five prestigious awards, including Record of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, Best Music Video, and Song of the Year. This sweeping victory was not just a testament to Kendrick’s artistry but also a reminder of the impact of his diss track. The song’s viral success and the critical acclaim it received only intensified the spotlight on his rivalry with Drake, making every gesture—from lyrics to fashion choices—subject to intense scrutiny. The chain, in this context, became more than just an accessory; it was a symbol of triumph and a possible continuation of his critique of Drake.
Beyond the chain, Kendrick’s overall look during the performance was a meticulously crafted blend of style and nuance.Styled by Taylor McNeill, Kendrick donned a pair of flared jeans from Celine Homme, evoking the fashion of the early 2000s—an era that has seen a recent resurgence in popularity. This choice was both nostalgic and forward-thinking, reflecting Kendrick’s ability to blend the past with the present in his aesthetic. The pièce de résistance of his outfit, however, was a custom blue leather Martine Rose varsity jacket. This jacket, as revealed by his stylist on Instagram Stories, featured archival sports paneling and custom embroidery, adding a layer of exclusivity and personalization to his look. The “Gloria” detail on the jacket was a subtle nod to his latest album, “GNX,” showcasing how Kendrick weaves his music and visuals into a cohesive narrative.
The addition of a diamond brooch by Rahaminov, worth a staggering $68,000, added another layer of opulence to his ensemble. This piece, pinned to his cap, sparkled under the stage lights, drawing attention to Kendrick’s penchant for luxury and his ability to make a statement through his attire. While the brooch was undeniably a piece of high-end jewelry, it also served to highlight the Controlled growth and maturity of Kendrick’s style over the years. This choice, like the chain, was subjected to fan theories, with some speculating it might be a nod to pgLang, his communications company. Whether it was a deliberate reference or simply a fashion choice, the brooch became another talking point in the ongoing conversation about Kendrick’s intentions.
The subtle yet potent rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has been a defining feature of their careers for over a decade. The genesis of this feud can be traced back to 2013, when Kendrick made a thinly veiled diss towards Drake in Big Sean’s song “Control.” Since then, the two artists have frequently exchanged jabs through their music, each aiming to outdo the other in both lyrical prowess and artistic acclaim. The release of “Not Like Us” last year marked a new chapter in this saga, with the song’s pointed lyrics reigniting the flames of their rivalry. Kendrick’s choice of outfit at the Grammys further fueled the speculation, as his Canadian tuxedo look from Maison Margiela was interpreted by some as a subtle jab at Drake, who hails from Toronto. Whether or not these sartorial choices were intended as disses, they have undeniably kept the public engaged, ensuring that the feud remains a hot topic in the music world. The dynamics between Kendrick and Drake are a testament to the enduring appeal of competition in art, where each move—be it a lyric or an accessory—becomes a chapter in the ongoing narrative of their rivalry.
