The unspoken drama behind Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance

The Super Bowl featured several highly anticipated moments and surprises, including a special appearance by Serena Williams and a show-stopping halftime performance by Kendrick Lamar.

The latter was particularly noteworthy, with layered meanings and subtle nods to social commentary.

Notably, the performance also seemingly addressed Lamar's public feud with fellow rapper Drake, culminating in a powerful rendition of his Grammy-winning song Not Like Us.

The track's lyrics, which include references to Drake's personal life and controversies, added an extra layer of depth to the already electrifying performance.

Additionally, the 23-time Grand Slam tennis champion, who also had a tense past with the Hotline Bling artist, saw great significance in the show.

Serena Williams and Drake's dating history

According to reports, Serena and Drake dated back in 2011. Drake was frequently spotted at Serena's tennis events around that time, but they never acknowledged a romantic relationship.

They were seen cuddling up to one another in 2015, and pictures of the two kissing later surfaced, which sparked fresh rumours that they were dating.

Drake has frequently mentioned Serena in his songs, even though they have never officially acknowledged their romance. He sings the following in his 2013 song Worst Behaviour: "I'm with my whole set, tennis matches at the crib. I swear I could beat Serena when she playin' with her left."

In 2022, Drake released Middle of the Ocean, which features the lyrics, "Sidebar, Serena, your husband a groupie." This was five years after Serena married Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, with whom she has two daughters.

Even while Serena never addressed Drake's comments in public, she was eager to bring up Kendrick last year when hosting the ESPY Awards, teasing: "If I've learned anything this year, it's that none of us, not a single one of us, not even me, should ever pick a fight with Kendrick Lamar," before dancing to Not Like Us, and later adding: "He will make your hometown not like you. The next time Drake sits courtside at a Raptors game, they're going to Forrest Gump him. Seats taken."