Coco Gauff defends Kendrick Lamar from ‘boring’ criticism after $140M-worth rapper’s divisive Super Bowl Halftime Show performance
Coco Gauff Backs Kendrick Lamar Amid Super Bowl LIX Controversy
Coco Gauff has voiced her support for Kendrick Lamar following the rapper’s controversial performance at Super Bowl LIX’s halftime show. While some critics dismissed Lamar’s act as “boring,” the WTA World No. 3 and 2023 US Open champion took to social media to defend the $140 million-worth artist (as per Celebrity Net Worth).
In an Instagram story, Gauff shared a photo of Lamar’s performance with the caption:
“If you thought it was boring just say you didn’t get the message.”
She further elaborated on X (formerly Twitter), expressing admiration for Lamar’s set, which also featured Serena Williams showcasing her dance moves.
“Loved the show and Serena ate that. I love rap music and hip-hop culture, man. Shoutout to SZA too & K Dot 🐐🔥 and #SamuelLJackson narrating was just chef’s kiss. Well thought out.”
However, fan reactions to Gauff’s post were mixed. While some praised her take, others disagreed, with one commenter saying, “You’re probably the only one who loved it.”
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance Sparks Debate
Two moments from Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX act stood out. One was a lyric change in one of his songs, which many interpreted as a jab at Donald Trump, who was in attendance. The second was featuring Serena Williams dancing to Not Like Us, a hit song in which Lamar took aim at his rap rival Drake, who briefly dated Williams in the 2010s.
Gauff’s support for Lamar isn’t new. In May 2024, she publicly sided with the rapper amid his feud with Drake, citing the Canadian rapper’s past diss track about Serena Williams as a reason.
“I do like Drake as an artist, as well. But, yeah, as far as the rap battle that’s going on, the rap beef, I think definitely Kendrick is winning. Also, Drake dissed Serena, so I have to go with Kendrick. Kendrick defended her. So, yeah, I have to go with him,” Gauff explained during a 2024 Italian Open press conference.
Gauff Gears Up for Qatar TotalEnergies Open
Off the court, Coco Gauff is set to compete at the 2025 Qatar TotalEnergies Open, where she enters as the No. 3 seed. She will kick off her campaign on Tuesday, February 11, facing Marta Kostyuk in the opening round.
