Kendrick Lamar has surprised fans with a new track titled “Watch the Party Die,” which he unveiled on Instagram. The five-minute song includes references to Christian rapper Lecrae, Terrace Martin, and DJ Akademiks. Lamar’s lyrics also hint at unresolved tensions with Drake, with lines suggesting that their rivalry may not be completely settled. The cover art features beat-up sneakers, potentially nodding to the cover of Drake’s “Push Ups,” which previously mocked Lamar’s shoe size.
This release is Lamar’s first new music since his hit single “Not Like Us,” which became one of his biggest successes, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May. The track also topped the Hot Rap Songs, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and Streaming Songs charts, and reached No. 2 on the Song of the Summer chart.
The release of “Watch the Party Die” coincides with Lamar’s announcement as the performer for the 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. This will be his second Super Bowl Halftime appearance, following his role in Dr. Dre’s 2022 all-star performance alongside Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent.
Lamar expressed his enthusiasm about the Halftime Show, stating, “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”
