Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show not only captivated audiences with its dynamic performances but also reignited discussions about Serena Williams‘ past relationship with rapper Drake.
The tennis icon made a surprise appearance during Lamar’s set, dancing energetically to the rapper’s track “Not Like Us,” a song widely interpreted as a ‘diss track’ aimed at Drake.
Williams joined backup dancers onstage and performed the ‘Crip Walk’, a move she famously showcased after winning gold at the 2012 Olympics.
Williams later took to Instagram, posting a video with the caption: “Man, I did not Crip Walk like that at Wimbledon.”
Her unexpected cameo, especially during a song associated with Lamar’s feud with Drake, led fans to revisit long-standing rumors about her and the Canadian rapper.
While neither Williams nor Drake has publicly confirmed a romantic relationship, their history together and references in Drake’s music continue to fuel speculation.
Did Drake and Serena Williams Date?
Drake and Williams were first linked in 2011, with rumors intensifying in 2015 when they were frequently seen together.
In August 2015, they were spotted at a Cincinnati restaurant, according to the U.K. newspaper Daily Mail, leading to widespread speculation about their relationship. However, a representative for Williams told People at the time that “they are simply longtime friends.”
Despite public denials, Drake has made several lyrical references to Williams over the years.
Drake References Serena Williams in Lyrics
One of the most notable mentions is in his 2016 song “Too Good,” featuring Rihanna. In a resurfaced video from 2024, Drake is seen discussing the track with his mother, Sandi Graham.
“No, I get heavy on a couple joints, but this is more about me and Serena,” Drake says in the clip. His mother responds, “I gather!”
The lyrics of “Too Good” suggest a one-sided romance: “I’m too good to you / I’m way too good to you / You take my love for granted / I just don’t understand it.”
In 2022, Drake referenced Williams again in the track “Middle of the Ocean,” rapping: “Sidebar, Serena, your husband a groupie / He claim we don’t got a problem but / No, boo, it is like you coming for sushi.”
Williams’ husband, Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian, seemingly responded to the ‘groupie’ insult on social media. He said: “The reason I stay winning is because I’m relentless about being the absolute best at whatever I do—including being the best groupie for my wife & daughter.” Williams acknowledged her husband’s comment with heart emoji.
Serena Williams’ Appearance During Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance
The context of Williams’ presence—dancing to a song associated with Lamar’s feud with Drake—led many online to speculate about whether she was subtly picking a side.
Lamar’s halftime show performance also featured singer SZA, who was rumored to have briefly dated Drake in 2009.
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