Kendrick Lamar’s cultural impact continues to grow as his music and performances inspire moments beyond the music industry. Recently, the Atlanta Hawks paid tribute to his Super Bowl performance of Not Like Us during a break in their game against the Golden State Warriors.
The Hawks’ mascot and dance team recreated elements of Lamar’s Super Bowl set, including the presence of an Uncle Sam figure, a reference used in his original performance. The crowd responded enthusiastically, particularly during the now well-known “A minor” line, joining in as the song played. The moment highlighted how Not Like Us, originally aimed at Lamar’s rap rival Drake, has resonated widely with audiences and become a cultural touchpoint.
Beyond the NBA, Lamar’s influence may soon extend to one of the world’s largest sporting events. Casey Wasserman, chairman of the organizing committee for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Lamar’s booking agent, strongly hinted that the rapper will be involved in the upcoming games. Speaking to The Associated Press, Wasserman emphasized the significance of the Olympics as a transformative event for Los Angeles and acknowledged Lamar’s status as an important cultural figure in the city.
“Fortunately, in my day job, I represent Kendrick Lamar. He is truly an L.A. icon, so I think it would be a pretty fair bet that Kendrick will be involved in the Olympics in Los Angeles in some way,” Wasserman said.
While specific details were not provided, past Olympic ceremonies suggest that Lamar’s potential involvement could be significant. The Olympics frequently feature musical performances in both opening and closing ceremonies. In 2024, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg participated in the Paris Olympics closing ceremony, symbolizing the transition from the French capital to Los Angeles as the next host city. Their pre-recorded performance in Long Beach included a medley of hits such as Drop It Like It’s Hot and The Next Episode.
Snoop Dogg also served as a correspondent for NBC during the Paris Olympics, offering commentary and engaging with audiences throughout the event. Reports later indicated that he was well-compensated for his role. Venture capitalist Henry L. McNamara shared on social media that an NBC executive claimed Snoop earned $500,000 per day plus expenses for his contributions to the network’s Olympic coverage.
If Lamar is indeed involved in the 2028 Olympics, it would mark another major moment in his career and reinforce his position as a key cultural figure in Los Angeles. Given his history of impactful performances, fans and observers will likely anticipate how he chooses to represent his city on a global stage.
