On Monday, actor and director Ben Stiller revealed he’s a huge Kendrick Lamar fan following the announcement that the Pulitzer Prize winner would perform at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show.
The 58-year-old Emmy winner shared his excitement with his 5.4 million followers on X amid the announcement. Stiller retweeted the announcement with a simple response, “Yes.”
A fan asked Stiller which Kendrick Lamar song he liked best, to which he responded with “Euphoria,” Lamar’s latest single.
“Euphoria” was Lamar’s response to Drake’s diss tracks “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made,” marking a significant moment in their feud. Although Stiller hasn’t publicly taken sides in the rivalry between Lamar and Drake, his previous connection to Drake is notable.
The two were spotted together at a New York Knicks game in 2013. This is the first time Stiller has publicly acknowledged his admiration for Lamar’s music, although his love for rap is not entirely new.
In 2015, Stiller demonstrated his passion for the genre by showcasing his knowledge of the Beastie Boys during a trivia game on Late Night with Seth Meyers. In the 2000s, the Upper West Side native appeared in P.Diddy’s “Bad Boy 4 Life” music video.
Ben Stiller’s excitement about the Super Bowl performance differs from most. Controversy has surrounded the announcement since it was revealed. Since the show will be held in New Orleans, many have expressed disappointment that Lil Wayne was not given the opportunity he desired.
New Orleans rap stars Juvenile, Birdman, and Master P have expressed their thoughts on Lil Wayne being snubbed after expressing interest in the opportunity for years. Birdman blasted Jay-Z over the decision with a tweet that said he would make the mogul “put some respect on my city.”
Jay-Z issued an official statement on Kendrick’s enlistment on Monday.