Kendrick Lamar brought the heat during his Super Bowl LIX halftime performance, bringing along a host of big-ticket guests to support him in his nationwide takedown of Drake. The performance, which felt like a monumental event, saw Samuel L. Jackson embodying a powerful “Uncle Sam” role, seamlessly transitioning the show between phases. SZA joined Kendrick to perform “All The Stars” and “Luther,” while Mustard made a surprise cameo, hyping up the crowd with “TV Off.”

But it was Serena Williams’ cameo that got everyone talking. The tennis icon, a Compton native, stole the show as one of the background dancers during Kendrick’s performance of “Not Like Us,” where she busted out her best Crip walk. The moment quickly went viral, sparking debates all over social media.

On First Take, the panel debated the halftime show, and when Serena’s appearance came up, Stephen A. Smith did not hold back. He expressed his frustration with the move, especially considering Serena’s past connection to Drake. From his perspective, it was a petty move by Williams, especially if she was trolling her ex. “If I’m married and my wife is going to join trolling her ex, go back to his a*s,” Smith said.

Ryan Clark, however, argued that Kendrick and Serena’s hometown connection made the moment significant, but Smith remained unmoved. The inclusion of Williams felt like another way for Lamar to take a shot at Drake, especially considering his lyrics on “Not Like Us,” which referenced Serena and Drake’s brief fling from 2015.