Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Performance: The Epic Finale We Deserved
All I ever wanted was a black Ford Flex.
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece. Imagine the climactic battle in the final installment of a blockbuster trilogy—that’s the level of intensity and artistry we witnessed. Many of us who had followed Drake and Kendrick separately already knew how this would end, K Dot standing superior as he is clearly the superior lyricist and artist in general.
The Build-Up: Setting the Stage
From the moment Kendrick took the stage, it was clear we were in for something monumental. The performance kicked off with a nod to Gil Scott-Heron’s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” setting a tone that was both rebellious and reflective. I believe this terrified those that don’t understand hip hop and even more so, those that hate it for… no reason..well, no colorful reasons…colorless reasons? Speaking of color, The stage design, drenched in red, white, and blue, wasn’t just for show; it was a deliberate commentary on American identity and the role of Black artists within it whether the aforementioned colorless bigots like it or not. It’s fine to not like rap, to be clear. But it’s also pretty clear that there are two groups of people who had negative reactions to it and it’s two very different reactions. There are people who say “I don’t care for rap.” and the people who say “I HATE THIS! THIS ISN’T MUSIC! LORD AND SAVIOR DONALD TRUMP SAVE US.” The second group of people suck, need to realize they sound like bigots and need to grow up. I personally don’t like country music and if there was a country halftime show, I would watch it and honestly……HONESTLY? Probably enjoy it. Even if it wasn’t a genre of music I don’t care for, I know that the Superbowl is going to put on a good show.
The Plot Thickens: A Musical Journey
Kendrick masterfully wove through his catalog, balancing mainstream hits with deeper cuts that showcased his lyrical prowess. Tracks like “HUMBLE.” and “Alright” had the crowd roaring, but it was the performance of “Not Like Us” that stole the show. This wasn’t just a performance; it was a statement. The song, known as a diss track aimed at Drake, added a layer of real-world drama that elevated the entire experience. I love that the song “All the Stars” featuring SZA was also featured. I believe that the song would have been included anyway, but SZA being an ex of Drake just added to all of it. Speaking of Drake’s ex’s, Serena Williams kinda stole the show. Her crip walk is iconic at this point and I love that it’s iconic because and in spite of the moronic bigots. That’s a topic I’ll write about eventually. The right has always been great at elevating the things they hate. For me growing up it was things like Pokemon,Harry Potter,Marilyn Manson and so many more. By the way, Stephen A Smith’s dumbass has spoken on the Serena Williams crip walk “situation”. Claiming he would divorce his wife if she did that. Well, that’s a rather low bar for divorcing someone. You ok over there Stephen? To wrap up the various songs performed, I have become a huge fan of “tv off” and with lyrics like “I’m in the city where the flag be gettin’ thrown like it was pass interference” and ofcourse, “Walk in New Orleans with the etiquette of LA, yellin’
MUSTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD (Ah, man)” It’s like he knew this would be performed at the Super bowl!
The Climax: Art Meets Controversy
In true Kendrick fashion, the performance didn’t shy away from controversy. Samuel L. Jackson’s portrayal of Uncle Sam was a bold move, critiquing the commercialization of Black culture and the constraints placed on Black artists. Sam Jackson is one of the few black actors that even the most bigoted of bigots probably like. The choreography, featuring dancers forming a fragmented American flag, was a visual gut punch that left audiences reeling. The incredible irony here being that those it was meant to send a message to completely missed it because they were still crying. What were they cryin about? They cryin about nothin.
The Resolution: A Performance for the Ages
By the time the final note echoed through the stadium, one thing was clear: Kendrick Lamar had redefined what a Super Bowl halftime show could be, and someone needs to see if Drake is ok. This wasn’t just entertainment; it was a powerful blend of art, politics, and personal expression. Critics are already hailing it as one of the most significant performances in recent memory, and it’s hard to argue with them.
In the end, Kendrick didn’t just perform; he told a story—a story that challenged, provoked, and ultimately left us all in awe. If this were a movie trilogy, his Super Bowl performance would be the epic finale that ties everything together, leaving audiences both satisfied and hungry for more.
Turn the PC off.
