Kendrick Super Bowl Half Time Extravaganza

I used to be a die-hard American football fan, but I eventually shifted my attention to soccer. Despite that change, I’ve always remained a devoted hip-hop fan. When I heard that Kendrick Lamar was announced as this year’s Super Bowl halftime performer, I was thrilled. While Kendrick isn't my favorite artist, he’s definitely one of my top choices. I remember back in 2012, having a long conversation at a house party with someone about Kendrick’s potential. We were geeking out over his "Section.80" album, convinced he was the next big thing.

This year, I got my family ready—my wife and son—and turned on the Super Bowl to witness what I knew would be one of the most genuine hip-hop performances ever presented to a mainstream audience. Kendrick delivered exactly that. The performance opened with Samuel L. Jackson playing a satirical Uncle Sam/Uncle Tom character, which set the tone for the politically charged and culturally rich show. From video game references to an American flag splitting apart, Kendrick transformed the field into a vibrant street block that reflected the essence of hip-hop culture.

Everyone had speculated about whether he’d perform his hit diss track, "Not Like Us," aimed at Drake. While I wasn’t particularly focused on that track, the anticipation was in the air. What I was really looking forward to were the subtle messages Kendrick would weave into his set. I’ll admit, though, that the Drake trolling was hilarious and brilliantly executed. Serena Williams' surprise cameo was epic, especially given her past connection to Drake. The dancers climbing and balancing on light poles, reminiscent of the visuals from Kendrick’s "Alright" music video, were a powerful touch. The moment where people poured out of the GNX car like a clown car was creative and visually striking. The steps and pillars, resembling a courthouse, also carried a strong symbolic message. All around, the visuals were stunning and impactful.

What I appreciated most was how Kendrick stayed true to his roots. He represented hip-hop culture authentically, blending personal, political, and cultural messages in a way only he could. The ongoing feud with Drake, highlighted through his diss tracks, is a part of hip-hop’s deep-rooted battle culture. There was no better platform to showcase that than the Super Bowl, one of the biggest stages in the world. Kendrick also maintained his commitment to social commentary, something deeply embedded in hip-hop’s origins as a voice for the voiceless. His performance seemed deliberately aimed at the television audience rather than the crowd in New Orleans. It’s fitting since many of the people he speaks for would likely never be able to afford attending an event like the Super Bowl in person.

One moment that stood out was when a man raised both Gaza and Sudan flags during the final moments of the performance. That simple act brought attention to the ongoing suffering and unjustified deaths of people in those regions. It’s crucial to acknowledge such injustices and, when possible, take action to help alleviate human suffering.

Given the politically charged nature of the performance, I wasn’t surprised by the controversy it stirred. The NFL is known for being one of the most conservative sports organizations in the country, second only to NASCAR. After the Colin Kaepernick incident, it became clear that the NFL’s leadership was not particularly invested in addressing social issues. Enter Kendrick Lamar: a hip-hop icon often criticized for being too "conscious" or “woke.” It’s no wonder that his halftime show sparked debate. But in my view, it was exactly what we needed. I’m excited to see what Mr. Lamar has in store for us next.

This was my first blog post, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback!