Kendrick Lamar made history as the first solo rap artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, but while many viewers called his performance bland or underwhelming, true fans like myself know that every move he makes is deliberate.
As the only rapper to win a Pulitzer Prize, Lamar’s artistry is carefully crafted, and his Super Bowl performance was no exception.
Known for using his platform to tackle issues like race, identity, and discrimination, Lamar used this opportunity to send powerful messages through every song choice and visual.
Rewatching his performance on YouTube, free from the complaints of others calling it “boring,” I was shocked to see so many dismiss it as disappointing without realizing the deep messages he was sharing.
If you were confused or let down by it, this breakdown might change your perspective—every moment was meticulously designed to make a statement.
Here’s what you missed:
Uncle Sam
A key moment in the performance was when Samuel L. Jackson appeared as Uncle Sam, a symbol of American wartime propaganda, to deliver the line, “Salutations, it’s your Uncle Sam, and this is the great American game.”
Lamar’s opening verse in “Bodies” set the tone—this wasn’t just entertainment; it was a message about government control, race, and identity.
American Flag Dancers
During “HUMBLE.,” dancers dressed in red, white, and blue formed a split American flag, with Lamar standing at the divide.
This visual symbolizes division in America—whether in politics or among its people.
Flag Touching the Ground
As the dancers descended onto the stage, their movement represented the American flag touching the ground, a bad omen for the United States.
Lamar then declared, “The revolution is about to be televised,” likely aimed at political leaders, including President Trump.
The Stage Set-Up
The stage design, with an X on one side and an O on the other, resembled a PlayStation console. This could symbolize the way the government “plays” minorities or a message of “game over” to Drake, considering their long-standing feud.
It could also represent the “game of life,” a reminder of the survival struggles many face.
Drake Diss (and Serena Williams’ Appearance)
Of course, no Kendrick performance is complete without a jab at his ongoing feud with Drake. He even brought out Serena Williams, Drake’s ex-girlfriend, adding an extra layer to his diss.
Their history made this moment even more powerful, making it clear that Lamar’s performance had many layers.
A Minor
Lamar wore a large “A” pendant, likely referencing the A-minor chord from his track “Tryna Strike a Chord.” After his lawsuit with Drake, including this track in his performance was a bold move that made a statement in itself.
Big as the Super Bowl
And in an ironic twist, the line from “First Person Shooter” by Drake and J. Cole, “Big as the Super Bowl,” now rings true as Lamar took center stage at the biggest event in America. This performance may have marked the end of a decade-long beef, and it sure left its mark.
While Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance may not have had the flash or energy that some other shows did, its depth and boldness set it apart.
Whether you loved it or not, his performance made a lasting impact—and will likely go down in history as one of the most significant halftime shows to date.
Fun Fact: Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show drew 133.5 MILLION viewers—topping Michael Jackson’s longtime record as the most-watched ever.
