The Super Bowl LIX halftime show, an electrifying, thought-provoking, subliminal message-filled spectacle that, unfortunately, flew right over the heads of those who prefer their entertainment spoon-fed. Kendrick Lamar took center stage, delivering a performance so layered in cultural, political, and personal symbolism that some viewers, let’s call them the clueless crowd, complained it was “boring” or “not hype enough.” Well, when your idea of hype is a bunch of pyrotechnics and a wardrobe malfunction, it’s no wonder you missed the point.
The Only Thing Missing? A Missed Opportunity to Kneel
Let’s be honest, the only thing that could have added another level of controversy to this performance was if the players had taken a knee during it. Lamar didn’t need to, he had Samuel L. Jackson, of all people, open the show as Uncle Sam, chastising him for being “too loud, too reckless, too ghetto” and demanding he “play the game.” Sound familiar? If you squint hard enough, you can see the NFL execs nodding in agreement, while simultaneously pretending they weren’t the same ones blackballing Colin Kaepernick just a few years ago.
Symbolism for Those Who Weren’t Paying Attention
For those who thought this performance was just “meh,” allow us to break it down for you. Because clearly, some of y’all need footnotes.
1. The Red, White, and Blue Dancers
Dancers draped in America’s colors moved in formations that resembled the American flag because what better way to remind people that patriotism isn’t just for those who wrap themselves in it while ignoring the injustices within its borders?
2. Serena Williams’ Crip Walk Cameo
Yes, that was Serena Williams doing the Crip Walk during “Not Like Us.” No, she wasn’t just showing off her dance moves. The Crip Walk, a dance rooted in West Coast culture, was a nod to Lamar and Williams’ shared Compton upbringing. Oh, and if you caught the extra shade, you know this was also a side-eye to Drake, considering those long-standing rumors about him and Serena. A diss track and a dance move? Poetry in motion.
3. The “A” Necklace
Lamar’s subtle jab at Drake didn’t stop at the lyrics. He wore a lowercase “a” necklace, referencing the lyric “Probably A minor” from “Not Like Us.” Some say it was just a necklace others say it was yet another dagger in the ongoing feud. Either way, Drake probably didn’t like it.
4. The PlayStation Controller Stage
Because nothing says “game over” like building your stage in the shape of a giant PlayStation controller. Whether it was a metaphor for Lamar’s lyrical victory over Drake or just a commentary on the state of the music industry, one thing’s for sure this was the best use of a gaming reference since Soulja Boy told us to crank that.
5. The “GLORIA” Jacket
Kendrick rocked a letterman jacket emblazoned with “GLORIA,” referencing his song with SZA. On the back? “PGLang” (his creative company) and “Compton” (his hometown). This wasn’t just a fashion choice it was a reminder that Lamar isn’t just an artist; he’s a movement.
6. “The Revolution’s About to Be Televised” – A Trump Jab?
One of the standout moments came when Lamar stated, “The revolution’s about to be televised, you picked the right time but the wrong guy.” Oh, you thought that was just a random lyric? No, no. That was a direct jab at none other than Donald Trump. Considering how Trump has fumbled his attempts at being a champion for the people (or, more accurately, his people), Lamar made sure to let everyone know: he’s not the savior you were looking for.
7. The Performance of “Not Like Us” – A Censored But Still Lethal Diss
We have to talk about Not Like Us, because despite Lamar sanitizing a few explicit lines including one referring to Drake as a pedophile the song still hit like a heavyweight punch. The fact that Lamar chose to perform this at the Super Bowl, in front of millions, was a power move all on its own. He knew what he was doing. And the best part? He did it while keeping it clean enough for prime time.
Oh, and There Was an Unplanned Protest
Because no powerful performance would be complete without an unexpected moment, a protester managed to display a flag featuring the colors of Palestine and Sudan. While this wasn’t part of Lamar’s meticulously crafted show, it added yet another layer of political discourse to an already loaded event.
So, Was It “Lame” or Were You Just Not Paying Attention?
For those who dismissed the halftime show as forgettable or lacking energy, I have some bad news: you just didn’t get it. Kendrick Lamar didn’t come to do a Vegas-style, bubblegum-pop spectacle. He came to make a statement. If you didn’t catch it, that’s on you. But for the rest of us, this was a masterclass in storytelling, shade, and straight-up genius.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance featured a selection of his notable tracks. Here’s a list of the songs he performed:
- “Bodies”
- “Squabble Up”
- “HUMBLE.”
- “DNA.”
- “Euphoria”
- “Man at the Garden”
- “Peekaboo”
- “Luther” (with SZA)
- “All the Stars” (with SZA)
- “Not Like Us”
- “TV Off” (with Mustard)
