Lamar's performance at the Super Bowl made headlines, highlighting both the excitement of a live event and the complexities of lyrical content.
Kendrick Lamar's Historic Super Bowl Performance: A Mix of Controversy and Celebration
Kendrick Lamar's Historic Super Bowl Performance: A Mix of Controversy and Celebration
The rapper's half-time show captivates with hits, drama, and a nod to rival Drake.
Kendrick Lamar achieved a significant milestone as the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl, delivering a show that stirred excitement and sparked conversation. Right from the beginning, Lamar teased his hit "Not Like Us," which takes aim at rap adversary Drake, raising questions about its inclusion due to ongoing legal disputes. With a crowd of over 120 million watching, the stakes were high.
Amidst dramatic staging, including a performance on a giant noughts and crosses board, Lamar showcased a blend of deep introspection with crowd-pleasers like "Humble" and "DNA" from his Pulitzer Prize-winning album, DAMN. At one point, he self-censored during "Not Like Us” but still relayed a cheeky interaction with the camera, maintaining the song's edge.
Surprise guest Serena Williams elevated the show as she executed the iconic Crip Walk, aligning perfectly with Lamar's rhythmic flow. Actor Samuel L. Jackson served as emcee, urging Lamar to keep the performance light while giving nods to his emotional pieces, including “All The Stars” with frequent collaborator SZA.
Lamar's set was vibrant and energetic, punctuated with fireworks and high-octane choreography. Yet, it raised eyebrows when the artist bypassed performing his anthem "Alright," which has resonated deeply within the civil rights movement, particularly given the recent removal of "end racism" from the NFL's end zones.
Towards the end of the thrilling 13-minute show, a protester momentarily disrupted the ambiance by scaling Lamar's Buick GNX and unveiling a flag, reflecting contemporary socio-political issues. However, the NFL later stated that the individual was part of the performance cast.
Beyond the drama, Lamar's show offered a multitude of Easter eggs for dedicated fans, hinting at unreleased material and highlighting the urgency of both joy and critique within his work. As a powerful performer navigating the intersection of entertainment and social commentary, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl show remains a topic of intrigue and debate long after the final whistle.
Amidst dramatic staging, including a performance on a giant noughts and crosses board, Lamar showcased a blend of deep introspection with crowd-pleasers like "Humble" and "DNA" from his Pulitzer Prize-winning album, DAMN. At one point, he self-censored during "Not Like Us” but still relayed a cheeky interaction with the camera, maintaining the song's edge.
Surprise guest Serena Williams elevated the show as she executed the iconic Crip Walk, aligning perfectly with Lamar's rhythmic flow. Actor Samuel L. Jackson served as emcee, urging Lamar to keep the performance light while giving nods to his emotional pieces, including “All The Stars” with frequent collaborator SZA.
Lamar's set was vibrant and energetic, punctuated with fireworks and high-octane choreography. Yet, it raised eyebrows when the artist bypassed performing his anthem "Alright," which has resonated deeply within the civil rights movement, particularly given the recent removal of "end racism" from the NFL's end zones.
Towards the end of the thrilling 13-minute show, a protester momentarily disrupted the ambiance by scaling Lamar's Buick GNX and unveiling a flag, reflecting contemporary socio-political issues. However, the NFL later stated that the individual was part of the performance cast.
Beyond the drama, Lamar's show offered a multitude of Easter eggs for dedicated fans, hinting at unreleased material and highlighting the urgency of both joy and critique within his work. As a powerful performer navigating the intersection of entertainment and social commentary, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl show remains a topic of intrigue and debate long after the final whistle.
