Kendrick Lamar (A.K.A. K-dot ) headlined Super Bowl LIX and instantly delivered. Lamar’s performance broke records by becoming the most-watched Apple Music Halftime Show ever with 133.5 million viewers. Not only did he leave a message with his American flag imagery as well as having Samuel L. Jackson playing Uncle Sam to represent America’s expectations of him.
Lamar performed his hits like “squabble up,” “HUMBLE.,” “DNA,” “peekaboo,” “All the Stars,” and of course, “Not Like Us,” with surprise guest Serena Williams. Lamar also brought out R&B pop singer SZA to perform their songs “All the Stars” as well as their newer song “Luther.” The duo is set to go on a grand national tour this year in 19 stadiums across North America.
The most debated part leading up to the performance was whether or not Lamar would perform his Grammy-winning song and diss track directed at the rapper Drake “Not Like Us” due to Drake’s recent lawsuit against Lamar’s label, Universal Music Publishing Group. It states the song makes a “false factual allegation that Drake is a criminal p**dophile, and to suggest that the public should resort to vigilante justice in response.” Despite this act of retaliation on Drake’s behalf, the crowd’s anticipation and excitement to rap Lamar’s diss track made the moment it started playing even more lively. The crowd all knew the diss word for word leading many to wonder where Drake’s career will go from here.
Along with this live statement about Drake, Lamar also incorporated many woven-in messages throughout the performance with the two most notable being Samuel L. Jackson and symbolism of the American flag. Jackson was fully dressed in an American Uncle Sam costume as a play on his name. With statements in between songs such as “No, no, no, no, no! Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto! Mr. Lamar, do you really know how to play the game? Then tighten up,” which was then followed by a pop song to show his diversity and give the people what they want.
After that performance, Jackson added, “That’s what I’m talking about! That’s what America wants! Nice and calm. You’re almost there; don’t mess this up.” This is meant to resemble what record label executives have told him in the past about being less “hood.” After this, Lamar performed more of his rap songs rather than R&B to show that he has free will and chooses what he creates as an artist.
Another important symbol in his show was the backup dancers, but more specifically their colors. At moments they were arranged to resemble the American flag but later split into political parties, with blue on the left and red on the right. Not only was this a bold statement to make at the Super Bowl but also in front of President Trump.
Lamar’s imaginative storytelling along with great lyric delivery led to a phenomenal performance. The political and racial commentary was an interesting choice for The Superbowl but understandable at a time of political division in the country.
Check out his performance here!
