WHAT DID K-DOT AT HALFTIME? (Review)  

(Courtesy/Associated Press) 

​​Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans was a groundbreaking moment in hip-hop history; a revolution televised for millions to see.  

Lamar, known for his thought-provoking lyrics and deep cultural messages, delivered a performance that was artistically profound and culturally significant. This was more than just a performance; it was a statement

The performance stage designed like a PlayStation Controller immediately gave the impression that Kendrick Lamar was about to take everyone on a journey through an exciting real-life game. The performance opened with actor Samuel L. Jackson, portraying “Uncle Sam.” 

 Jackson kick-started the performance and said, “Salutations, it’s your Uncle Sam, and this the great American game.” 

“Kendrick Lamar highlighted the control that America has over society was genius,” said Shania McClendon, a junior political science major. “Using the PlayStation controller as a symbol of how different “buttons” can be pressed to create change or maintain power.” 

The visuals and imagery were powerful; Lamar used the “Uncle Sam” character to symbolize government control. His performance would then represent Lamar’s opposition to the  American system.

 “The revolution is about to be televised. You picked the right time but the wrong guy,” Lamar said as he delivered an eerie introduction to his song “Squabble Up.” 

From that moment on, you can tell that the energy in the stadium shifted. He took the audience through a setlist of ten songs: “HUMBLE,” “DNA,” “Euphoria,” “Man at the Garden,” “Peekaboo,” ‘Luther,” “All the Stars,” “Not Like Us” and “TV OFF.”

Each song contributed to the performance’s theme of resistance, identity and criticism of America’s societal structure.  

One of the most iconic moments was when Lamar performed “HUMBLE.” Lamar stood at the center of his dancers, who were dressed in red, white and blue, as they formed the American flag. 

With Lamar at the center, it symbolizes the division of the United States between races. Lamar, as a Black man and person of truth, served as a disruptor and unifier.

“Kendrick’s music has always been powerful, especially for social and political change,” Alauna Brooks, a junior sociology major, stated. “Through powerful symbolism and unapologetic messages, he turned the stage into a platform for revolution and a push for action.”

In his performance, he did not shy away from controversy. Lamar acknowledged his rap beef with Drake, specifically as he prepared to perform “Not Like Us.” The song is currently facing a lawsuit in a defamation case. 

On November 25th, Drake sued UMG Records, where Drake and Lamar shared the same record label. Drake claimed the song spread a false and malicious narrative about him.  

“I found him addressing the beef entertaining,” said Alauna Brooks. “Kendrick’s response was effective because he seemed unbothered, continuing to perform the song despite the lawsuit”.

Right before the beat dropped, Jackson made a threat and said, “America wants nice and calm. You’re almost there, don’t mess this up.” 

Jackson’s statement illustrated how the United States tries to control or suppress the truth, especially from Black musicians. 

 Guest Performances 

The guest appearances added to the performance. SZA joined Lamar for the songs “Luther” and “All the Stars.” The dancers marched in formation adding to the message of unity and resistance. 

DJ Mustard made an appearance when Lamar performed the song “TV OFF.” Mustard was featured in the song and being there added an extra layer of West Coast authenticity since they’re both from Los Angeles. 

The truly unexpected guest was tennis star Serena Williams. Williams crip walked on stage supposedly protesting and speaking volumes, especially after what happened at the 2012 Olympics. 

When Williams won the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics she celebrated by crip walking while facing backlash because people thought it was inappropriate. Her moment added to the cultural significance of Kendrick Lamar’s character as a person who pushes back no matter what. 

Lamar ended the show with “TV OFF,” a fitting conclusion symbolizing shutting down the distractions, noise, and propaganda. As the stadium went dark, in the stance, there was a flash of one final message: “GAME OVER.” 

Jarah McMiller, a junior criminology major said, “Overall Kendrick did a great job showing his authentic self, focusing on his voice as a way to communicate how most black people felt at that moment.”

With this performance, Kendrick Lamar created a historic moment.