Kendrick Lamar made history as the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl half-time show, captivating an audience of over 120 million viewers. Early in his performance, the rapper humorously referenced his hit song "Not Like Us," which takes aim at rival Drake, while navigating the legal implications of performing it due to ongoing defamation lawsuits filed against him. Lamar artfully teased the song throughout his set, and when he finally performed it, he self-censored the most controversial lyrics but maintained an infectious energy that resonated through the stadium.
The high-energy performance featured unexpected guest appearances, including tennis star Serena Williams, who added to the excitement with a rendition of the Crip Walk. Lamar's elaborate stage design showcased an engaging contrast between introspective lyrics and crowd-pleasing hits, masterfully crafted against a giant noughts and crosses backdrop. Despite the downplayed nature of his performance, items of significance lingered; notably, the decision to omit his civil rights anthem “Alright” amidst shifting NFL messaging about the Black Lives Matter movement, which some might have expected to be addressed.
As the performance ramped up, actor Samuel L. Jackson emceed the show, encouraging Lamar to engage in lighter material while cheerfully acknowledging his collaboration with R&B singer SZA. Musical highlights included fan favorites from his Pulitzer Prize-winning album DAMN, including 'Humble' and 'DNA,' alongside other tracks that electrified fans, such as ‘Euphoria.’ Lamar’s set further intensified with the bouncy 'TV Off,' leading to a conclusion with a flourish.
However, the performance was briefly disrupted when a protester unfurled a flag during the live show, although it was later revealed that the individual was part of the choreographed cast for the event. The multi-layered experience, a mix of artistry, excitement, and political nuance, left fans buzzing long after the performance ended, spotlighting Lamar’s unique positioning as both a commercial success and a keen commentator on the societal landscape—even amid legal challenges.
For those looking to relive the action, the full set is now available for viewing on platforms like YouTube.
