Kendrick Lamar: A Super Bowl Halftime Show Analysis

Introduction

In a historic moment for the music and sports world, acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson took center stage to introduce Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show. Assuming the role of ‘Uncle Sam,’ Jackson clad in a star-spangled blue top hat, welcomed the audience to the “great American game.”

The Return of Uncle Sam

Devoted followers of Kendrick Lamar would instantly recognize the character of ‘Uncle Sam’ from Lamar’s groundbreaking album, ‘To Pimp a Butterfly.’ This character, emblematic of materialistic desires, was brought to life in “Wesley’s Theory,” where Lamar uses a chilling voice to portray Uncle Sam’s relentless pursuit of wealth. The character serves as a symbol of the struggle between American artists and capitalism, illustrating the allure and destructive aspects of this bond.

Lamar’s Stand Against the Norms

During the Super Bowl halftime show, Kendrick Lamar revisited this theme. His performance marked the first time a solo rap artist headlined the event, which bore witness to Lamar’s resolute determination to break from conventional norms. The rapper, now under heightened commercial and critical scrutiny, has reached new heights in his career, with notable achievements including a Pulitzer Prize, nearly two dozen Grammy Awards, and a public feud with fellow artist, Drake.

The anticipation surrounding Lamar’s performance spurred an influx of speculation about his chosen setlist. Some wondered if he would focus on his diss track, “Not Like Us,” or alternatively, use the platform to highlight his biggest hits. Others contemplated the implications of Lamar, known for his criticism of the industry and his inspiration from Black revolutionary imagery, agreeing to perform for an organization that had previously blacklisted Colin Kaepernick for his protests against police brutality.

A Performance of Deference and Defiance

Lamar’s Super Bowl performance oscillated between deference to and defiance of expectations. He reimagined Uncle Sam as a kind of overseer, present to gauge the artist’s progress. Clothed in a custom Bode suit, the figure of Uncle Sam symbolized not just the game of football, but the game of fame as well. Lamar’s stage featured elements from the popular series Squid Game, with dancers donned in red, white, and blue, forming patterns reminiscent of the American flag.

Uncle Sam’s Surveillance

Throughout the show, Uncle Sam was depicted as a figure of authority, monitoring and policing Lamar. After Lamar’s performance of “Squabble Up,” backed by a fleet of crimson-clad dancers, Uncle Sam critiqued the demonstration as “too loud, too reckless, too ghetto,” and questioned Lamar’s understanding of “the game.”

Artistic Integrity Versus Commercial Appeal

The question of balancing artistic authenticity with commercial appeal was a recurring theme throughout Lamar’s performance. Many of his most popular hits were conspicuously absent from the show, a contrast to typical artist approaches to such a monumental stage. Instead, his setlist was dominated by tracks from GNX, including “Man at the Garden” and “Luther,” featuring SZA’s melodious vocals.

Lamar’s performance of “Luther” and “All the Stars” with SZA was met with approval from Uncle Sam. The figure stated, “America wants nice and calm,” simultaneously warning Lamar against disrupting the peace. Yet, Lamar demonstrated his preference for playing the game his own way.

Teasing “Not Like Us”

Throughout his performance, Lamar teased the audience with hints of “Not Like Us,” his most popular track. At one point, he playfully hinted at a potential lawsuit from Drake against Lamar and his label UMG, due to the defamation lawsuit following the track.

Unfazed by Legal Threats

Lamar was undeterred by the threat of litigation, eventually performing the hit song and introducing Serena Williams as one of the evening’s special guests. His performance was characterized by a playful and nimble style reminiscent of his early hits. Lamar appeared free from responsibility and excited to humorously target his rival, Drake. This final performance was intended as a subversive act, a demonstration of Lamar’s determination to play the game on his terms. Yet, it also seemed to be an act of appeasement.

Conclusion

Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show at Super Bowl LIX was a masterful blend of artistic integrity and commercial appeal, a performance that pushed the boundaries of what is expected from such an event. His reimagined Uncle Sam, the battle against capitalism, and the balance between deference and defiance all contributed to a riveting spectacle that will be remembered for years to come. Even amidst the glitz and glamour of the Super Bowl, Lamar managed to stay true to his roots, creating a performance that was uniquely his own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kendrick Lamar’s most popular track?

“Not Like Us” is currently Kendrick Lamar’s most popular track.

Did Kendrick Lamar perform solo at the Super Bowl halftime show?

Yes, Kendrick Lamar was the first solo rap artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.

Who were the special guests during Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance?

SZA and Serena Williams were among the special guests during Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance.

Credit: www.hollywoodreporter.com