Theatrical Opening with a Political Message
A powerful monologue by Samuel L. Jackson opened the halftime show, who came out dressed as Uncle Sam. This set the tone for the performance as one that would aim to tackle important socio-political issues.
While Lamar was performing, he stood on top of a GNX car, which pays homage to West Coast hip-hop fans. The stage design had a neon-lit tic-tac-toe pattern. During this performance, dancers wore costumes with “too reckless,” “too loud,” and “too ghetto,” showcasing racial stereotypes and social identity.
An Amazing Setlist with a Stunning Twist
Lamar performed classics from GNX and newer hits, including:
- “Squabble Up”
- “Wacced Out Murals”
- “Alright” (a favorite off of To Pimp a Butterfly*)*
- “Not Like Us” (his popular but legally restrained diss track aimed at Drake)
The political side of the artwork was equally Lamar’s as his passionate dancing throughout the show. At one point, dancers formed an American flag as they raised their fists in a salute, followed by a Black Power salute.
While the performance of the song was captivating as it was, the dancer revealing a Gaza and Sudan flag before being scaffolded away indiscriminately made it even more so.
Unforgettable Cameos
The set was not complete with Lamar’s cameo. He invited a couple of other notable figures, including:
- DJ Mustard, who got the audience pumped in the beginning
- Serena Williams, who is a well-known fan of Lamar and equally as successful in her field
- SZA, who performed their joint song “All the Stars” with Lamar
SZA gave an unforgettable performance as her voice merged with Lamar’s bars. The duet stunned the crowd and was surely a highlight of the night.
How This Affects The Super Bowl Halftime Show
Lamar’s halftime show was the first one to break away from the super-heavy pop-influenced routine that has remained the same for decades. The most important part of this exquisite performance was that he chose to intertwine hip-hop, activism, and entertainment, awarding him great success that will dictate how future artists approach and utilize their platforms.
People were not only left speechless but also brought serious concern on how much role artists should play in the social arena with his use of symbolism, political statements, and other socially conscious messages aimed at capturing the audience’s imagination.
This isn’t just expanding T-Mobile’s network coverage, but is leading the way in the future of mobile communication. The collaboration is projected to change the landscape of telecommunications and provide easy access even in the hardest parts of the world.
Final Thoughts: A Performance to Remember
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show was an extraordinary experience not only for the audience but also for the performers. It shocked the world and set a new precedent of what Super Bowl performances can look like.
Everything from the symbolic choreography, and unannounced guest performers, to the overarching message was engrained with deep meaning.
How did you find Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show? Tell us what you think in the comments section below, and be sure to check out the further reports on Super Bowl LIX as well as other news related to the show business!
