On Super Bowl Sun., Feb. 9, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Kendrick Lamar performed for America’s greatest sport. But what stands out is Lamar’s on-point symbolism that is, as he said, bigger than the music.
Lamar entertained people with 11 different songs from his albums that many people love, including OH students. The performance started with Samuel L. Jackson calling the Super Bowl the great American game while playing an Uncle Sam character. Many elements, such as the lyrics and the set-up of the performance, have a deeper meaning behind them to tell a story.
“I like that [Lamar] can express himself and deliver a message whenever he gets on a song. His flow is smooth, and works with good producers that can produce an excellent beat, creating timeless songs. And his storytelling is great,” said OH senior Yael Vasquez.
He played his hits in the following order: “Bodies” and “Squabble Up” from the GNX album, “HUMBLE.” and “DNA.” from the DAMN. album, “euphoria” (Single), “Man at the Garden,” “Peekaboo” and “Luther” from the GNX album, “All The Stars” from the Black Panther album, “Not Like Us” (Single) and ended with “tv off” from the GNX album.
Lamar first appeared on the same car used in the GNX album, starting his performance from there. Uncle Sam was introduced after “Squabble Up,” telling Lamar that he is being “too loud, too reckless, and too ghetto!” He continued to ask if he knew how to play the game and tighten up.
The scene Lamar skillfully created symbolized how oppressive America is. The show continued with performers dressed in red, white, and blue bodysuits creating an American flag with a line in the middle. He was demonstrating a divided America.
“My favorite part was when Kendrick was in the middle of the American flag made by the dancers,” said OH senior Zachary Ebel.
When “DNA” was played, the stage looked like a street: specifically the streets of his hometown, Compton, CA. After “Euphoria” played, the camera cut to Lamar and his performers beat-boxing and singing “Man at the Garden,” which works as a symbol for the many times Lamar hung out with friends to create beats.
After “Peekaboo,” he stands in front of a group of ladies and starts a conversation as an immersion break. Lamar said, “I want to make a move, I want to perform their favorite song but you know they love to sue.” Then, he teased a few notes from “Not Like Us,” arguably his biggest hit. The audience could be heard responding to the notes, lifting the energy in the Superdome. Kendrick stopped and then slowed the beat into the song “Luther.”
SZA, Lamar’s guest performer, was shown prominently on stage. As they sang “Luther” and “All The Stars,” Uncle Sam interrupted happily and said, “That’s what America wants, nice and calm… You’re almost there, don’t mess this…” but he gets interrupted by the beginning of “Not Like Us,” almost as if Kendrick was taunting those who would critique him.
“Not Like Us,” originally a diss track toward Drake, accuses him of inappropriate relationships with minors, and he even brought in Drake’s ex-partner as a dancer.
“My favorite part of the halftime show was when Kendrick grinned at the camera when he was performing ‘Not Like Us,’ as if he knew Drake was watching and wanted to humiliate him,” said Vasquez.
Kendrick ended this beautiful performance with tv off, bringing DJ Mustard to end the halftime show and leaving viewers with a lot to digest.
Lamar knows it too, having referenced the deeper meaning of his music by saying, “This is bigger than music.”
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I'm Enzo Elia and I really enjoy video games and talking about many topics. this is my first year on staff, I'm a senior. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!
