Kendrick Lamar’s “Super Bowl” Performance, Political statement or Sellout?

– Written by Daniela Macias –

Kendrick Lamar proved why he’s this generation’s rap goat with his incredible Super Bowl LIX halftime performance. Fans are divided on the polticial message behind his performance. Some fans feel he watered down his statements and he sold out to please the NFL. Others feel Kendrick was intentional with every creative decision presented in the thirteen minute show. 

The show opened with Samuel L Jackson as a caricature of Uncle Sam. Uncle Sam addresses the audience and plays a crucial role in the message K Dot is trying to send.“Salutations! It’s your Uncle, Sam. And this is the great American Game!” Uncle Sam said. The camera then panned to Kendrick atop a Buick GNX. His performance would begin with the track “Wacced Out Murals”.  . As the music started, energy grew. Several dancers dressed in Red, White, and Blue streamline out of the car throughout the performance. These performers are all separated at first, but later on come together to create an American flag. 

“The revolution is about to be televised. You chose the right time but the wrong guy.” Kendrick said. There was an intention behind every bar lyric he spit. Including the politically charged lyrics from “Wacced Out Murals”. This opening of his show quickly set the political tone for the rest of his performance. Making for an especially poignant performance in the attendance of Donald Trump.

“Squabble Up” being played after “Wacced Out Murals” was seen by fans as a call to action to push back against the current political climate in America. The red, white, and blue dancers march up the steps and come closer together. Uncle Sam then interjected into the performance with a symbolic gesture.  “No No No No! Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto! Mr. Lamar, Do you really know how to play the game? Then tighten up.” He said. The layout of the stage seemingly represents a Playstation controller. It is speculated that this was a symbolization of the game Black Americans must play in order to “win” the system. It’s speculated Uncle Sam’s comments alluded to the fact that Black Americans are condenscendingly put down by adjectives like “too loud” or “ghetto” when they express their culture. The dancers then come together to create the American flag showing unity. 

After Lamar is called out by Uncle Sam for being “too loud” and “ghetto” he shifted into performing his hits that are more palatable for White America. There was then an interval Kendrick performed his less political songs like “Humble” and “DNA.” Uncle Sam said “I see you brought your homeboys with you, the old culture cheat code. Scorekeeper, deduct one life.” The quote directly relates to the previously stated idea of “the great American game”. Kendrick then decided to go against the rules against the “game” resulting in him “losing a life”.

On a more lighthearted note, Kendrick teased the Drake beef in the middle of his set. “I wanna perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.” He said. His backup dancers then replied,“What song?” they said. This was shortly followe by the opening chords of “Not Like Us” . It played, and it stopped and Kendrick said he’ll “ think about it.” “You done lost your damn mind!” Uncle Sam said. Kendrick then transitioned into performing his less controversial, more palatable hits. He then performed“Luther” and “All The Stars” with guest performer SZA. Following these tracks Uncle Sam congratulated Kendrick. “That’s what America wants. Nice, Calm! You’re almost there, don’t mess this up.” He said. 

The chords to “Not Like Us” then crept back in. Kendrick starts off,  “It’s a cultural divide imma get it on the flow.” he said. His dancers ask if he’s really gonna do it. “40 acres and a mule, this is bigger than the music” He says. This reply would then transition into the highly controversial “Not Like Us.” Lamar has never been one to censor himself. He is unapologetically himself in his art and he doesn’t water down what he means. The NFL is notorious for silencing the voices and political opinions of their athletes and their SuperBowl Halftime performers.

This performance is being seen as a metaphor for how America expects Black Americans to make their culture palatable for comfort and how the system is rigged against them. Not only that, Kendrick made a statement with Uncle Sam as the ringleader of the performance. To me Uncle Sam not only represents America, but the NFL and their power as well. Throughout the performance Kendrick pushes back against Uncle Sam’s wishes, performing the songs he wants to perform and making the statements he wants to make. Kendrick Lamar has fans divided on whether performing for a corporation like the NFL makes him a sellout, or if taking the opportunity to make his message as clear as possible was enough. 

My interpretation of this performance is that in the end, Kendrick stayed true to his vision. He goes back and forth with Uncle Sam throughout the show, but ultimately chose to stop listening to him. Uncle Sam as a figurehead telling Lamar how to perform speaks to the pressure the NFL put on his performance to play it safe. Although his statements were somewhat subtle, Kendrick stayed true to his roots. 

What are your thoughts on the SuperBowl Halftime show?