Kendrick Lamar’s performance is one for the books. I enjoyed every second of it. It was a breathtaking performance and a protest all in one.
On the surface, you may watch the 2025 Halftime Show and believe it is just a short rapper talking way too fast about topics you haven’t heard of, but if you take the time to digest his message, you will see how powerful his performance was. His performance beautifully represented many black struggles and experiences. His lyrics have helped many African Americans find solace for years. His career has impacted many. He knows how to tactfully talk about current events and issues, his personal life, and painful stories from others into wonderful pieces of music.
I’m not trying to gas him up. I can admit that his music is not for everyone. But it is definitely for me.
On the surface, you may watch the 2025 Halftime Show and believe it is just a short rapper talking way too fast about topics you haven’t heard of, but if you take the time to digest his message, you will see how powerful his performance was. His performance beautifully represented many black struggles and experiences. His lyrics have helped many African Americans find solace for years. His career has impacted many. He knows how to tactfully talk about current events and issues, his personal life, and painful stories from others into wonderful pieces of music.
I’m not trying to gas him up. I can admit that his music is not for everyone. But it is definitely for me.
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The performance starts with Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam. He opens by saying “This is the great American game” Life is the game, and we the American people are the players. Uncle Sam is the government. Remember this when Samuel L. Jackson speaks to all of us.
Uncle Sam was a big recruiter for getting black people into the military. It was a clever way for the government to capture lots of people, especially the Black community. Kendrick is trying to tell us we are about to get played by everyone at the top trying to run the show. |
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“GNX” which was released on November 22, 2024, is a fast-paced rap about varying issues in America. He starts by saying “Everyone must be judged” which signifies the trial many Latinx Americans have been facing due to Trump's claims about them being “illegal” or “aliens.” This lyric also makes me think about all of the African Americans who have been wrongly convicted of crimes and how most black people are treated as guilty until proven innocent. Many Black people are under the constant surveillance of the White man in many ways such as modern slavery (prisons) and trapping Black people in ghettos. We have been forced to conform to many rules created by the white man.
In recent years, our voices have gotten louder, and we are making our mark. But this time, everyone will know it was us. Kendrick knows he will be watched by many, and with this, he makes sure his set list is full of politically impactful songs that highlight what has been happening in the past years. “GNX” is a testament to the corruption of American society with a focus on how it affects the players– us. Further in his lyrics, he states “Only God is favoring us” showing how the new administration in the government is out to get us. With the Trump administration trying to repeal amendments and make major policy changes for a tax break, and to assert its “dominance” over Americans, we must remember the government isn't the end-all who is protecting us. In these instances, we can resist the government when it tries to take away our rights. We have done it before and we can do it again.
Kendrick details his long music career mentioning how he is “twenty years in, still got that pen dedicated to bare hard truth.” Which can mean a multitude of things. This could be how he has been bringing light to all of the immoral things Drake has done behind closed doors, or how the government is ready to do anything to keep the most privileged groups and people at the top, leaving the rest of us to find everything for ourselves. Kendrick speaks about the current predicament, which is “f*** you” another reference to how the government is no longer trying to upgrade the lives of all Americans and is only trying to help the demographics already at the top. While he is spitting his insightful lyrics, his background dancers are all jumping out of his car. The dancers have on either red, white, or blue. Does that ring a bell? Those are the colors of our flag.
In recent years, our voices have gotten louder, and we are making our mark. But this time, everyone will know it was us. Kendrick knows he will be watched by many, and with this, he makes sure his set list is full of politically impactful songs that highlight what has been happening in the past years. “GNX” is a testament to the corruption of American society with a focus on how it affects the players– us. Further in his lyrics, he states “Only God is favoring us” showing how the new administration in the government is out to get us. With the Trump administration trying to repeal amendments and make major policy changes for a tax break, and to assert its “dominance” over Americans, we must remember the government isn't the end-all who is protecting us. In these instances, we can resist the government when it tries to take away our rights. We have done it before and we can do it again.
Kendrick details his long music career mentioning how he is “twenty years in, still got that pen dedicated to bare hard truth.” Which can mean a multitude of things. This could be how he has been bringing light to all of the immoral things Drake has done behind closed doors, or how the government is ready to do anything to keep the most privileged groups and people at the top, leaving the rest of us to find everything for ourselves. Kendrick speaks about the current predicament, which is “f*** you” another reference to how the government is no longer trying to upgrade the lives of all Americans and is only trying to help the demographics already at the top. While he is spitting his insightful lyrics, his background dancers are all jumping out of his car. The dancers have on either red, white, or blue. Does that ring a bell? Those are the colors of our flag.
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After “GNX," Kendrick states “The Revolution is about to be televised. You pick the right time but the wrong guy.” You should consider this quote while watching the rest of this performance to understand how big of an impact he is trying to make. His whole performance is a protest due to the actions the government has been taking on its citizens in the past few months.
After this statement, he plays “Squabble Up." It's a funny play on how he's ready to fight the government. Understanding some executive orders Trump has been signing such as overriding birthright citizenship and no longer acknowledging minority history months, is reasoning as to why his performance mustn’t be traditional (Rihanna and Beyonce style). “Squabble Up” has a nice ring to it, but besides how catchy it is, the song slightly highlights some current issues. He first says “IP, ownership, the blueprint is by me,” announcing that he is leading the protest. It is valuable that someone so popular in the music industry continues to stand for what's right, rather than following the money. After this, he states “Quid pro quo,” which is a reference to the multiple alleged quid pro quo throughout his presidency, especially the suspicious texts and phone calls discussing investigations that would sidestep the U.S. government's missions to aid Ukraine to gain Russia’s favor. |
After “Squabble Up," Uncle Sam comes back and says many things black people are stereotypically categorized by, such as loud, reckless, and ghetto. I have hated how modern-day society uses ghetto because it is such a negative word. Many ignore the painful history of how minorities were pushed into undesirable neighborhoods which were referred to as “ghettos.” Our culture has been used in many ways without any credit. We have made amazing things happen even with undesirable circumstances. We have found ways to laugh through pain and try for careers and schools we have historically been excluded from.
Uncle Sam asks if Lamar knows how to “play the game,” which I know he does. He took his opportunity to perform at the Superbowl and made a large statement. The black community has learned how to “play the game” by becoming successful in getting our rights, forcing the white man to accept our hair in the workplace, accept us into schools, allow us to vote, and much more. We continue to thrive even when most of our country is against us. Uncle Sam has reminded him that he needs to “tighten up” and make sure the government doesn’t sneak him and take away his speech while he makes his statement.
Uncle Sam asks if Lamar knows how to “play the game,” which I know he does. He took his opportunity to perform at the Superbowl and made a large statement. The black community has learned how to “play the game” by becoming successful in getting our rights, forcing the white man to accept our hair in the workplace, accept us into schools, allow us to vote, and much more. We continue to thrive even when most of our country is against us. Uncle Sam has reminded him that he needs to “tighten up” and make sure the government doesn’t sneak him and take away his speech while he makes his statement.
Then he plays Humble, a fan favorite, which highlights the Black struggles. He states that no one is praying for him, he is the only one to vouch for and protect himself. During this, the American flag is split in two. A great symbol showing how the two major political parties have completely divided society. Two extremes and no harmony.
He goes through some of his other songs faster, giving us highlights from each, but saving his time for the moment we were all waiting for. The American flag scatters as the transitions into playing “DNA,” which is a popular song with an amazing beat and great lyrics. Not very political, but a great song nonetheless. Then he switches to playing “Euphoria” but, before that, the stadium lights flash “Warning Wrong Way.”
What could that mean? Is our society doomed? Our government is taking steps back. He’s trying to wake us up.
He goes through some of his other songs faster, giving us highlights from each, but saving his time for the moment we were all waiting for. The American flag scatters as the transitions into playing “DNA,” which is a popular song with an amazing beat and great lyrics. Not very political, but a great song nonetheless. Then he switches to playing “Euphoria” but, before that, the stadium lights flash “Warning Wrong Way.”
What could that mean? Is our society doomed? Our government is taking steps back. He’s trying to wake us up.
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“Euphoria” mentions lots of things about the beef he and Drake are having, a very popular topic in the rap beef world, but is not relevant to his protest. But this goes to show he knows how to keep everyone entertained. From politically relevant to socially relevant, he bounces between songs and topics to make sure we have a lot to reflect on. “Man in the Garden” is a bop, another newer song that slaps. Mentions enemies, with the beef still in mind.
Going back into protest mode, Uncle Sam says “Culture cheat code” and that he is going to “deduct 1 life." Is this because he is shifting away from the protest to rap beef to keep everyone tuned in and entertained? He seems to ignore Uncle Sam this time, performing Peekaboo, which still highlights their beef. But we see one curious thing: He is performing in an “X” Something is off. All of the dancers are fully dressed in white. Kendrick is reminding us where we have been and uses symbolism to say let's listen so we don't go backward.
Going back into protest mode, Uncle Sam says “Culture cheat code” and that he is going to “deduct 1 life." Is this because he is shifting away from the protest to rap beef to keep everyone tuned in and entertained? He seems to ignore Uncle Sam this time, performing Peekaboo, which still highlights their beef. But we see one curious thing: He is performing in an “X” Something is off. All of the dancers are fully dressed in white. Kendrick is reminding us where we have been and uses symbolism to say let's listen so we don't go backward.
Kendrick teases “Not Like Us”, a crazy hit in 2024. Who knew a diss could be so great? He says, “I want to make a move. I want to perform they favorite song, but you know they love to sue.” Which is immediately a crazy reference. Now everyone’s ears are perked up. Who is he talking about? Did I hear a piece of “Not Like Us” in the background?
Yes, you did. Yes, you heard right. Yes, I fell to the floor in shock. Then Uncle Sam tells Kendrick, “You have lost your damn mind”--which to some, they may agree, but if you understand what he means by all of this, you know he is an insightful lyrical genius who is engaging his audience while reminding us why he is truly there.
Yes, you did. Yes, you heard right. Yes, I fell to the floor in shock. Then Uncle Sam tells Kendrick, “You have lost your damn mind”--which to some, they may agree, but if you understand what he means by all of this, you know he is an insightful lyrical genius who is engaging his audience while reminding us why he is truly there.
“Luther” gets played. SZA comes out and gives an incredible performance. Her mic was not loud enough, but her stage presence was impeccable. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. What a pleasant surprise. Her lyric “This world concrete flowers grow” shows that even she understands how hard life can get, especially in unfavorable circumstances.
Then All the Stars is played. Amazing choice because it can be used to think about the beef between him and others and just real-world conflict. This song is a lot slower than the other ones he performed, giving us a second to catch our breath. Then here comes Uncle Sam with his two cents. He approves of the songs with SZA because they resemble “what America wants, nice and calm.” Kendrick takes that statement and throws it out the window. Being told you are “one of the good ones” as a minority may have a familiar ring to it.
Then All the Stars is played. Amazing choice because it can be used to think about the beef between him and others and just real-world conflict. This song is a lot slower than the other ones he performed, giving us a second to catch our breath. Then here comes Uncle Sam with his two cents. He approves of the songs with SZA because they resemble “what America wants, nice and calm.” Kendrick takes that statement and throws it out the window. Being told you are “one of the good ones” as a minority may have a familiar ring to it.
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Then the big hitter. “Not Like Us.” Before that, he states “40 acres and a mule this is bigger than the music” Once again reminding us what he is here for while he plays the hits everyone knows and loves. “Yeah they tried to rig the game but you can't fake influence” he knows how big of a deal this is. A key moment many fail to notice about the background dancers is that they are laid out like chalked-out dead bodies. In all of the recordings, you can hear the excitement in the crowd when it's time to say “a minor,” which is hilarious. He knew how to build suspense and how to execute it! But not to the point of teaching us about the current issues.
Another amazing element is how detailed he was. He has Serena Williams crip walking which is an amazing touch due to her past relationship with Drake. “Not Like Us” is an obvious fan favorite and name-dropping Drake had jaws on the floor. |
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He decides he has done enough, and knowing some people may not enjoy his statements, he performs “TV off” to end it. He has one more special guest for us. Mustard!!! He comes out with a large “M” chain and football. He was just happy to be there. “TV off” ending the superbowl is a genius decision, because he knows he has ruffled many feathers with his performance. Trump is in the stadium while he is talking his shit, and Drake is in there while he brings his ex up to crip walk and performs multiple songs highlighting how much of a lame he is.
Finally, I'd like to note that he has many impactful lyrics that he doesn't necessarily mention in his performance. He talks about numerous black struggles and political events in many other songs, so, he's not new to being politically aware. Him performing for all Americans is really important because he understands how his people aren't being heard and he knows that minorities need a voice. He decided instead of having a performance similar to some other artists, he's going to make his performance his own. He's creating history, something our community is known for doing.
This time, he's going to get the credit because he has highlighted many different things that many groups of people enjoy whether it's socially conscious and politically conscious people who enjoy finding the little tokens of references within the injustices that many people are dealing with an American society, or if it's the funny rap beef that spiraled out of control. He has a whole album dedicated to the foolishness of Drake and has done a great job making history and cultivating a performance that nobody can stop talking about. And to anybody who thinks his performance was subpar or ‘just okay’, just know that you were watching it on a surface level and you should watch it again. Go ahead and do that.
This time, he's going to get the credit because he has highlighted many different things that many groups of people enjoy whether it's socially conscious and politically conscious people who enjoy finding the little tokens of references within the injustices that many people are dealing with an American society, or if it's the funny rap beef that spiraled out of control. He has a whole album dedicated to the foolishness of Drake and has done a great job making history and cultivating a performance that nobody can stop talking about. And to anybody who thinks his performance was subpar or ‘just okay’, just know that you were watching it on a surface level and you should watch it again. Go ahead and do that.
Lena Davis
She/Her
Creative Writer
Op-Ed Writer
Creative Writer
Op-Ed Writer
