Right Time, Wrong Guy
Image Courtesy: The Athletic
At the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, otherwise known as the “Great American Game,” renowned rapper Kendrick Lamar used the most streamed athletic event in the United States as a stage to make impactful cultural and political commentary. He strategically energized millions of viewers while exploring socially conscious themes, as he has throughout his career. The football field’s transformation into a video game threw not-so-discreet hints towards his feud with rapper Drake and the current state of the American government. As dancers entered the stage in the same car, they dispersed into different groups by color category: red, white, and blue, signifying historical discrimination events. Lamar’s choice of words: “The revolution ‘bout to be televised, you picked the right time but the wrong guy,” clearly suggests his intent behind historically lecturing those watching.
Image Courtesy: Rolling Stone
During one of his most famous songs, “ Squabble Up,” the dancers are seen walking in different directions, some “moving back in time.” The most visible “easter eggs” could be seen throughout this iconic performance in the movements and formations of the dancers, one of the most significant being the formation of the American flag. At one point, the flag separates and dancers face opposite sides while Lamar, the 13th person in blue, performs between them. His placement during this segment highlighted the message about marginalized communities, focusing on the reality of oppression versus the patriotic ideals that America is known for. This is symbolized again in the part where all the dancers act dead minus the “elite circle,” in the middle: an accurately scary depiction of the United States' newly elected board members.
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One of the most significant aspects of the entire performance was the Narrator Uncle Sam (Samuel L. Jackson) serving as personified America, critiquing throughout the performance, highlighting how black artists in the country are often scolded to tone down their voices and messages, “too loud, too reckless, too ghetto.” In addition, the 16 stars on Uncle Sam’s suit represented the freed states from 1850 to 1858. After guest star SZA joins Lamar on the stage and performs the songs “luther” and “All the Stars,” which are less opinionated and controversial, Uncle Sam exclaims, “That's what America wants, nice and calm!”
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The final part of the performance concluded with Lamar addressing his beef with Drake and performing “Not Like Us,” the Grammy-winning song of the year. “It’s a cultural divide imma get it on the flow… 40 acres and a mule this is bigger than the music… they tried to rig the game, but you can’t fake influence,” was another shot at promises America made to black people, but never fulfilled and as some think, last year's presidential election. Moving forward, the most meme-worthy part of the halftime show was when Lamar directly addressed the camera with a big grin “Say, Drake, I heard you like ‘em young,” while wearing an a-minor chain as also seen on Serena Williams, one of Drake’s ex-girlfriends. Finally, the halftime show ended with lights out and the words “Game Over” in the audience stands.
Image Courtesy: WIRED
After analyzing the hidden symbolism behind every well-thought-out movement, conscious wording, and attire, Kendrick Lamar delivered an unforgettable experience in 13 minutes. He successfully provided entertainment and used his platform to communicate a strong underlying message to the millions watching the game.
Strike Out,
Writer: Camila Ciampi
Editor: Layne Schulte
Graphic Designer: Joaquin Barnette
Tallahassee