The Philadelphia Eagles may have put a collective beatdown on the Kansas City Chiefs to the tune of 40 – 22. And let’s be real, the score should be 40-6 as those last two touchdowns were garbage. And Budweiser, Nike, Rocket, and Doritos may have also won over audiences’ emotions. But the real winner of Super Bowl LIX was Kendrick Lamar.
The hip-hop star’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance transcended the typical entertainment spectacle, delivering a profound commentary on American culture, identity, and the complexities of the Black experience.
By weaving together symbolic imagery, surprise guest appearances, and subtle cultural references, Lamar crafted a show that resonated deeply with audiences and left an indelible mark on Super Bowl history.
A Tapestry of Symbolism
The performance began with Oscar winner Samuel L. Jackson embodying Uncle Sam, setting a satirical tone that challenged traditional American iconography. This choice immediately signaled Lamar’s intent to delve beyond surface-level entertainment.
After emerging from an authentic GNX on stage, dancers donned red, white, and blue attire, eventually forming a representation of the American flag—a visual metaphor highlighting unity and division within the nation.
During the performance, Lamar proclaimed, “40 acres and a mule, this is bigger than the music.” This phrase harks back to a post-Civil War promise made to formerly enslaved Black Americans. In 1865, Union General William T. Sherman issued Special Field Order No. 15, which allocated 40 acres of land to each freed slave family.
However, this promise was rescinded, and the land was returned to former Confederate owners, symbolizing a broken commitment and the systemic challenges Black Americans have faced since emancipation.
Subtle Cultural References: ‘Squid Game’ and the Prison Yard Motif
The performance was rich with nuanced cultural references. The stage design and choreography subtly alluded to Squid Game, the popular South Korean series that critiques societal inequalities. Additionally, the prison yard motif, with dancers moving in regimented formations, evoked themes of systemic oppression and the struggle for freedom within marginalized communities.
Serena Williams’ Crip Walk: A Nod to Heritage and Resilience
Serena Williams’ surprise appearance during Lamar’s set was both a nod to her personal history and a bold cultural statement. Dressed in a blue ensemble, Williams performed the Crip Walk—a dance originating from the Crips gang in 1970s Los Angeles.
This move mirrored her 2012 Olympic victory celebration, which had previously drawn criticism for its gang-related associations. At the Super Bowl, her dance was seen by many as a reclamation of cultural identity and a tribute to her Compton roots.
The performance elicited a spectrum of reactions. Many viewers celebrated Williams’ dance as a powerful expression of Black culture and resilience. However, some conservative commentators and supporters of the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement criticized the move, viewing it as inappropriate for a national stage. They argued that the dance’s gang affiliations were unsuitable for a family-friendly event, reigniting debates about the portrayal of Black culture in mainstream media.
The Drake Feud
Lamar didn’t shy away from his ongoing feud with fellow rapper Drake. By performing Not Like Us, a track widely interpreted as a diss toward Drake, Lamar underscored themes of authenticity and artistic integrity. This choice highlighted the competitive nature of the music industry and emphasized the importance of staying true to one’s roots.
The Human Flag
In a powerful finale, performers came together to form a human representation of the American flag, symbolizing unity amidst diversity. This act served as a poignant reminder of the nation’s ideals and the ongoing journey toward achieving them.
Lamar’s halftime show was more than a musical performance; it was a carefully crafted narrative that challenged viewers to reflect on societal issues, personal identity, and the collective American experience.
By integrating cultural symbols and addressing contemporary topics, Lamar ensured that his performance would be remembered as a defining moment in Super Bowl history.
And the winner is…
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Colin Costello is the West Coast Editor of Reel 360. Contact him at colin@reel360.com or follow him on Twitter at @colinthewriter1
