A Groundbreaking Performance
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show was a groundbreaking performance that will be remembered for years. The rapper delivered a spectacle filled with symbolism, cultural commentary, and unforgettable moments that entertained and intrigued audiences.
Opening with Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam
One of the most striking elements of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance was the introduction by Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as Uncle Sam. This unexpected opening set the tone for a show that would challenge traditional expectations of a Super Bowl halftime performance.
Surprise Appearances
The show featured several surprise guest appearances, adding depth and excitement to the performance. SZA joined Lamar for renditions of “luther” and “All The Stars,” while tennis icon Serena Williams made a memorable cameo, performing the Crip Walk during “Not Like Us”.
Performance of “Not Like Us”
Perhaps the most talked-about moment of the show was Lamar’s performance of “Not Like Us,” his Grammy-winning diss track aimed at Drake. This bold choice brought Lamar’s ongoing feud with the Canadian rapper to the world’s biggest stage, with Lamar even looking directly into the camera while delivering pointed lyrics.
Visual Spectacle
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance featured over 80 dancers dressed in red, white, and blue, forming various formations throughout the 13-minute show. These visual elements added layers of meaning to Lamar’s performance, representing American identity and division themes.
Unexpected Song Choices
Rather than relying solely on his biggest hits, Lamar performed several tracks from his recent album “GNX,” including some lesser-known songs. This decision showcased Lamar’s commitment to his artistry over commercial appeal.
The Significance of Uncle Sam
The inclusion of Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam added significant depth to the themes of Lamar’s performance, serving as a powerful symbol of American identity and the complex relationship between Black artists and mainstream American culture.
Representation of American Expectations
Jackson’s Uncle Sam character represented the traditional expectations placed on Super Bowl halftime performers and, by extension, Black artists in America. Throughout the performance, Uncle Sam critiqued Lamar’s choices, calling his performance “too loud, too reckless, too ghetto,” highlighting the pressure on Black artists to conform to mainstream expectations.
Commentary on Race and Power
The choice to have Samuel L. Jackson, a Black actor known for portraying complex and often antagonistic characters, play Uncle Sam was a deliberate subversion of the traditional image of this American icon. This casting choice forced viewers to confront their preconceptions about American identity and who gets to define it.
Echoes of History
Jackson’s portrayal of Uncle Sam parallels his role as Stephen in “Django Unchained,” a character who worked against his own race to thrive in American society. This connection added a layer of historical context to the performance, highlighting the ongoing struggle of Black Americans to navigate systemic oppression.
Contrast with Lamar’s Authenticity
The presence of Uncle Sam throughout the performance starkly contrasted with Lamar’s authentic expression of his art and identity. While Uncle Sam repeatedly tried to control and shape Lamar’s performance, the rapper remained true to his vision, symbolizing the resistance of Black artists against attempts to silence or sanitize their voices.
Framing the American Narrative
By bookending the performance with Uncle Sam’s commentary, Lamar effectively framed his entire show as a dialogue about American identity and the place of Black artists within it. This framing device allowed Lamar to turn what could have been a simple musical performance into a nuanced commentary on race, power, and artistic expression in America.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was a masterclass in using the biggest stage in American entertainment to deliver a powerful message about identity, artistry, and the ongoing struggle for equality. Lamar created an entertaining and profoundly thought-provoking performance by incorporating elements like Samuel L. Jackson’s Uncle Sam and carefully chosen visual and musical elements, cementing his place as one of the most important voices in contemporary music.
