To be completely transparent, I am not typically a fan of live concerts. The excitement surrounding touring musicians performing songs I already know often eludes me, and I usually find myself tuning out the extravagance of events like the Super Bowl halftime show. However, I was genuinely surprised to experience a level of exhilaration from Kendrick Lamar’s performance that I haven’t felt since witnessing Prince’s legendary guitar solo at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This performance was not merely a distraction from a tedious game; it was a masterful piece of performance art, weaving together various threads of American history through Lamar’s poignant lyrics and the stunning visuals that accompanied them.

Samuel L. Jackson Creates an Engaging Context for Kendrick’s Subversive Performance

The standout feature of Lamar’s halftime show was the presence of a genuine emcee?Samuel L. Jackson, portraying “Uncle Sam.” He sets the stage by dramatically framing Lamar’s performance as “the great American game,” which initially appears to be a nod to football’s status as America’s preeminent sport. However, the stage’s design, adorned with large platforms resembling the PlayStation logo, infuses a layer of irony, suggesting that the experience is akin to navigating a game of survival in America. Jackson, known for his history of resisting governmental authority, from his college activism to his involvement in the Black Power movement, adds depth to the performance. His portrayal of a blunt emcee who addresses uncomfortable truths mirrors his iconic role in Do the Right Thing, where he urged audiences to confront reality and foster unity. By interrupting Lamar’s songs with questions about playing the game and later complimenting him for his “nice” and “calm” tracks, he reframes Lamar’s mainstream success as a critique of the societal divisions perpetuated by American institutions for capitalist gain.

The Symbolism of Red, White, and Blue: Unity Versus Division

The theme of unity transcending division is vividly reflected in the costumes worn by Lamar’s ensemble. Every performer, including the dancers, is clad in the colors red, white, or blue, with each outfit meticulously coordinated to convey deeper meanings. Lamar himself dons a striking blue ensemble, symbolizing his ties to the West Coast, while Jackson’s attire pays homage to the iconic Uncle Sam recruitment poster. Guest appearances by SZA, Serena Williams, and DJ Mustard further emphasize this color scheme, with SZA in red and Williams alongside Mustard in blue. At first glance, this color palette clearly references the American flag, especially as the dancers arrange themselves to mirror its iconic shape. However, on a more profound level, the colors evoke the rivalry between the Bloods and the Crips, two notorious gangs in Los Angeles that Lamar publicly united during his The Pop Out concert last summer. To reinforce this message, Williams performs a Crip walk, a dance associated with the Crips that has drawn racial criticism in the past. This intentional color coordination powerfully amplifies Lamar’s overarching message about celebrating victories on the journey toward unity amidst societal injustice.

Kendrick Lamar Delivers a Bold and Provocative Statement

While I haven’t yet touched on his selection of songs, those choices serve as a powerful finale to Lamar’s self-reflective and compelling performance. He captivated the audience with a blend of his greatest hits, showcasing his undeniable charisma and ownership of the moment. Teasing us by playing “Not Like Us” twice before finally delivering it, he even flashed a playful smile at the camera while calling out Drake?a display of delightful pettiness that I wholeheartedly admire. Yet, this was not the most audacious aspect of his performance.

The climax arrived when he concluded with “tv off” from his latest album, <em>GNX</em>, dramatically illuminating the phrase “GAME OVER” in bright lights throughout the arena as it fell into darkness. His final message to millions of Americans was a clarion call to unplug from the corporate media apparatus and unite against oppressive powers. The significance of delivering this message with the current President in attendance, broadcasted on national television during the nation?s most-watched sporting event, transforms this moment into a rallying cry for Americans to come together and strive for the brighter future we all envision. Alternatively, it could symbolize a final blow to the credibility of October’s Very Own, all thanks to a LEGO man delivering a kung fu kick that should never again be underestimated.