Kendrick Lamar took on the Tremendous Bowl Halftime Present in a manner no different artist ever has. The rapper introduced his signature storytelling, cinematic digicam work and deep love for Los Angeles to the world’s largest stage. The GNX-heavy setlist was a jam-packed efficiency, weaving by way of emotional highs and lows. Whereas the present was firmly rooted in Lamar’s personal star energy, he acquired a short help from his frequent collaborator and upcoming touring companion, SZA. The Roc Nation and Jesse Collins Leisure produced present marked the third yr Apple Music sponsored the halftime present.
Nonetheless, there’s no denying the top of his set: “Not Like Us.” The industry-shaking allegations towards Drake solely gained extra gasoline as Lamar carried out the 5x-GRAMMY profitable tune on such an enormous platform—arguably probably the most various stage on this planet. And but, even with that huge second, Lamar anchored the spectacle on himself.
Lamar, a grasp storyteller, opened the present with Samuel L. Jackson dressed as a Black Uncle Sam, declaring the Tremendous Bowl The Nice American Recreation. The message was fast—this wasn’t only a efficiency; it was a critique. The set began sluggish earlier than selecting up with “Squabble Up.”
His dancers, swagged out in purple, white and blue costumes, fashioned hanging pictures of the American flag. The symbolism was inconceivable to disregard because the all-Black ensemble proudly wore locs, fros, braids and different distinctly Black hairstyles. Nonetheless, the present briefly misplaced momentum—GNX is only some months outdated, and a few of its tracks lacked the cultural weight of Kendrick’s largest anthems, like “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe”, “Swimming Swimming pools (Drank),” and “King Kunta.”
One of many extra underrated moments got here when Kendrick delivered a short however highly effective spoken-word piece, backed by an all-Black male a cappella group. He closed the part with, “You need the harmful me or the well-known me?” earlier than launching into the intro of “Not Like Us.” Playfully teasing, “I need to play their favourite tune, however individuals wish to sue,” he pivoted into Peekaboo from GNX. The digicam work was a few of his greatest—monitoring him in circles as he switched flows and moved in excellent sync along with his dancers.
The power briefly leveled out as Kendrick carried out “Luther”, his present hit. SZA then appeared, effortlessly gliding by way of her verse in a flowing purple outfit to match her hair. She exuded a relaxed confidence as she swayed and belted the lyrics. The duo transitioned into their Academy Award-nominated Black Panther monitor “All of the Stars”, because the stadium erupted, singing each phrase.
Then got here “Not Like Us.” “40 acres and a mule—that is larger than music.”
With these phrases, Kendrick delivered a ruthless takedown of Drake, performing with an depth that shook the stadium. The digicam circled him as his dancers Crip-walked with defiant swagger. He strategically disregarded the phrase “pedophile”—the largest query main as much as the present—however doubled down in each different manner, calling out Drake and his associates by identify earlier than launching into the notorious “A-Minorrrrrr” line, sending your entire stadium right into a frenzy.
Visitor appearances from Serena Williams—who acquired a shoutout throughout “Not Like Us.” —and DJ Mustard, who joined for “TV Off”, added to the spectacle. However with a catalog as deep as Kendrick’s, the set felt considerably tethered to the Drake narrative, an exciting second that owned 2024 however one that won’t age as effectively in hindsight. Nonetheless, one factor is obvious—the world is able to transfer on from Drake, or on the very least, excited to see his reign challenged for some time. This efficiency didn’t should be the second that cemented that shift—however the truth that it was made it all of the extra electrifying.
The present was stuffed with Easter eggs—from a recreation of Drake’s So Far Gone mixtape cowl to Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam to the lowercase “a” on Kendrick’s chain. Little doubt, extra layers can be uncovered as followers and critics rewatch the spectacle. Jackson’s point out of “ghetto” habits was a extra overt name out to American tradition because it usually mischaracterizes Black artwork and expression, when not packaged in a white-centered capability.
With a historic GRAMMY sweep, a Tremendous Bowl second below his belt, and an enormous joint tour forward, there’s no telling the place the rap icon will go from right here.
