The Great American Game: Kendrick Lamar’s Bold Halftime Show

Kendrick Lamar is no stranger to using his music and performances as a platform to discuss social issues, and his Super Bowl 59 halftime show was no exception. From the very beginning, it was clear that this was more than just a spectacle. It was a story packed with symbolism and a critique of societal dynamics.

Setting the Stage: A Game of Control

The opening shot set the tone for the entire performance. The stage was designed with a triangle, circle, X, and square positioned in each corner, resembling the familiar buttons of a video game controller. This visual cue hinted at a deeper message: the idea that the country is being manipulated and controlled, much like players in a game. Reinforcing this theme, numbers in the crowd lights counted up to 100 with a loading bar beneath, further emphasizing that America itself is being "played."

The final shot of the introduction featured lights in the crowd spelling out "Start Here," pointing directly to where Kendrick stood. This marked the beginning of his narrative-driven performance, underscoring that everything to follow would dissect the elements of "the Great American Game."

Samuel L. Jackson as the Moderator

As the screen transitioned, Samuel L. Jackson appeared dressed as the iconic figure of Uncle Sam, embodying a moderator role for the event. He proclaimed the introduction of "the Great American Game," a direct metaphor for the government’s control over society. This bold statement immediately set the framework for Lamar’s performance—an exploration of this so-called "game."

Dancers as Players in the Game

The performance kicked off with a striking visual: dancers emerging from a single car and moving onto a square-shaped stage, symbolizing the start of the "game." Lamar’s voice resonated with the crowd as he declared, "The revolution is about to be televised. You picked the right time, but the wrong guy." This line, laden with political undertones, was widely interpreted as a reference to Donald Trump, who was reportedly in attendance.

Photo Credit: Complex via Instagram

The next scene shifted focus to a group of Black performers singing and dancing in denim and white T-shirts—a visual homage to streetwear deeply rooted in African American culture. The soundtrack transitioned to disco music, a genre with significant ties to Black communities in cities like New York and Philadelphia. This joyful yet defiant celebration of culture stood as a powerful contrast to the negativity often directed toward these communities.

True to form, Uncle Sam reappeared to criticize the group, calling them "too loud, too reckless, and ghetto." These derogatory terms have historically been weaponized against the Black community to degrade and marginalize them. Uncle Sam asked, "Do you really know how to play the game!?" His demand that Kendrick "tighten up" echoed the societal pressure for Black individuals to conform and suppress their cultural expression.

Serena Williams’ Defiant Dance: A Message for Drake

One of the most talked-about moments of the performance was Serena Williams’ appearance during the song “Not Like Us.” Her presence was significant for several reasons. Like Lamar, Williams hails from Compton, a city with deep ties to the history of hip-hop. More intriguingly, Williams shares a complicated history with rapper Drake, who has made references to her in multiple songs, including 2013’s “Worst Behavior” and 2022’s “Middle of the Ocean,” where he disparagingly called her husband, Alexis Ohanian, a “groupie.”

Williams’ bold dance moves, including Crip Walking on stage, were a defiant statement. The Crip Walk, often associated with West Coast culture, symbolized pride and rebellion. Her inclusion in this moment and Lamar’s lyric, seemingly directed at Drake, saying he “better not speak on Serena,” underscored a clear message—one of loyalty and protection of Black excellence and community.

A Cultural and Political Masterpiece

Lamar’s performance was more than entertainment—it was a thought-provoking commentary on power, control, and resistance. The symbolism woven throughout the show challenged viewers to think critically about America's ongoing societal dynamics. By blending artistry and activism, Kendrick Lamar delivered a halftime performance that will be remembered not just for its music, but for its powerful message.