Just one week after his hit single “Not Like Us” won five Grammy Awards, including Record and Song of the Year, Kendrick Lamar headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show with a performance that featured multiple cultural and artistic references. Despite experiencing sound technical difficulties, Lamar delivered a setlist spanning his celebrated discography and included subtle yet striking symbolic elements.
Samuel L. Jackson Dressed as Uncle Sam
Actor Samuel L. Jackson opened the show by introducing Lamar while dressed in attire reminiscent of Uncle Sam. Throughout the performance, Jackson provided narration, at one point stating, “Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto.” Social media users speculated that this portrayal was a commentary on societal expectations imposed on the Black community.
Kendrick Lamar Wore a “Gloria” Jacket and A-Minor Chain
Lamar’s choice of attire also carried significant meaning. The jacket he wore prominently displayed the name “Gloria,” a reference to the closing track of his 2024 album GNX, where the name is used metaphorically to represent his lyrical ability. Additionally, he sported a thick chain with a lowercase “a” pendant, an allusion to his lyric in Not Like Us: “Tryna strike a chord, and it’s probably A-minorrrrrr.” This nod to musical theory reinforced his reputation for intricate wordplay.
A Tic-Tac-Toe Stage
The stage design for Lamar’s performance resembled a tic-tac-toe board, a likely intentional visual reference. While the exact meaning remains unclear, Lamar has a history of embedding symbolism into his work, leading some to speculate that it was either a political statement or connected to his recent feud with Drake.
Dancers Cosplaying as the American Flag
During the performance, Lamar was accompanied by dancers dressed in red, white, and blue, forming a visual representation of the American flag. Some social media users interpreted this as a statement on the current political climate in the United States, potentially symbolizing a divided nation.
Performance of “Not Like Us”
Lamar included Not Like Us in his setlist despite speculation that legal concerns might prevent him from doing so. Before performing Peekaboo, another track from GNX, he addressed the rumors, saying, “I want to play their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.” Notably, he omitted the word “pedophile” from the performance.
Serena Williams’ Surprise Appearance
Serena Williams made a surprise appearance during Not Like Us, performing a crip walk on stage. The moment was seen as a response to Drake, who previously dated Williams and later made negative references to her. Lamar, a fellow Compton native, directly warns Drake against mentioning Williams in the lyrics of Not Like Us, making her involvement a pointed moment in the performance.
Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show was filled with layered references, both visually and lyrically, adding depth to a performance already rooted in his celebrated discography.