When Kendrick Lamar took the stage at Super Bowl LIX, fans expected a show. What they got was a cultural moment, layered with symbolism, defiance, and a raw critique of America’s systemic issues. Instead of fireworks and over-the-top theatrics, Lamar delivered a halftime performance that doubled as a protest—one that is still reverberating across social media and the music industry.
Decoded: The Hidden Messages in Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show
Lamar’s performance wasn’t just about music; it was a statement. Every visual element was a deliberate commentary on racial inequality, economic disparity, and the music industry’s exploitation of Black artists. Here are some of the most striking visual elements:
- Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam: Jackson played the role of a ‘house slave,’ reminiscent of his character in Django Unchained, symbolizing how Black entertainers are expected to conform to industry norms. His role also served as a metaphor for the entertainment industry’s gatekeeping and its expectations for Black artists to assimilate rather than disrupt.
- Squid Game-Inspired Stage: The setup appeared to mirror Squid Game, a critique of wealth disparity and exploitation—perhaps a commentary on the NFL and entertainment industry profiting off Black talent. This imagery reinforced the idea that America’s capitalist structure keeps many marginalized groups in a cycle of struggle while profiting off their labor.
- Red, White & Blue Dancers—But Where’s the Black? The absence of Black in the representation of the American flag was a clear visual statement about exclusion. This subtle omission highlighted the erasure of Black voices and contributions in mainstream spaces despite their undeniable influence.
- Prison Yard Stage: A striking reminder of mass incarceration, a recurring theme in Lamar’s music. The visual of Black performers harmonizing while in a prison setting directly called out the criminal justice system’s disproportionate impact on Black communities and how Black culture is commodified even in oppression.
- Serena Williams’ Presence & Protecting Black Women: Williams’ cameo, after Drake’s past references to her in lyrics, felt like a statement about reclaiming her narrative. This moment underscored the importance of protecting Black women, a topic Lamar has addressed before, and a direct response to how Black women’s contributions are often disrespected or downplayed in public discourse.
- ‘They Not Like Us’—A Message Beyond Drake: The repeated line wasn’t just about the feud; it was a broader declaration of Black culture’s strength and resilience. By emphasizing this phrase on one of the world’s biggest stages, Lamar reinforced the idea that Black culture does not need external validation to be significant.
- ‘Game Over’ Message in the Audience: A cryptic, bold statement—was this an orchestrated call to action? Whether this was a spontaneous audience response or an intentional visual element, the phrase “Game Over” hinted at the need for systemic change, urging viewers to look beyond entertainment and into real-world injustices.
From Squid Game to Serena: How Kendrick Lamar Used the Super Bowl to Call Out America
This halftime show was about more than just music or even a rap feud. It was about America itself—the way Black culture is used for entertainment while Black people face systemic oppression. The performance, heavy with symbolism, resonated deeply with some while leaving others confused or frustrated.
The choice to self-censor a lyric from Not Like Us—only for the entire stadium to chant it anyway—highlighted how deeply embedded this moment had become in popular culture. The “A minor” line, which fans screamed in unison, turned the performance into an audience-led indictment against Drake, but also something bigger: a rejection of industry politics and power structures.
Lamar’s performance also built upon a long history of Black resistance through art. He has long positioned himself as a voice of the people, using his platform to highlight social issues and injustices. The Super Bowl, a global event often sanitized for mainstream appeal, became the unexpected setting for a powerful political statement.
They Not Like Us: Why Kendrick’s Super Bowl Show Was More Than a Diss
While much of the media attention centered on Lamar’s ongoing feud with Drake, it’s clear this moment was about more than just rap beef. The Super Bowl is the most-watched television event in America, and Lamar used that stage to make a statement. Whether it was a critique of the NFL’s treatment of Black players, the state of hip-hop, or a message about cultural authenticity, it struck a nerve.
Lamar’s decision to use his performance as a political message follows in the footsteps of artists like Beyoncé, who made headlines with her Formation performance at the Super Bowl in 2016, and Public Enemy, whose music has long been a rallying cry for Black activism. The difference here is that Lamar’s message was layered in ways that weren’t immediately obvious, requiring viewers to analyze each visual element critically.
This was also a reminder of hip-hop’s roots as a vehicle for protest. As mainstream rap has become more commercialized, Lamar remains one of the few artists willing to challenge the industry, even on its biggest stage.
Will the NFL Respond?
So far, the NFL has remained silent. Unlike past controversial halftime performances—such as Beyoncé’s Formation in 2016—the league has yet to acknowledge the layered messaging of Lamar’s show. Given that the Super Bowl’s halftime performances are meticulously planned and vetted, the silence could either be a strategic decision to avoid controversy or an indication that Lamar’s deeper messaging slipped past mainstream scrutiny.
Lamar’s Super Bowl performance wasn’t about pleasing everyone. It was about speaking to the people who needed to hear it most. Whether you saw it as a halftime show or a wake-up call depends on how closely you were paying attention. One thing is clear: Kendrick Lamar did not waste this moment.
