Super Bowl LIX: The Great American Game.
Nearly a week has passed since Kendrick Lamar took the stage for the 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show, and the reviews have been far from forgiving. Some critics have gone as far as calling it the worst halftime performance in recent history. Even longtime fans expressed disappointment, feeling the set failed to live up to expectations. Many argue that New Orleans native Lil Wayne would have been a more fitting choice, given the location. Overall, the response has been largely negative—especially from the Caesars Superdome crowd, which simply didn’t seem to vibe.
To be fair, Kendrick Lamar’s performance wasn’t the kind of spectacle seen in past Super Bowl halftime shows with artists like Katy Perry or Usher. There were no over-the-top fireworks, rotating guest appearances, or multiple outfit changes. This was purely hip-hop—one rapper delivering a 12-minute set on the same stage with the same dancers. From the perspective of mainstream media, it is understandable why it may not have met their expectations. But contrary to popular belief, it may be one of the best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time—here’s why.
The broadcast opened with an overhead shot of the field, capturing a staged game before seamlessly zooming in on Oscar-winning actor Samuel L. Jackson—dressed as Uncle Sam—a surprise that caught everyone off guard. This role, symbolizing patriotism and the U.S. government, was central to the performance’s storyline, with Jackson serving as the narrator guiding the audience through the spectacle.
“Salutations! It’s Your Uncle Sam, and this is the great American game.”- proclaimed Samuel L. Jackson.
He then launched into an unreleased track, tentatively titled “Bodies,” standing atop a GNX—a nod to his latest album. Before continuing, Lamar gave a warning to everyone watching: “The revolution ‘bout to be televised. You picked the right time but the wrong guy,” referencing Gil Scott-Heron’s iconic 1971 poem on Black liberation. As the performance gained momentum, Uncle Sam interrupted, cutting through the energy just as dancers dressed in red, white, and blue flooded the stage. He questioned whether Lamar truly understood how to "play the game," criticizing the performance as “ghetto” up to that point. But the show went on, leading to one of its most striking visuals—Black dancers forming the American flag on the football field. This powerful and symbolic moment left a lasting impression, directly alluding to the profound impact Black people have had on America and even the NFL itself. There’s no doubt that slavery played a major role in shaping American history, and its repercussions—such as mass incarceration, police brutality, and systemic inequality—are still deeply felt today. While many recognize these injustices, fewer acknowledge the striking parallels between the NFL and the institution of slavery. The league is largely owned by wealthy white men who view players as financial assets, exploiting and controlling them for profit. Sound familiar? Lamar’s message to the organization was clear: as he transitioned into his 2017 hit HUMBLE, he made it known that Black men are at the core of its wealth—so it should stay humble. Yet, his message went even further.
Leading up to the Super Bowl, speculation ran high over whether Lamar would perform his five-time Grammy-winning diss track, Not Like Us, especially in light of the recent lawsuits filed by Drake. Throughout the performance, he teased the song, making bold statements and addressing the controversy head-on. At one point, he directly referenced the crowd’s anticipation, acknowledging their favorite song while pointedly stating, “They love to sue.” Before fully diving into Not Like Us, Lamar slowed things down with performances of Luther and They’ll Be Stars, featuring SZA. This moment resonated with the crowd and was even acknowledged by "Uncle Sam" as what America wanted. However, many attendees later claimed the crowd was "dead" until SZA made her appearance, using this as evidence to label it the worst halftime show of all time. In reality, they only reinforced Lamar’s point—America gravitates toward calm, melodic music, but that doesn’t define all music. This performance was a display of poetic, intentional artistry. From start to finish, every moment carried meaning, and if some dismissed it as merely another jab at Drake, they completely missed the bigger picture. Lamar wasn’t just addressing the music industry; he was acknowledging the history of being Black in America, with Drake being last on the list.
As the show came to a close, everything tied together seamlessly. By acknowledging the historical injustice of freed families being denied the 40 acres of land promised by Union General William Sherman and recognizing that this stage was more than just music, Lamar created a powerful lead into Not Like Us. One of the biggest messages he conveyed up to this point was that, despite generations of oppression and systemic barriers, Black Americans have persevered—rising to become some of the most influential voices in the country today. He was intentional about who he shared the stage with, for the same reason I mentioned earlier, there is significance in everything. Serena Williams, regarded as the greatest tennis player of all time; Samuel L. Jackson, one of the highest-grossing actors at the box office; SZA, the face of R&B music; and Mustard, the producer behind some of Lamar's greatest hits—all shared the stage, exemplifying Black American perseverance.
It wasn’t about putting on a flashy performance for the audience, it was about playing the great American game, finding ways to succeed in a country that has long exploited Black people while navigating the contradictions that come with it. Therefore, this halftime show was never intended to impress or win approval from the media. I mean, are we really surprised? Lamar's focus was likely on the upcoming generation, which ties back to his initial warning that a revolution would be televised. He may not be the leader everyone seeks, but he's using his platform to shine a light on what is ignored, paving the way for those who will drive real change. It's no secret that he was advised against delivering this powerful performance, but he did it anyway, making it clear that even if the game is rigged, influence never could be. If you get it, you get it. If not, there’s plenty to learn from this stage. Kendrick Lamar concluded his set with one final bold statement, he would play the game on his own terms, not by America’s rules. And now, the game is over.
