While football fans across the country looked forward to Super Bowl Sunday for the sport, many tuned in for the highly anticipated halftime show.
Super Bowl LIX was no different. After a less than intense first half of the matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, viewers were eager for Kendrick Lamar to bring his innovative storytelling to the Super Bowl stage.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd roared, lights in the audience resembled a loading screen while the four stages on the field flashed, revealing shapes similar to those on PlayStation controller buttons.
Once the metaphorical game finished loading, Samuel L. Jackson kicked off the show by portraying Uncle Sam, dressed in red, white and blue. With a bright spotlight shining on him, Jackson proclaimed, “This is the great American game!”
This statement marked the beginning of the Compton native’s 13-minute video game-inspired performance that honored his culture, made artistic yet political commentary, and gave subtle nods to a long-standing musical feud.
The unique approach to the halftime show sparked conversation across social media. In an interview with WIRED, Shelley Rodgers, the halftime show’s art director, explained her role in executing Lamar’s vision for this year’s show.
“I think the was symbolic, his way to reach young people,” Rodgers said. “A lot of it is showing his journey, traveling through the American dream.”
Through countless hours of hard work, Rodgers, Lamar, special guests and dancers bridged the gap between performing and informing through this seemingly simple yet highly technical and innovative theme.
The words “START HERE” with an arrow led the audience to Lamar, who commanded attention by standing on top of a Buick GNX as he said, “The revolution about to be televised — you picked the right time but the wrong guy.”
As sounds of his music flowed throughout the Caesars Superdome, lights in the crowd warned Lamar that he was going the “WRONG WAY.”
As the game continued, Uncle Sam expressed disdain for Lamar’s actions and performance through constant interruption.
“Scorekeeper, deduct one life,” Jackson said sternly as he looked directly into the camera.
Despite this, the show continued as Lamar teased one of his iconic diss tracks. He complied slightly with the game’s rules as SZA joined him on stage for “Luther.”
Uncle Sam expressed relief, exclaiming, “That’s what America wants. Nice and calm!” This relief was short-lived as the diss track turned Grammy-winning record played, and the camera panned to Lamar performing the powerful anthem.
In the final moments of the show, Lamar performed with a special appearance from DJ Mustard.
The performance urged viewers to step away from media distractions and face reality. Lights in the crowd spelled out “GAME OVER,” signaling the end of the “game” Lamar was playing and the conclusion of the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show.
From winning five Grammy Awards to performing at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in the same week, Kendrick Lamar showcased his passion through his artistry. His dedication to his craft demonstrated that his music went beyond entertainment, encouraging honest conversations about today’s real issues.
