Yesterday, Kendrick Lamar far complied with the demanding task of being The half -time artist of the Super Bowlthe historic sporting event held in the United States.
There was as much expectation as fear for the possible repercussions of the show that Compton’s artist would give, California, who was the first rapper to act alone in this scenario. That is why Lamar went out with the booties from Punta to the court, to pay off your fight with Drake and give a clear message regarding the political and social present that is going through the US.
Winks to his work, criticism of racism and a sample of influence
Without any intention to apologize and with a blatant smile painted on the face, the recent winner of five Grammy Awards He started the most important show of his career with a PlayStation style stagewith the Joystick buttons in each corner (x, or, the triangle and the square), artistic decision that gave the show.
And as if that were not enough, Samuel L. Jackson interlocutor officiated, under the costume of “Uncle Sam” or the Uncle Sama historical symbol of the American country – which was always white – that originally It was used to recruit African soldiers in 1812. The renowned actor was not only chosen by sharing a name with the character -who is the protagonist in TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY (2015)Lamar’s peak work for being an activist for the rights of the black community since 1969. “Greetings! It is his uncle Sam, and this is the great American game “Jackson said at the beginning of the recital.
He Setlist He came against what his fans expected; in fact, Eight of the 11 songs he played yesterday were released in the last 12 monthsan unprecedented milestone for a show in which the main artist is expected to sing his elders Hits. Started with an unofficial songto which it followed “Squabble Up”one of the Tracks more listened to your last job, GNX (2024).
In the middle of the first two themes, Kendrick exclaimed: “The revolution will be televised, you chose the right time, but to the incorrect person”. This phrase refers, on the one hand, Gil Scott-Heronan American poet, musician and activist whose best -known song is called “The Revolution Will Not Be Television.” It can also refer to Kendrick is the first hip hop artist who is halfway.
“No, no, no! Too noisy, too reckless, too Ghetto! Mr. Lamar, do you really know how to play the game? Then, adjust! “replied UNCLE Samuel Jackson, who from his place tried to shut up or lower Lamar’s volume, a black community representative. Kendrick responded with a hook: “Humble”, “DNA”, “Euphoria” and “Man at the Garden”.
A final slapping to Drake and a message for Trump?
In this section you can see the dancers – red, white and blue, forming the American flag – separatea choreography that denotes The political polarization of the country and that refers to the modern individualistic current of society. Then “Peakaboo” rang, and at the end of this song, Kendrick made a suggestive comment to four of his dancers: “I want to play their favorite song, but you already know how they love to sue”. Drake and the armed beef based on Diss tracksThey enter the scene.
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To calm a little, Lamar gave rise to his formula partner, SZAwith whom he shared the issues “Luther” and “All The Stars” From the Black Panther movie, another reference to black pride. “I am talking about that, that is what the United States wants. Pretty. Don’t worry. You are almost there. Don’t ruin this, ”said Uncle Sam.
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Thus Kendrick arrived at the highest point of the show, when the beat of “Not Like Us”the mainstream dump towards Drake that earned several Grammys. There were doubts about if I was going to include it in the repertoire.
“Are you really going to do it?” His dancers asked him. “40 Acres and A Mule, This Is Bigger Than The Music” -A clear reference to Wesley’s Theory and Alright, To Pimp songs to Butterfly- E “They tried to rise the game, but you can’t pretend influence”was the strongest protest towards the brand new management of Donald Trump; On the one hand, “Amaing the game” can mean a Alleged trap in the votes during the presidential electionswhile “40 acres and a mule” was a promised phrase to African slaves during the American Civil War that was never fulfilled. That is, Lamar’s message exceeds music.
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Meanwhile, the war with the Canadian rapper was the most direct and explicit of the show. Phrases like “certified pedophile” and “you try to play a note and sure is the youngest” They were part of the final break in the relationship between Lamar and Drake, which probably remains in court. After this song, a stadium tribune armed the message with lights “Game Over”continuing with the line of the great American game and giving the winner the Californian rapper. Even this performance rose Serena Williamsthe iconic tennis player, who was a former Drake partner.
The same tribune at another time formed the phrase “Warning, Wrong Way “ either “Be careful, wrong path”another possible nod to Trump. The end with “TV OFF” and producer Mustard concluded a clear show in their intentions and with much to crumble. If something is clear, it is that Kendrick always talks with his art.
The “part -time effect”
From the official Spotify page they shared some subsequent numbers to Lamar’s performance at the Super Bowl. The figures indicate that, after the show, Kendrick’s reproductions increased by 175% on the platform within the United States. Along the same lines, all the songs had a similar result, and “Not Like Us” increased its streams by 430%figures that respond to the “part -time effect”.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
