Thoughts on Kendrick Lamar’s Superbowl Halftime Show
Before I share my thoughts on Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, let me start by saying I’m extremely biased.
I do not like Kendrick Lamar at all.
I think he’s overrated, and I think people give him way too much credit for being a “deep” artist when, in my opinion, he isn’t.
For me, Drake’s music is way better, and I’ve never been fond of Kendrick’s persona as a “fake activist.”
When I found out that Kendrick was going to be the headliner for the Super Bowl halftime show, I wasn’t happy.
I wanted to turn my brain off, not deal with a performance by someone I don’t like.
But despite my reluctance, I ended up watching the show.
And surprisingly, I actually enjoyed it.
Kendrick Lamar’s Song Choices
One of the criticisms I’ve heard is that Kendrick didn’t perform his greatest work.
But honestly, this critique is coming from people who are probably diehard fans.
For the general audience, he performed his mainstream hits, and that was the right move.
The Super Bowl isn’t the place for deep cuts or experimental tracks.
It’s a spectacle where you need to bring the hits that get people excited.
When you’re on a stage like the Super Bowl, you don’t need to make people think, you need to make them jump up and down.
And let’s be real, the song everyone was waiting for was “Not Like Us.”
That track has defined Kendrick’s career in recent months and has elevated him from a Grammy-winning rapper to a cultural phenomenon.
He built up to it well during his performance, which kept the audience engaged.
One aspect of the performance that caught my attention was the visuals.
I wasn’t always paying attention to the music, I was talking with friends during the show, but the imagery Kendrick used was captivating.
It kept me engaged, even if I wasn’t fully sure what message he was trying to convey.
Why Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show Was Criticized
Even though I liked the show, it’s no surprise that many people didn’t.
First, Kendrick is a rapper, and that automatically divides the audience.
Many people who listen to country or rock can’t understand rap music.
I experienced this when playing Lil Wayne for someone who loves Taylor Swift.
They couldn’t interpret Lil Wayne’s lyrics.
Similarly, a lot of people couldn’t understand Kendrick’s lyrics during the show.
Another criticism was that his performance was too “boring.”
There’s a misconception among content creators, and sometimes artists, that being deep is the only way to provide value.
But the truth is, entertainment doesn’t always have to make you think…
It can just make you feel good.
People want to turn their brains off during the Super Bowl, not be bombarded with hidden messages and complex themes.
Finally, there’s the question of whether Kendrick deserved the Super Bowl stage at all.
Sure, he’s talented, but is he really the best fit for such a massive event?
In my opinion, Drake would have been a much better choice!
Drake has a natural charisma that Kendrick lacks.
Kendrick can come off as awkward, while Drake knows how to command a crowd effortlessly.
Did Kendrick Lamar Really Win?
As much as I hate to admit, Kendrick Lamar did win in some ways.
His performance sparked conversations.
But I don’t think this buzz will last.
I’ve always seen Kendrick as someone who is petty and envious.
Someone who will backstab those who helped him for the sake of competition.
In the long run, I don’t think he’ll be remembered for a great body of work.
He might just be remembered for “Not Like Us” and for being a temporary cultural phenomenon.
Only time will tell whether Kendrick’s career will continue to rise, but for now, I’ll give him credit where it’s due.
He put on a solid halftime show, even if I didn’t want to like it.
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