The 2025 Super Bowl is a memory and the people of Philadelphia celebrated the Eagles’ win against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, much of the talk of the event wasn’t the game but Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show. While it was advertised as a performance, most have reason to believe it was bigger than that–it was a message. With symbolism of the control and propaganda within America hidden beneath lyrics, individuals are now trying to justify Lamar’s execution.
According to YouTube channel New Rockstars, many people think it is likely that the production’s details and covered meanings went over a lot of viewers’ heads. Even though a good number of people found the performance to be uninteresting and hyperbolic, the show’s art director, Shelley Rodgers, contradicted those opinions by explaining that Lamar was trying to show his journey as he traveled through the “American dream.”
Media analysts have attempted to break down the entertainment, pointing out the number of metaphors that were used and the way Lamar emphasized them. Lamar took some political stances such as casting Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam and having the backup dancers dressed in red, white and blue. Multitudes of individuals and fans are set on the idea that his performance was more of a wake-up call to those who choose to ignore the current political reality. While there is no confirmation on the theories, it seems that the majority of spectators have made up their minds; this was in fact a message and Lamar wanted it to be.
Despite the fact that this topic could be analyzed and discussed at length, all it comes down to is talk. Kendrick Lamar used his platform to share his wisdom and beliefs on government power and the controversy in America, and his performance should influence others with a large following to do the same. Nevertheless, celebrities have the ability to convince others to be more open-minded and need to start using it in an effective and impactful way.
