Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance: A Powerful Message or Just Confusing?
Kendrick Lamar has never been the kind of artist to make simple music. His songs are filled with deep messages, hidden meanings, and slang that only certain people fully understand. So, when he performed at the Super Bowl, people had very different opinions about it. Some thought it was one of the greatest performances ever, while others felt lost and didn’t get the hype.
But why did his performance create such a strong divide? The answer lies in the symbols he used, the coded language in his lyrics, and the way he speaks to a specific audience. Let’s break it down.
The Meaning Behind the Performance
Kendrick Lamar doesn’t just put on a show—he tells a story. Every part of his Super Bowl performance, from his outfit to the stage design, had a deeper meaning.
1. The Military-Style Dancing
Did you notice how all the dancers moved in perfect sync, almost like soldiers? That wasn’t just for fun. It symbolized discipline, resistance, and even the way Black leaders in history have organized protests. It was a message of unity and strength.
2. The Colors Black and Gold
Lamar and his crew wore a lot of black and gold. These colors weren’t random—black often represents power and struggle, while gold represents success and royalty. He was showing pride in his culture and history.
3. The Boxed-In Stage
At one point, Lamar seemed to be stuck in a small space, surrounded by barriers. This could symbolize the way society tries to hold Black artists—or Black people in general—inside a certain box. But later in the performance, he moved out of that space, showing the fight for freedom and breaking barriers.
4. Hidden References to His Music
If you’ve been listening to Kendrick for a while, you probably noticed some small nods to his older songs. His past albums talk about Black identity, survival, and injustice, and this performance carried those same messages in a new way.
The Secret Language in His Lyrics
One reason some people didn’t connect with Lamar’s performance is because he often uses slang, double meanings, and cultural references that aren’t obvious to everyone.
1. Street Slang and Hidden Messages
Lamar speaks in a way that people from his community understand deeply. Some words might seem simple, but they carry a lot of history and emotion. If you don’t know the slang or the culture behind it, you might miss the bigger message.
2. Religious and Spiritual References
Lamar often mixes Bible references with modern struggles. He talks about Israelites, Judah, and other biblical names, connecting the history of Black Americans to ancient stories of oppression and survival.
3. Hints at Black Empowerment Movements
Lamar’s lyrics sometimes include ideas from groups that have focused on Black pride and self-empowerment, like the Nation of Islam or the Black Panthers. These aren’t just random words—they’re messages meant for people who recognize the history behind them.
Why People Disagreed About the Performance
Not everyone saw Kendrick Lamar’s performance the same way. Some thought it was incredible, while others didn’t get it at all. Here’s why:
1. It Wasn’t Easy to Understand
Most Super Bowl performances are straightforward—big hits, flashy lights, and fun dancing. But Lamar made something more artistic and deep. If you weren’t familiar with his work or his style, it might have seemed confusing.
2. It Had a Political Message
Lamar doesn’t just rap for entertainment—he talks about real issues like racism, inequality, and injustice. Some people love that, but others feel uncomfortable when politics and social issues mix with entertainment.
3. Cultural and Language Barriers
A lot of Kendrick’s language and slang come from Black communities and hip-hop culture. If you’re not part of that world, you might not catch all the meanings. This created a divide—some people felt like he was speaking directly to them, while others felt left out.
4. Super Bowl Crowds Expect Simplicity
Most people watching the Super Bowl just want to have fun, and they’re not expecting something deep and symbolic. Because Lamar’s performance required some thinking to fully understand, it wasn’t as universally loved as, say, a pop star’s performance full of fireworks and dance moves.
The Bottom Line: Was It the Best or the Worst?
At the end of the day, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance wasn’t made for easy entertainment—it was made to make a statement. Some people understood it and loved it. Others felt lost and didn’t connect with it at all.
But that’s the thing about Kendrick Lamar—he doesn’t just make music for everyone. He makes music for those who listen closely. And whether you got it or not, one thing is for sure: his performance sparked conversations, and that’s exactly what great art is supposed to do.