Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show

Kendrick popped out and showed.

With Kendrick Lamar headlining Superbowl 59, us fans and viewers of the show did not know what to expect. So many rumors circled about what songs are being played to what artists he may bring out. And of course in true fashion, Kendrick exceeds and surpasses these expectations by articulating an American story described as “The Great American Game” by Samuel L. Jackson who stars as black Uncle Sam. They attempt to revolutionize America through a performance on a stage with the design of a controller, reflecting Kendrick’s life as a game.

“The Revolution bout’ to be televised. You picked the right time, but the wrong guy” - Kendrick Lamar

Many were wondering, “what will be the first song?”, only for Kendrick to pop out on the GNX with the unreleased verse he teased in the announcment video of GNX’s release back in November of last year. After performing “squabble up”, Samuel L Jackson, speaking for Uncle Sam, tells Kendrick to turn down the recklessness, but Kendrick responds with commercial classics like “Humble.” and “DNA.”, songs that reflect his expressive manners. With “euphoria” “man at the garden” and “peekaboo” he proves to all other artists why he deserves the spotlight he has, as he believes no one can imitate what Kendrick Lamar does.

Kendrick then begins teasing the appearance of his now Grammy-winning song “Not Like Us” as the fan's favorite song, yet it felt like something scary was about to happen. But it was delayed a bit to bring out SZA for their new hit song “luther” and their previous hit from the Black Panther Soundtrack “All The Stars”. Bringing the show together beautifully.

But the warm feeling doesn’t last very long as Kendrick takes the time to come straight for Drake’s head by perfoming “Not Like Us”. The entire stadium yells out “A Minooooooor” and Serena Williams, famous tennis player, and Drake's ex-girlfriend, crip walks to the song which is then hit with the perfect transition into “tv off” where Kendrick brings out Dj Mustard, the producer for both songs, during the now iconic “MUSTARRRRRD” line which the entire stadium screamed.

Kendrick Lamar won 5 Grammys to then headline the Superbowl just a week later. What an unforgettable performance by Kendrick; leaving us a message to look deeper than what is being presented and to who the message is being delivered to.

Check out the performance setlist below: