(C) Daily Kos
This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered.
. . . . . . . . . .
What are your thoughts on the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show? [1]
['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']
Date: 2025-02-14
Kendrick Lamar's performance at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show has already become legendary, breaking records with a staggering 133.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched halftime show in history. Lamar steered clear of the the usual halftime spectacle for a straightforward, bar-heavy showcase. His set was infused with potent messages and striking visual symbolism, including a fractured American flag formed by dancers in red, white, and blue, and Samuel L. Jackson's portrayal of Uncle Sam shouting at K. Dot to conform. Then of course there was the controversial dis track "Not Like Us," aimed at Drake, which became a Grammy-winning cultural anthem and the most discussed performance of the night.
This year's halftime show marked a significant departure from the norm. Traditionally characterized by flashy pyrotechnics and pop spectacle, the expectation of a Super Bowl performances is one that is set to dazzle the audience with over-the-top showmanship. However, Lamar opted for a more subdued but powerful performance that placed the emphasis on his lyrics and the messages within them. The inclusion of "Not Like Us" was blended personal rivalry into a broader cultural commentary, which is uncharted territory for the Super Bowl. Even though the song was part of a rap beef, it became a cultural movement, the song of the summer, and winner of five Grammy Awards. Kendrick couldn’t not perform it.
The response to Lamar's performance was polarized, highlighting the divide in audience expectations and cultural reception. Some praised the rapper for his unapologetic authenticity and the relevance of his messages, viewing the performance as a milestone for hip-hop and cultural representation on such a mainstream stage. Many of the critics were members of the group of usual suspects that complain when hues change, like Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, who dismissed the performance as confusing and criticized it for lacking the typical celebratory American spectacle. Others just didn’t get it. Which is ok.
As a fan of hip-hop, lyricism, and meaningful social commentary, I found Kendrick Lamar's performance bold and incredibly significant. It wasn't just a halftime show; it was a statement about the power and place of Hip Hop and Black culture in American culture today. The performance was a celebration of the genre's ability to provoke thought and challenge societal norms.
What are your thoughts on the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show?
Check out our full discussion in this week’s episode of Nuance.
[END]
---
[1] Url:
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/2/14/2303677/-What-are-your-thoughts-on-the-2025-Super-Bowl-Halftime-Show?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=more_community&pm_medium=web
Published and (C) by Daily Kos
Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified.
via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds:
gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/
