On social media, many viewers pointed out that Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was packed with hidden messages that many didn’t realize.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance was more than just entertainment. It was filled with powerful messages and symbolism. From political statements to industry feuds, Lamar’s performance sparked intense discussions online.
Kendrick Lamar opens with a political statement
On X platform, a viral video captured a moment Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show while many pointed out it manintain hiden message.
Lamar began his set with the line: “The revolution is about to be televised; You picked the right time but the wrong guy.”
Many believe this was a direct reference to the 2024 U.S. elections.
Additionally, the country had just seen Donald Trump sworn in as the 47th president.
Social media users quickly reacted.
One Twitter user wrote: “Kendrick literally protested in front of the president during America’s biggest sports event. Chef’s kiss.”
Another added: “Still thinking about Kendrick opening with that line while Trump was sitting right there. Incredible move.”
Someone else said: If you have to tell all the people what the messages were are they really seeing them or is it being told how to interpret them.
Another added: I think old Kendrick Lamar should go lock himself in the car on a hot day and scream through the windows that’s about how much sense he made.
Someone else said: in my opinion, we don’t need hidden messages. We just need others to play the music. I do think it was beautiful that he did red white and blue.
Symbolism of a divided America
Lamar’s performance also seemed to represent America’s current political and social division.
His dancers wore red, white, and blue, forming a living representation of the American flag. At one point, they split apart, appearing to symbolize a divided nation.
Viewers quickly picked up on the deeper meaning.
“Kendrick creating the American flag and then splitting it in half to symbolize the country’s division… Genius,” one fan tweeted.
USA Today reported another striking moment: the words “WARNING WRONG WAY” appeared in lights above the crowd. WHMany saw this as a warning about the country’s current direction.
A nod to black history and ’40 acres and a mule’
Every dancer on stage was Black, a detail many viewers found significant.
One Twitter user noted: “Black folk representing the American flag because modern America was built on our labor. Kendrick, I see you.”
Another added: “Kendrick making the American flag out of Black men was absolutely beautiful. The message was clear: Black people built America.”
Lamar also referenced “40 acres and a mule,” a promise made to formerly enslaved Black Americans after the Civil War but never fulfilled.
During “Not Like Us,” Lamar turned to his dancers and said: “This is bigger than the music.”
Kendrick Lamar reignites his feud with Drake
Lamar performed his diss track “Not Like Us,” a song that led to Drake filing a lawsuit against Universal Music Group.
Before performing, Lamar joked: “I want to perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.”
He proceeded with the track but omitted the controversial lyric referring to Drake as a “pedophile.”
But Lamar didn’t stop there. He brought out Serena Williams, further fueling the feud. In 2022, Drake dissed Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, calling him a “groupie” in his song “Middle of the Ocean.”
Lamar seemed to fire back with his lyric: “Better not speak on Serena.”
He also brought out SZA, another artist rumored to have past ties with Drake.
The performance ended with the words “GAME OVER” spelled out in the crowd. Some saw this as Lamar declaring the end of his battle with Drake.
Kendrick lamar delivers a halftime show to remember
Lamar’s performance was more than just a halftime show. It was a statement, a protest, and a cultural moment.
Fans are still dissecting every moment, but one thing is clear—Lamar left his mark on Super Bowl LIX.