This weekend, roughly 127.7 million folks tuned in to observe a beautiful show of Black delight and excellence. There additionally occurred to be a soccer recreation within the background. These of us who aren’t soccer followers primarily tuned in for the commercials and, in fact, Grammy and Pulitzer Prize award winner Kendrick Lamar’s halftime efficiency, which some are calling the “worst ever.” I merely can’t agree.
This yr’s Tremendous Bowl went past soccer, tackled deeper themes of historic racism, celebrated Black tradition and sparked a much-needed dialog, all accompanied by a wonderful soundtrack. Lamar’s layered use of symbolism could make his performances tough to decipher, so please permit me the pleasure of decoding a few of my favourite components of this efficiency.
Kendrick Lamar, our favourite Gemini rapper turned Marvel-level villain, begins his storytelling by strategic set design. At first look, the set appears to be like like an ordinary recreation board (a nod to the “video games” he had been enjoying with Drake), however a better examination reveals it additionally mimics the symbols used within the Netflix sequence “Squid Video games.” Squid Video games options debt-ridden residents competing in lethal childhood video games to win big money prizes. Lamar’s reference to the present serves as a critique of the exploitative nature of poverty. Black folks typically need to “play the sport” with a purpose to survive, but the principles are continually altering, and refusal to play can finish in lethal penalties.
This message is strengthened by Samuel L. Jackson’s portrayal of Uncle Sam, directing Kendrick on how he ought to carry out to reflect the way in which society and the federal government dictate how Black folks should behave to succeed. This casting can also be ironic as a result of not solely is Samuel L. Jackson one in all America’s hottest Sams, however he is also a illustration of Black folks typically being complicit in our personal subjugation. Jackson may be heard all through the efficiency telling Lamar his actions are “too loud, too black, too ghetto.” Lamar counters this by displaying traditional components of Black tradition and the Black expertise, similar to performers sporting gold tooth, having their hair styled in locs, and utilizing African American Vernacular English.
At one level, Lamar declares, “You picked the suitable time however the incorrect man,” sending a transparent message to America, together with President Trump, that makes an attempt to silence Black tradition will now not be tolerated. Neither he nor the folks will likely be silenced, opposite to what was beforehand believed, “The revolution ’bout to be televised.”
Lamar additionally used traditional patriotic symbols to additional critique America’s political panorama. The dancers within the efficiency wore crimson, white and blue sweatsuits and stood in formation to imitate the American flag. At one level, whereas in flag formation, the dancers assume a pose with their backs parallel to the bottom. This visible association is a illustration of America being constructed on the backs of Black folks. Kendrick goes on to face in the course of this flag, dividing it into two to match the division throughout the nation that, in latest weeks, has felt palpable.
However in fact, a lot of Lamar’s storytelling and artistry might have been missed because of the viewers’s anticipation of listening to the hit single “Not Like Us.” The diss observe geared toward Drake earned Lamar a whopping 5 Grammy awards this yr, and whereas I used to be rapping alongside in my home, it didn’t escape me that the tune’s political undertones had been nonetheless becoming for the efficiency. “ Not Like Us” not solely dealt a backbreaking blow to Drake, nevertheless it additionally functioned as commentary on how America interacts with Black tradition. Many traits in popular culture originate throughout the Black neighborhood earlier than being adopted by the plenty. Nonetheless, this adoption not often advantages Black individuals who typically see their language, music, hair/clothes types, common mannerisms and even trauma permit others to turn out to be common and worthwhile with out seeing any advantages themselves.
February is Black Historical past Month, which you might have forgotten, since Google eliminated the default notification from our calendars. As we’re at present in a tumultuous period of government orders and DEI rollbacks, there appears no higher time for America to look at itself than now. Kendrick Lamar’s efficiency prompts us to have some much-needed conversations and reflection. From the HBCU band being featured in the course of the opening of the Tremendous Bowl right down to Serena Williams Crip strolling on stage, I personally beloved seeing a lot Blackness on show. The Tremendous Bowl was filled with vibes and a message wrapped in a single. Whereas the Eagles took residence the trophy (Go Birds!), it was Kendrick Lamar who actually gained.