Kendrick Lamar's 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show: A Performance Packed with Symbolism ( Black History Month)

 Kendrick Lamar's 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show: A Performance Packed with Symbolism

Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show, sponsored by Apple Music, was a masterful display of artistry and political messaging. However, while many fans appreciated the depth of his performance, some white critics were quick to express their disapproval, labeling it "racist" due to the absence of white performers. This reaction highlights a common entitlement where some individuals feel the need to insert themselves into Black culture while simultaneously undermining it.

The controversy surrounding Lamar's performance reflects a deeper issue—many white conservatives, including Donald Trump's supporters, seem to perceive Black unity as a threat. They fail to recognize the racism within their own ranks, such as the divisive rhetoric spread by Trump, Elon Musk, and other conservative figures. Yet, they claim Lamar’s performance was problematic, despite its clear celebration of American culture and Black excellence.

Breaking Down the Symbolism

Lamar’s halftime show was more than just entertainment; it was a live protest against systemic oppression and racial injustice. His strategic use of imagery conveyed a powerful message to those willing to look beyond the surface.

One of the most striking moments was his use of the American flag, symbolizing both his loyalty to the country and his advocacy for Black rights. Unlike past Super Bowl performances that steered clear of controversy, Lamar embraced it, making a statement about America’s racial divide.

Another key visual included Serena Williams performing the Crip Walk during "Not Like Us," Lamar's dis track directed at Drake. Williams, who once dated Drake in 2015, seemed to take pleasure in her participation—perhaps a subtle form of retaliation against the rapper’s past references to her in his music. Drake wrote a song about her saying, I am to good for you and you took my love for granted. Then he had a song called middle of the ocean where he called her husband Alexis groupie. So, Drake behavior has been very contentious. He wrote that song after decade that they broken up. For Kendrick to bring Serena out is a brilliant level of petty. 

Additionally, R&B singer SZA, another of Drake’s ex-girlfriends he dated in 2009, joined Lamar on stage, adding another layer to the performance's personal and cultural significance. The other key message in his performance was when he told millions of viewers, "Right time, but the wrong person." I also liked when he said, "I know everyone came to hear their favorite song, and I want to do them a favor—but you know he likes to sue," referring to Drake. This was a nod to Drake's lawsuit against Spotify and his record label, accusing them of using bots to inflate the streaming numbers of Kendrick’s dis track against him. It was believed that Drake’s team filed the lawsuit to prevent Kendrick from performing the dis track at the Super Bowl. Kendrick responded by saying, "I know you're trying to rig the game, but you can't fake influence."

The Uncle Sam Allegory

Actor Samuel L. Jackson played a crucial role in Lamar’s halftime show, embodying the figure of Uncle Sam—a historically white symbol of American power and control. At one point, Jackson chastised Lamar’s energetic performance, calling it "too loud" and "too reckless," a critique often used to police Black expression. When Lamar adjusted his tempo, Jackson sarcastically remarked, "Yes, this is what they want to hear," referring to how Black artists are expected to conform to white audiences' expectations.

Jackson’s lines served as a critique of the constant pressure for Black artists to tone down their message to be palatable for mainstream America. His comment, "You don’t know how to play the game," underscored the reality that success often comes at the cost of appeasing white gatekeepers.

Then, Mustard joined Kendrick on stage for the finale, accompanied by Crip and Blood dancers symbolizing unity and brotherhood/sisterhood. It was a memorable performance, perfectly honoring Black History Month.

The Hidden Messages

Lamar’s performance included several cryptic messages aimed at both the industry and society at large:

• The phrase "WARNING WRONG WAY" appeared in lights, possibly signifying that America is headed in the wrong direction politically and socially.

• His performance of "Peek-A-Boo" inside a giant X symbol was widely interpreted as a jab at Drake’s alleged involvement in the death of rapper XXX Tentacion.

• He wore a necklace with a lowercase “a,” a likely reference to his company pg Lang but also possibly to a lyric from "Not Like Us" about Drake “striking a chord” in A minor.

• The imagery of Black men lying on the field in the shape of the Swaps flag symbolized the mass incarceration of Black men in America.

• He directly called out Drake during his performance, with the entire audience holding the A minor note in unison, reinforcing the dis track's impact.

Game Over: The Ultimate Message

The final message in the crowd lights—"GAME OVER"—served as the ultimate mic drop moment. Lamar had not only cemented his dominance in hip-hop but also solidified his stance on America’s racial disparities. His halftime show wasn’t just a performance; it was a cultural statement.

With over twenty million viewers tuning in, Lamar’s show became the most-watched halftime performance in history. His decision to end with the words, "Turn your TVs off," was a call to action—urging people to stop being distracted and start fighting against policies that threaten Black rights under the Trump administration.

In a time of increasing political and racial tensions, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show was a much-needed wake-up call. His performance was un-apologetically Black, powerfully symbolic, and a testament to the strength of storytelling in music. And for those who didn’t understand the message? Perhaps it wasn’t meant for them.

Feel free to leave a comment and tell us at Noneillah what hidden message you saw that is not on this page.