By Jaylynn Donaldson ’25
“The worst halftime show ever” is how people describe Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 halftime show and Lamar’s performance is still being talked about due to the controversy around it. Many people have expressed hatred towards his performance saying it was not flashy, underwhelming, and too woke. People have even suggested that the halftime show should be entertaining rather than a political performance one has to dissect, but that is why Lamar’s performance was so amazing. The symbolism and the urge for action spread throughout the performance making it an overwhelming and engaging experience, driving viewers to decode the deeper meanings.
The American Game: The Stage Design and Symbolism
The performance started with an overview of the stage. It was set up as a game controller with each stage being a different button: X, O, square, and triangle. Above the stage was a countdown. Lamar use this game setup to represent the idea that America is a game and we are just the pawns that the system controls.
Next, dancers dressed in all-blue, white, or red sweat suits emerged. People have connected the sweat suits the dancers wear to the ones the characters wear in “Squid Games,” a show that critiques capitalism. The colors the dancers wear represent America. At one point the dancers are all together creating the American flag, which was divided after Lamar raps in between them. This represented the clear divide in our country: there is wealth and power among the white elites are at the top , while the working class people especially those of marginalized groups are at the bottom.
Many have voiced their frustration against this unfair divide and have called for a revolution, but for that to happen people need to unite and take action. Lamar expressed this in the last song he performed called “TV Off.” Despite its energetic beat, the song criticizes the way the media influences people’s thoughts and perceptions of reality. He reflects on how society gets consumed and distracted by screens, using a TV as a metaphor for a tool of manipulation and escapism. At the end of the performance, Lamar said one final “Turn the TV off” followed by the sound of a remote turning the TV off, and lights above the stage say “Game Over.” Lamar tells the viewers to “Turn the TV off,” a phrase repeated throughout the song to remind viewers not to let the entertainment media distract them from what is really going on, which is a compelling thing to say at one of the most televised events. The lights above say “Game Over” to state that American citizens are done being pawns to this unfair game and it is time to take action.
Kendrick vs. Uncle Sam: The Fine Line Black Americans Walk
Lamar brought Samuel L. Jackson into this performance as the emcee. Jackson dressed up as Uncle Sam, the personification of America, which was fascinating because he is usually depicted as a white man who represents patriotism, the American government, and the people. This time, Uncle Sam was played by Samuel L. Jackson, a Black man who was once a radical protester during the Civil Rights era.
During his segments as Uncle Sam, Jackson either praises Lamar for his behavior or scolds him when he “acts outta line.” He says things like “No, no, no, no, no! Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto, Mr. Lamar, do you really know how to play the game?” and later says, “Gamekeeper deduct one life”. Not only does this further the idea of America being a game but it shows how Black people are treated in America.
Photo from KQED: Dance crew called The Okalands Turf Feinze dancing behind Lamar during his song “Man at the Garden.”
White Americans often praise Black people when they conform to white expectations but the moment Black people step out of line or challenge those projections, they are criticized. Jackson’s deducted one life has been seen historically, as lynching was a fear tactic used against African Americans to keep them “in check.” Later, Jackson praises Lamar for the songs he performed with SZA, saying “That’s what I’m talking about, that’s what America wants! Nice, calm,” as these songs are calmer than hyped compared to the others that are performed. Uncle Sam making these statements illustrate how Black people walk a line between embracing their culture or conforming to white expectations. Lamar navigates this fine line throughout his show, using his cultural music to make a statement that some won’t agree with.
“They Not Like Us”: A Diss and Repossessing Black Authenticity
The second to last song Lamar performs was “They Not Like Us” which is known as a diss towards Drake but sends a deeper message criticizing those who profit from black culture for personal gain. Through the repetition of “They Not Like Us,” Lamar highlights the exploitation of hip-hop and Black creativity by outsiders who benefit from the culture without truly understanding or participating in it. The song reminds listeners that hip-hop is more than just entertainment. It is an art that reflects the real experiences, struggles, and history of the Black community.
Photo from Billboard: Serena Williams during her surpise cameo at the halftime show.
This song is also a nod to Lamar’s roots in Compton, California. During this portion, we see Serena Williams, a legendary Black tennis player also from Compton, crip walking a dance that originated in Los Angeles. Williams was criticized for crip walking after her victory at the 2013 London Olympics with media saying it was inappropriate or controversial. However, in this performance, it was inspiring to see her proudly crip walk as it was a moment that represents the authenticity and resilience of Black culture in the media. Lamar’s song and Williams’ dance combine to show the importance of embracing Black culture unapologetically despite the challenges that come with it.
Photo from Rolling Stone: Lamar on top of a car with a flashing light put on him, surrounded by the dancers in red.
In the show, Lamar voices “ The revolution about to be televised: you pick the right time but the wrong guy.” His performance upset many as they claimed it was too woke, or was it simply too Black. Many critics didn’t like this performance because Lamar did not perform how they wanted him to, which set him apart as an artist. He does not perform and make music to appeal to mainstream audiences or for personal gain. Every performance of his is a form of activism, whether addressing issues and struggles the Black community faces or his political stances. This performance was not just for entertainment: it was a call to action, reminding Black Americans to embrace their culture while urging Americans to revolt for change.
The Raider Press 