Culture | April 3rd, 2025
2025 NFL Halftime: Controversial yet trendy?
By: Tatyanna McCray
Has society become overstimulated? The 2025 Superbowl halftime received various responses from fans and nonfans of the 37-year-old Compton native Kendrick Lamar. The “Loyalty” rapper has seen great success over the years, winning many awards, and was recently the headliner for the 59th NFL halftime show.
Draped in a motor-styled jacket with flair jeans, accompanied by backup dancers dressed in red, white, and blue. While performing a mixture of hits, “K Dot” teased the crowd with the one song everyone sat on the edge of their seats anticipating. Before this significant night, the internet erupted in fierce debates about who the headlining artist performing should have been. Although Lamar had been chosen, New Orleans native Lil Wayne shared his thoughts on the decision, which resulted in several other rappers and internet personalities joining the conversation.
All that ruckus!
The conversation surrounding what defines a legend, a good performer and the alleged required criteria to obtain the opportunity itself were brought to the forefront. Many felt it was an earned opportunity, and that Lamar had paid his dues, while others felt that Lil Wayne would have been a better fit if it was based on status and influence. Regardless, the countdown till the performance pressed on with speculation surrounding who would be featured during the performance, the possible themes and much more.
The performance began with what appeared to be a play on a “game” and an introduction from “Uncle Sam,” played by veteran actor Samuel L. Jackson, introducing Lamar. Watchers speculated the theme had a strong influence from the popular Netflix series “Squid Games.” Lamar’s opening words were, “The revolution is about to be televised; you picked the right time but the wrong guy.” Was this, by chance, a clapback at people who questioned his being chosen to perform at this year’s NFL? Or, furthermore, was it a warning of what would ensue during his performance?
“I think that his performance was well thought out, but I feel like the focal point of the performance was dissing another man; I feel he should’ve used this opportunity a little differently,” Gamiera Burke, a first-year accounting student, said.
You really bout to do it?
Several rumor mills alleged that the NFL network requested that “Not Like Us” not be performed. However, it was performed anyway towards the end of the performance. In addition to this, the performance featured SZA and DJ Mustard. One of the most memorable portions of the performance was Kendrick gleefully skipping across our screens, saying Drake’s name as he rapped, “Not like us.”
Despite his efforts of strategic planning, color coordination, specific phenotypes for his dancers, guest performers and appearances, the criticism towards the entire performance has been loud and harsh. As if the anticipation of this year’s performance was not enough, the performance was picked apart from every angle, proving that even with talent, theatrics and dedication, you can not make everyone happy.
The performance received many reviews, concluding it was “fake woke” and culturally divine and that only some would understand it. Viewers also pointed out that during the performance, an unknown man crashed while waving a Palestine flag. The NFL and security were criticized as it could have been potentially dangerous due to a lack of vigilance on their part.
Embracing the culture, ignoring the struggle
To add more insult to injury, the performance was also criticized from a racial standpoint. Online users expressed disappointment in the lack of diversity, claiming that the performance was a “DEI halftime show” performance. These claims were boldly supported by the fact that there were not any Caucasian dancers present; the stage was filled with African Americans and people of the black diaspora.
“I thought the performance was deep. Many people look at it from a surface level and compare it to prior performances. Still, you must think about the times we’re currently in. I feel it was his way of basically saying we don’t have to adjust our culture, music and influence on the standards of others,” Jordan Noland, a senior theater performance student, said.
Despite the performance’s critics, the soundbites and dance moves have gone viral, with people mimicking the two-step, his notorious namedrop and more. Although some are fun to watch, it is painfully apparent that the old statement still rings true. Many love the rich culture of the African American community but not the struggle; that part is always ignored, denied or shamed.
So often, musical and fashion influences are highlighted but stolen, twisted or re-labeled to discredit the originators. Despite it being a few months old, this year’s NFL halftime show still has some buzz surrounding it. In addition to this, it not only caused a lot of commotion, but it also unfortunately revealed a lot of Americans’ true colors and feelings about the black community. It added insult to injury, considering how the previous election year has continued to rear its ugly head. Lastly, when will black artists from different walks of life be appreciated and granted the freedom to express themselves freely?
