Kendrick Lamar's Halftime Symbolism
If you didn't understand it, look again...
Every halftime show has its symbolism and charm. However, in such a politically charged time, Kendrick Lamar took this opportunity to address some of the most pressing times America faces, especially under Trump’s second presidency.
Let’s talk about some of the political symbolism in Kendrick’s performance:
Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam
Uncle Sam is traditionally portrayed as a white man associated with the personification of America and the federal government. Better known for its appearance with military propaganda, it was regularly used to recruit young men into the U.S. Army.
But for the Super Bowl, Samuel L. Jackson, a Black man, dressed as Uncle Sam and interjected Kendrick Lamar’s performance. At one point even said, “Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto!”. Many believe that his commentary was a representation of how America is designed to view systematically and police Black culture and people.
The Split American Flag Formation
Kendrick Lamar and his dancers, who were all Black men, formed an American flag split down the middle during his performance of “Humble.”
People interpret this as representing where America is currently with all of the division under Trump’s presidency. Others believe it may represent how America was built off of the backs of Black Americans. Either way, it was a moving piece of art full of fascinating interpretations.
“Great American Game”
The performance began with the layout of either a tic-tac-toe grid or a PlayStation symbol, with Samuel L Jackson saying, “This is the great American game.”
The “game” portrayal can be about Black people facing many obstacles within American politics and culture. You have to play the “game” to be successful.
“Game Over”
The show ended with Kendrick Lamar chanting, “Turn this TV off, turn this TV off” multiple times before the lights went out, and the crowd showed the message spelled out “Game Over” (in another reference to Uncle Sam’s Great America game).”
It could be his beef with Drake or his views against the American establishment.
Revolution Call-Out
“The revolution about to be televised. You picked the right time but the wrong guy.” - Kendrick Lamar after the first song
This quote directly calls out to Donald Trump, who attended the Superbowl.
Bonus Backup Dancer…
One of the backup dancers, Zül-Qarnian Natambu, went against the grain and stood on top of a prop car with flags of Sudan and Gaza. The New Orleans-based artist was one of the 400 people hired to dance behind Kendrick Lamar.
“I can’t live in America — live in a lap of luxury — while those are suffering, without trying to help or bring attention to it.” - Natambu told The Intercept
Natambu will not face charges, and Roc Nation denied involvement in his protest.
Wrapping up…
Kendrick Lamar's halftime show was a powerful commentary on America's political climate, blending art and activism in a way that resonated deeply with the audience.
Through symbolic gestures like Samuel L. Jackson's portrayal of Uncle Sam, the split American flag formation, and the repeated references to a "game," Lamar used his performance to challenge the audience to reflect on systemic inequalities, cultural divisions, and the state of the nation under Trump’s second presidency. The powerful imagery, including Zül-Qarnian Natambu’s protest for Palestine and Sudan, highlighted the intersection of entertainment and political activism.
Lamar’s closing message of “Game Over” and the call for a revolution set the stage for a provocative and thought-provoking conversation long after the show ended, proving that even in a setting like the Super Bowl, art has the power to speak truth to power.
Anti- white supremacist & Anti-trump! I loved it! Black is beautiful! I am a 64-yr-old white woman. END RACISM!
I loved every second of it. Great analysis.