The 2025 Super Bowl halftime show has long been one of the most highly anticipated performances of the year, drawing over 133.5 million viewers.
This year, Kendrick Lamar shocked audiences with his captivating performance. While many fans simply enjoyed the music, others, like myself, saw a political statement — a deeper message unfolding, a story and an expression that went beyond entertainment.
From the moment the show began, the stage was designed to set the tone in a particular way that wasn’t just about music. It was structured as a tic-tac-toe grid, appearing as a game. Some speculated that it symbolized a battle between the two major political parties in the United States, often ending in a stalemate. Beyond that, to me, the set design reflected themes of oppression, resistance and resilience. Some even interpreted it as a representation of a “remote control,” with the dancers strategically positioned to reinforce the idea of control and influence over society.
The dancers, dressed in red, white and blue, represented the American flag throughout the performance, portraying the nation’s challenges. As the show progressed, the flag appeared to split in two, symbolizing the division within the country. I felt this reflected the political and ideological divides that continue to shape American society.
Lamar’s performance also illustrated his journey through life and career, sharing his background of coming from a “HUMBLE” beginning. Through his lyrics and performances, Lamar has consistently reflected on societal issues and America’s complex progress. The start of the show featured references to the George Floyd case and Asian American hate crimes. I believe this halftime show was meant to deliver a powerful message and highlight these injustices.
The performance opened with legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson portraying “Uncle Sam,” introducing the show as “The Great American Game.” Later, he took on the persona of “Uncle Tom,” referencing Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” — a critique of Black Americans perceived as betraying their own culture.
Throughout the show, Jackson’s character criticized Lamar, calling him “too loud, too reckless, too ghetto” — a stereotype often assigned to Black Americans and hip-hop culture, reinforcing the persistence of racial prejudice today.
Lamar also addressed revolution, singing, “The revolution is about to be televised. You picked the right time but the wrong guy.” This line was a direct reference to Gil Scott-Heron’s iconic 1971 poem, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.” I felt this reference by Lamar was criticizing how the media tends to ignore racial injustice. Lamar’s twist on the phrase suggests that in today’s digital era, social change can no longer be hidden — yet the fight is far from over. With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, shining light on the racial injustices that continuously occur in the United States has become easier than ever.
In another bold statement, Lamar referenced the historical promise to Black Americans: 40 acres and a mule, a pledge made following the Civil War that was never fully honored. Rapping, “40 acres and a mule, this is bigger than music,” he directly referenced how injustices towards the black community continue today, the promise never being fully fulfilled.
While many, myself included, expected Lamar to steer clear of his rap battle with Drake during such a widely televised performance, he did the opposite, delivering a direct jab by performing Not Like Us. At one point, he specifically called out Drake with the line, “Say, Drake, I hear you like ‘em young,” a moment that sent social media into a frenzy. It was shocking to hear that Lamar performed this piece for the halftime show. I was not expecting it at all.
Adding to the spectacle, Olympic tennis champion Serena Williams made a surprise appearance during “Not Like Us”, performing the iconic “Crip Walk.” Given Williams’s past romantic ties to Drake, this moment sparked speculation that her involvement was a calculated move rather than a coincidence, fueling even more online debate. The second I saw Serena Williams on stage, I immediately messaged my friends, stunned that she was actually part of the performance.
Lamar’s performance was more than just a halftime show; I believe that it was a political and cultural statement. From the stage design to the song choices to the unexpected guest appearances, everything seemed intentional. Throughout the performance, he highlighted themes of Black empowerment and social justice. I truly enjoyed the thought behind the message the show aimed to present. It reinforced the idea that artists can use their platforms to spread powerful messages for the greater good. Regardless of the varied opinions on his performance, one thing is certain: Kendrick Lamar got people talking, and his halftime show will likely be discussed for years to come.
