Image via The Nation

By Ian Shaiyen, Staff Writer

California-born rapper Kendrick Lamar took Super Bowl LIX by storm this past Sunday in a fiery performance filled with revolutionary symbolism and spectacle.

The performance consisted of an 11 song track-list, with many of the songs serving as a mashup of the rapper’s greatest hits.

Coming off the heels of an intense feud with Canadian songwriter Drake, it was clear to fans that Lamar was out for blood.

The rapper appeared by spotlight, standing atop the roof of an 87 Buick Grand National, a reference to his latest album, “GNX”. 

The car plays a strong significance in the lore of Lamar, and in an interview with Complex, Lamar revealed that his father owned a GNX.

“When I was born, I came home from the hospital in an 87 Buick Regal while my pops was bumping Big Daddy Kane,” Lamar said.

Lamar’s strong ties to his African American heritage were proudly showcased in his display, from his all Black ensemble, to the inclusion of his socially conscious messaging.

“The revolution about to be televised, you picked the right time but the wrong guy,” Lamar said.

The rapper was announced to thunderous applause by American persona Uncle Sam, played by none other than Morehouse alumnus Samuel L. Jackson ‘72. The actor’s personification of systemic racism was a powerful statement piece, and over the course of the performance, he certainly played his role.

“No, no, no, no, NO,” Jackson said. “Too loud, too ignorant, TOO GHETTO.”

Throughout the performance, Jackson symbolizes a harrowing caricature, one strikingly familiar to the African American persona of the self-loathing Uncle Tom.

His embodiment acts as a stark opposing force to Lamar’s powerful stage presence, acting as a contrast between the complacent world of Jackson and the revolutionary world of Lamar.

This juxtaposition was even further expounded upon through the inclusion of the background dancers. Clad in red white and blue, the African American dancers are symbolic of a darker truth; the United States of America was built on the foundation of Black bodies. And without African American contribution, there can be no America.

In spite of the NFL’s controversial history with Black culture, this Super Bowl proved to be the sport’s Blackest yet. Featuring two national anthems sung by African American Jean Baptiste and Nigerian born Ledisi, this Super Bowl seemed to stand as the latest in a series of course corrections made by the NFL in the wake of 2020’s racially charged summer.

With president Trump in attendance, Lamar’s statement was always sure to ruffle feathers. This administration has already unveiled a litany of changes, banning books and most recently attempting to annex Black History Month entirely.

Yet, In an age of social media activism and rampant political division, Lamar’s performance art rings true. In a world that so often tries to silence black people and black artists, Lamar’s statement is a bold one. More than a performance, his stance is a call to action for every American, charging the future generation to “turn the tv off” and take a stand.

Copy edited by: Freddrell Green, A&E/Opinions Editor