“The revolution ‘bout to be televised, you picked the right time but the wrong guy,” Kendrick Lamar said while performing at the Superbowl. The line, a reference to the radical 1971 poem by Gil Scott-Heron, flew over many watchers' heads, as did much of the rich symbolism that Lamar conveyed during the 13-minute show.
While the show was full of energy and upbeat, many viewers failed to pick up on the message behind it – only commenting on the subtle jabs at Canadian rapper, Drake. Serena Williams’ cameo, where she crip-walked on stage during the performance of Lamar’s Grammy-winning diss track aimed at Drake: Not Like Us, was a main topic of discussion.
While fans saw this as an entertaining shot at the rapper considering the other former romantic link to guest performer SZA, critics thought it was inappropriate. Notably, former Fox Sports commentator, Jason Whitlock commented on the dance, comparing it to "cracking a tasteless, X-rated joke inside a church." This backlash is reminiscent of William's controversy in 2012 while doing the same dance while celebrating a win.
Kendrick also brought special guest Samuel L. Jackson on stage as the character “Uncle Sam,” the historical personification of the United States. The real purpose of his character, however, wasn’t just to align with the “patriotic” theme. Jackson was actually chosen to play the character “Uncle Tom,” representing the criticism black people face within their community to better conform to white America’s standards of what a “classy and dignified” member of society should act, speak, and look like. It’s originsthe 1853 book by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom’s Cabin by In short, an “Uncle Tom” refers to a black person who seemingly rejects black culture altogether to be better accepted into predominantly “white” spaces. Lamar utilized the character “Uncle Sam” as a subtle play on the current stance of the U.S.
Historically, “Uncle Tom” is depicted as an older black man who is happily submissive, eager, and, most importantly, non-threatening to white people. Jackson perfectly executes this persona after yelling “Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto.” in response to the performance of “Squabble Up,” an energetic track about Lamar's musical success and dominance within the industry. Speculation was also made that Lamar chose Jackson as a guest because of the similarities to his role in the 2012 film Django Unchained.
Shortly after, Jackson asks, “Mr. Lamar, do you really know how to play the game?” Referring to the “American game, " where people in this country have to “play” to get ahead. Lamar furthered the symbolism of ‘the Game’ by turning the floor he performed on into a PlayStation controller. The words “GAME OVER” were also displayed in lights, concluding the performance.
A stand out was the remark made by Lamar near the conclusion of the show; “40 acres and a mule, this is bigger than the music.” This sentiment begins to remind fans about the complex meaning behind his work.
More specifically, This is a reference to the promise made to formerly enslaved Americans after the abolishment of slavery in the mid-1800s; stating that each formerly enslaved family would receive forty acres of land, and a mule to begin a new life being financially independent. These same reparations were never acted upon however, as President Lincoln’s successor, Andrew Johnson, reversed this promise when he stepped into office.
Lamar also had black backup dancers dressed in red, white, and blue outfits, all of which were black. At one point during the song HUMBLE, dancers created an American flag that was split through the middle with their bodies – possibly commenting on the fact that our nation is currently significantly divided.
Many criticized the “political” nature of his performance; however, Lamar made a bold choice to use the superbowl as a platform. Kendrick Lamar is a rare example of an artist who uses their influence to spread a message and get it across successfully.
