I also liked Doreen St. Felix's New Yorker piece on his performance. I do think Kendrick's earlier works were more brilliant, edgier and more critical I guess, than recently, but I thought it was an interesting performance at one of our most commercial (even patriotic) events, especially thinking of all the fuss over Colin Kaepernick.
Thanks for the link, Tess; Doreen is great. And I agree… the context & framing made “Not Like Us” signify way larger than just an epic battle rhyme mic drop, I thought.
Will....thank you for the deep dive and clear explanation of the event. I was riveted and have proceeded in the next 48 to watch / review the show several times and have researched the "Easter Eggs" Lamar left for us all, pure genius and deeper than just playing the hits in the 12 minute music blitz.
I also liked Doreen St. Felix's New Yorker piece on his performance. I do think Kendrick's earlier works were more brilliant, edgier and more critical I guess, than recently, but I thought it was an interesting performance at one of our most commercial (even patriotic) events, especially thinking of all the fuss over Colin Kaepernick.
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/critics-notebook/kendrick-lamar-and-the-messy-art-of-meta-performance
Thanks for the link, Tess; Doreen is great. And I agree… the context & framing made “Not Like Us” signify way larger than just an epic battle rhyme mic drop, I thought.
Will....thank you for the deep dive and clear explanation of the event. I was riveted and have proceeded in the next 48 to watch / review the show several times and have researched the "Easter Eggs" Lamar left for us all, pure genius and deeper than just playing the hits in the 12 minute music blitz.
Way to go, Joe. So much American culture packed into those 12 minutes. NFL shoulda provided Cliff Notes.
Just saw this by Alexandra Polk, she also goes deep: https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/2025/02/11853502/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-halftime-show-reaction-meaning