Kendrick Lamar made history with his Super Bowl halftime performance on Feb. 9 as the artist became the first solo rap artist to headline for the Super Bowl. The performance garnered widespread praise from viewers as many were entertained by the performance’s commentary on societal issues and scandals within the pop industry.

Lamar performed a compilation of all of his hit songs, including tracks such as “HUMBLE” and “Luther.” Lamar is known for his commitment to addressing social issues such as race, identity, and discrimination. The Super Bowl performance served as a platform for the artist to further reinforce his message on social awareness and resonate with the audience.  

“I thought the performance was really interesting, and offered a refreshing break from the intense games,” Raymond Kwon (10), live viewer of Super Bowl, said. “I thought that the hidden meaning behind some of the songs were also new, and overall enjoyed the performance.”

At one point during the performance, Lamar performed “Like Us” which brought multitudes of speculation. Many believe the performance to be a reference to his ongoing rivalry with fellow rapper Drake, as the song lyrics allude to personal tensions between the two. 

Critics, however, claim that the performance lacked the entertainment aspect expected of a typical Super Bowl halftime show, compared to performances in the past. Many commented on the mechanics of the show, as they believed that the mic volume was too low for the artists, reducing the show’s overall quality and engagement.

Regardless, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance has become a hot topic of discussion, reflecting its multifaceted impact on audiences and critics alike.