First off, I appreciate all the texts, calls, and posts checking in on me after the Chiefs lost—you’d think somebody died! But what really had me thinking this morning wasn’t the game itself, but the commentary surrounding the halftime show.
I heard Lurie Daniels-Favors say something that clicked for me: Kendrick’s performance was “for smart Black people.” I sat with that for a minute. Then I realized I needed to shed some light for those who might not fall into that category.
If you were just looking to be entertained, I get your disappointment. But instead of a minstrel show, Kendrick gave us a message—actually, many messages. Here’s what I picked up after rewatching it a couple of times.
The Imagery and Symbolism
Samuel L. Jackson as America’s Uncle immediately struck me. Two things came to mind:
- We are the original man—so of course, America’s uncle should be Black.
- But I also saw the duality between his portrayal of Uncle Sam and his character Stephen from Django Unchained, who would do anything to keep “Massa” comfortable.
When Sam introduced the show with, “It’s your Uncle Sam, and this is the great American game,” he wasn’t talking about football. Notice the first image we see—a tic-tac-toe board. X’s and O’s flash, but three spaces are blocked. Is the game rigged? Or just impossible to win?
Kendrick’s Lyrics: More Than Entertainment
Kendrick’s opening lines:
“Everybody must be judged, but this time God is only favoring us…”
As a group of Black men poured out of that black Grand National, he followed with:
“Johnny and Q (remember John Q. Public) started with nothing but government cheese, but now I can seize the government too.”
Then came the line that set the tone for the rest of the performance:
“The revolution about to be televised, you picked the right moment, but the wrong guy.”
If you were still expecting simple entertainment, you probably checked out right here.
The Push and Pull
Samuel L. Jackson cuts in:
“Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto! Mr. Lamar, do you really know how to play the game? Then tighten up!”
In my mind, all I could see was Stephen again, telling Kendrick not to offend, upset, or scare the white folks.
Kendrick appears to comply, launching into Be Humble with its laid-back beat and the line:
“I remember syrup sandwiches and crime allowances…”
But if you actually listen to the lyrics, he’s celebrating his success while staying unapologetically Black—all while standing in the middle of a divided flag.
Layers Upon Layers
Then DNA hits:
“I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA… quarter piece, got war and peace inside my DNA…”
That’s a universal truth for Black people. But Kendrick isn’t done. He transitions into Euphoria, tweaking the lyrics. This isn’t just a diss track for Drake anymore. When he says:
“I ain’t thinkin’ about no reaper, n** I’m reapin’ what I sow…*”
He’s speaking to a bigger reality.
The Deeper Messages
In the interlude, Kendrick freestyles:
“Why y’all think you deserve the greatest of all time?”
Again, he’s not just talking about hip-hop—he’s talking to America.
Sam reappears:
“I see you brought the homeboys with you—the old culture cheat code. Scorekeeper, deduct one life.”
A game reference? Or a Black life?
Final Act: The Revolution Televised
Kendrick drops Peekaboo:
“Give a helping hand to your fellow man, oh my, what?”
He teases They Not Like Us, calling it their “favorite” (Grammy-winning) song:
“But you know they like to sue.”
Sure, that’s about Drake—but maybe not just him.
Sam chimes in again:
“You done lost your damn mind!”
As Luther Vandross croons If This World Were Mine, Kendrick sings:
“I’d take your dreams and make them multiply, take your enemies in front of God…”
SZA then softens the tone, but the message stays sharp.
The Closer
They duet into All The Stars. The melody’s smooth, but listen to the lyrics. Sam pops back in:
“You’re almost there—don’t mess this up.”
But then—boom—the first six notes of They Not Like Us drop. Instead of the usual verse, Kendrick spits:
“It’s a cultural divide, I’ma get it on the floor. (Girl asks—Are you really ’bout to do it?) 40 acres and a mule, this bigger than the music…”
This is bigger than Drake.
“They tried to rig the game, but you can’t fake influence…”
He finally names Drake—but by then, you should know this ain’t about him.
DJ Mustard comes out, telling us to “Turn the TV Off.” Kendrick closes with a freestyle:
“Super Bowl made the feat, you’re diabetic, mouth be full of deceit…”
Finally, he says:
“Turn this TV off.”
Final Thoughts
Kendrick gave us a masterclass—delivering powerful messages to Black people under the guise of entertainment. For those mad they didn’t get a dance-and-jig halftime show, maybe follow the breadcrumbs. The knowledge was there—you just had to catch it in that thirteen-minute performance.
And for those dragging Serena for crip-walking? Do a deeper dive into who she is and where she comes from. Educate yourself before you speak.
Love it Tracey!!! Well written piece