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7 hidden gems from Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance

Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar has set the internet ablaze once again. On Sunday, he delivered a thought-provoking yet surprise-packed headlining performance during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show. The just-under-14-minute set was filled with powerful messages, some of which were cleverly hidden in plain sight. Continue reading as we unpack seven hidden gems from Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX performance. Watch the full performance here

Uncle Sam … Samuel L. Jackson to be exact

Kendrick Lamar kicked off the show with a bang. The performance opened with instant theatrics, featuring a special appearance by world-renowned actor Samuel L. Jackson. Jackson portrayed Uncle Sam, a personification from the 19th century meant to represent the values of the United States. While challenging racism, Jackson’s character delivers the line, “Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto.” Kendrick then takes a more humble approach, transitioning into his hit singles such as “Humble,” “DNA,” and “Euphoria.” Jackson’s Uncle Sam character seems to criticize Black culture.

“A” Symbolism

Kendrick was also seen wearing a necklace with a lowercase “a.” This letter has significant meaning, stemming from Kendrick’s famous line “A-Minor” in his 2024 Drake diss track, “Not Like Us.” Many seamingly believed that the chain take’s aim at Drake amidst rumors of his alleged relationships with underage women. The lower case “a” stands for the one presented in PgLang’s logo which is a creative agency founded by Kendrick.

Grand Slam? or Flex on My Ex? Serena Williams

Serena Williams made a brief return to the sports world on her own terms. She took the stage performing the Crip Walk, a move that takes direct shots at past critics. In 2012, Williams celebrated her gold medal win at Wimbledon by Crip Walking, only to receive heavy backlash. Her Super Bowl appearance seems to send a salute to those critics. Not to mention, the move also serves as a subtle troll of Drake, with whom she briefly dated in 2011. Her blue outfit is also significant, which leads us to the next point. 

Appearance by SZA

Kendrick Lamar’s TDE label mate, SZA, joined him on the big stage for a memorable moment. The duo, who frequently collaborate, performed two of their popular tracks, “Luther” and “All The Stars.” Throughout the performance, Kendrick’s dancers and guests sported the American flag’s red, white, and blue. SZA wore a red outfit, while Serena wore blue — a slight nod to unity. Notably, both SZA and Serena were once ex-girlfriends of Drake.

The Revolution Will Be Televised

Kendrick Lamar’s America theme resonated strongly, especially since the United States President, Donald Trump, was in attendance at the Super Bowl. In a brief moment, Kendrick appeared between his dancers, who stood in the shape of an American flag. “The revolution is about to be televised. You picked the right time, but the wrong guy,” Kendrick said while standing between the flag formation.

Game Over

Kendrick’s stage setup was designed to resemble the buttons of a PlayStation controller. Throughout the performance, Kendrick was the only player within the game, with Samuel L. Jackson’s Uncle Sam character serving as the overseer, criticizing the actions taking place within the game. This continued leading up to the closing song of the performance.

History Within History

Kendrick Lamar’s performance signifies more than just an epic halftime show. He became the first rapper in history to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. Additionally, this marks his second appearance as a featured act — in 2022, he performed alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige in the first all-Hip-Hop halftime show.

Overall, Kendrick Lamar continues to push the boundaries of his creativity on the big stage. Following his five Grammy wins at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, his Super Bowl halftime performance only adds fuel to his momentum. In April, he will take the stage once again for the beginning of his “Grand National” Tour alongside SZA. Kendrick Lamar is just getting started.

Key Glock kicks off 2025 with “3am In ToKEYo” and announces ‘Glockaveli’

Key Glock

Key Glock is back and setting the tone for a massive year ahead. The Memphis superstar is kicking off 2025 with his first release of the year, “3am In ToKEYo”, which dropped alongside a cinematic music video filmed in Japan. This high-energy track not only reaffirms his status as one of rap’s dominant forces but also serves as the first official glimpse into his upcoming album, Glockaveli, set to drop on February 12.

Known for his aspirational and self-made approach to music, Key Glock (@keyglock) wastes no time making bold declarations on “3am In ToKEYo.” He opens with, “I came in this world by myself, self-made, never ask no one for help,” setting the tone for the confident, bossed-up lifestyle he embodies. Just in time for the Super Bowl, he even sneaks in a timely flex, rapping, “I’m a Kansas City fan, yeah you know who I be chiefing.”

Watch “3am In ToKEYo” by Key Glock

With three Gold albums, seven Gold singles, and eight Platinum records, Key Glock is well accomplished. In face, he has steadily built a legacy in the trap and Memphis hip-hop scene. His breakout 2017 mixtape Glock Season, along with standout projects like Yellow Tape 2 and Dum and Dummer 2, have cemented his place in the game. Moreover, his momentum only grew last year with the sold-out Glockoma Tour and a string of successful singles, including “Q-Dogz”, “Big Big Money,” and F-ck Around & Find Out.”*

While Glock’s signature sound remains intact, he knows how to switch things up just enough to keep fans engaged. “3am In ToKEYo” is a prime example. Co-produced by the legendary DJ Paul, the track features a soulful sample before transforming into a dark, rumbling banger. Glock’s witty, braggadocious bars glide effortlessly over the beat, setting the perfect stage for this next era.

After teasing Glocktober in 2023 but never delivering a full project, Key Glock has officially locked in Glockaveli, revealing the album’s title, cover art, and release date. With February 12 locked in, “3am In ToKEYo” is just the beginning of what’s shaping up to be another dominant year for the Paper Route Empire star.

Are you ready for new music from Key Glock?

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