The buzz surrounding Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance has taken an unexpected turn, with DJ Hed shedding light on the criticism it received.
DJ Hed believes that the negative feedback isn’t just about Kendrick’s performance but stems from a deeper bias against West Coast artists. On the podcast ‘The Bigger Picture,’ he claimed that powerful figures, who remain unnamed, harbor a longstanding disdain towards the West Coast music scene.
While discussing with Elliott Wilson and Jeremy Hecht, DJ Hed remarked, “Because they don’t f*ck with it. It’s egregious how much he [Kendrick] is leaning in. We didn’t like him for that. We liked him because he’s like us.” This indicates that Kendrick’s evolution as an artist may not sit well with everyone, especially those who expect artists to stay within certain boundaries.
The halftime show sparked controversy by including the diss track “Not Like Us” aimed at Drake. This particular choice seemed to overshadow the festive atmosphere expected at such a high-profile event. Furthermore, viewers noted audio issues and questioned some of the song selections and lyrical changes.
Despite these issues, Lamar managed to capture attention through notable guest appearances and symbolic staging. However, the focus on the Drake feud and other artistic decisions led to varied reactions. Social media was abuzz with debates and opinions, reflecting a divided audience.
Interestingly, amidst this scrutiny, Kendrick’s latest album ‘GNX’ climbed back to the number-one spot on the Billboard 200 charts. Songs like ‘tv off,’ ‘luther,’ and ‘hey now’ solidified its success. As a result, fans eagerly anticipate the Grand National Tour in April, co-headlined by SZA.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance has indeed stirred up conversations, with DJ Hed attributing some criticism to regional biases. While debates continue, Lamar’s music continues to thrive, showing that artistic evolution, though sometimes controversial, is an essential part of a musician’s journey.
