Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance is not just an entertainment triumph but a commercial masterstroke.
- Following the show, his album ‘GNX’ is projected to reclaim the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200.
- The performance propelled ‘GNX’ to sell an additional 230k units this week.
- Kendrick’s Super Bowl halftime show was the most-watched in history, captivating 133.5 million viewers.
- Both the album and his past hits surged in popularity, reviving Kendrick’s earlier works.
Kendrick Lamar mesmerized fans with his Super Bowl halftime show, and the impact was immediate. Upon taking the stage, Lamar not only captured attention but boosted his album sales dramatically. His latest album ‘GNX’ saw sales skyrocket, estimated to have moved another 230,000 units this week. It’s on track to claim the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 once again.
Before the Super Bowl, fans were already excited with the release of physical copies of ‘GNX’. This strategic move, just days prior to the event, accelerated sales and pushed the album’s total sales over one million. With these numbers, it’s clear another platinum certification is near.
Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance didn’t just spotlight his current album; it breathed new life into his older works. Albums like ‘Good Kid, M.A.A.D City’ and ‘DAMN.’ have also seen a resurgence, with both nearing sales of 34,000 units each.
In a historic feat, Kendrick’s halftime show became the most-watched in history, with a staggering 133.5 million viewers, surpassing Michael Jackson’s previous record from 1993. This massive audience was partly thanks to the Super Bowl itself setting viewership records, with an average of 126 million tuned into the game.
The creative vision behind this groundbreaking performance was a labor of love for Kendrick and pgLang co-founder Dave Free. They sought inspiration from past iconic performances by legends like Beyoncé, Prince, and Michael Jackson. Free explained that the performance was meant to be a cinematic experience depicting Black America’s narrative.
They initially questioned Kendrick’s presence at the Super Bowl, given his appearance during Dr. Dre’s set just three years ago. However, a call from JAY-Z, who has been involved in organizing the halftime shows, prompted them to seize the moment. As part of Kendrick’s setlist, they focused on impactful tracks rather than mainstream hits.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance didn’t just entertain; it redefined the halftime show and invigorated his musical legacy.