Kendrick Lamar stole the show at the Super Bowl’s halftime with a mind-blowing performance that left audiences buzzing. The creative genius behind this spectacle was none other than Dave Free, Kendrick’s longtime manager and partner at pgLang.
Kendrick Lamar’s performance was not your average halftime show. Instead of a straightforward musical set, it was a brilliant blend of cinematic and theatrical elements. Dave Free, speaking with the Wall Street Journal, shared that this performance intentionally set itself apart from any previous Super Bowl shows. It was designed to showcase a narrative deeply rooted in Black American culture.
Free revealed that their preparatory process involved watching every Super Bowl halftime show in existence, gaining inspiration from icons like Beyoncé, Prince, and Michael Jackson. Yet, their show aimed to tell a different story, a story about Black America. “The feel of it is Black America,” Free emphasized, highlighting the focus on a narrative that speaks to the Black American experience.
The setlist diverged from Kendrick’s popular hits, focusing more on the narrative depicted in his latest album, GNX. A notable moment in the performance was a subtle yet sharp jab at Drake, Kendrick’s long-standing rival. During a back-and-forth with his female backup dancers, Kendrick alluded to legal troubles, hinting at Drake’s lawsuit with Universal Music Group. It was a bold showdown, marking a significant moment in the performance.
Throughout the performance, Kendrick cleverly self-censored certain lyrics while delivering lines with a confident smirk. His witty verse about striking a chord “probably A minor” resonated with an enthusiastic crowd that couldn’t get enough.
Dave Free disclosed that the journey to the Super Bowl stage began with a call from JAY-Z, the orchestrator of the event since 2020. There was uncertainty if Kendrick would get the nod to perform, especially after joining Dr. Dre’s set a few years prior. But the timing felt right, and Kendrick was ready for another groundbreaking moment.
As the show reached its crescendo, a notable final dig at Drake appeared. The crowd illuminated with the words “Game Over,” perfectly tying into the video game theme of the performance. It was an unforgettable closing moment in a show that was anything but ordinary.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance was a masterful blend of music and storytelling. With Dave Free’s creative vision, Kendrick delivered a show that left a lasting impression, redefining what a halftime show could be. It wasn’t just entertainment; it was a cultural statement.
