What hidden messages did Kendrick Lamar weave into his electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance? A bold statement, a cultural reckoning, or a challenge to his rivals—what was he really trying to say? (PO)

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show was more than just a performance—it was a statement.

With striking imagery, symbolic attire and carefully curated moments, Lamar used the world’s biggest stage to make powerful cultural and political commentary. From Samuel L. Jackson’s portrayal of Uncle Sam to his “Gloria” jacket and layered references to American history, Lamar’s show could be discussed for years to come.

Why It Matters: Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Explained

The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most-watched televised events in the world, offering artists a rare opportunity to reach an audience of millions.

Lamar, known for his socially conscious lyrics and thought-provoking visuals, turned his performance into a platform for reflection on race, power and American identity. By integrating historical and political symbolism, he continued his legacy of using music as a medium for storytelling and activism.

Lamar performs during Apple Music halftime show

Kendrick Lamar performs during the Apple Music Halftime Show at Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 9, 2025. (Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images) Sipa via AP Images/Anthony Behar

What Does Kendrick Lamar’s “A” Necklace Mean?

One of the most striking aspects of Lamar’s attire was his black letterman-style jacket with the word “GLORIA” emblazoned across the front. This was a reference to his song of the same name. SZA is also featured on the track. The back of the jacket featured the name “pgLang,” Lamar’s creative company, while the word “Compton” was also displayed, a nod to his hometown.

His necklace, featuring a bold “A,” has been speculated to represent both personal and artistic themes, potentially symbolizing “authenticity,” “ancestry” or “ambition.”

While not confirmed, fans linked the piece of jewelry to his viral diss track “Not Like Us” and its infamous line—”Trying to strike a chord, and it’s probably A minor”—a jab at his rival Drake.

Samuel L. Jackson Dresses Up as Uncle Sam

A major symbolic moment came with the appearance of Hollywood legend Samuel L. Jackson, who took the stage dressed as Uncle Sam.

Jackson, acting as the narrator, introduced Lamar by saying, “It’s your Uncle…Sam, and this is the great American game.” According to The Root, Jackson’s role represented “sanitized” America, the version of the country that tries to control how Black artists express themselves. His statement that Lamar’s performance was “too ghetto” before being silenced was widely interpreted as a commentary on the ways Black voices are often policed in mainstream spaces.

Super Bowl Halftime Dancers’ Symbolic Message

The dancers, dressed in red, white and blue, created formations that resembled the American flag. Times of India reported that at one point, Lamar himself stood at the center, seemingly dividing them, a visual metaphor for America’s ongoing racial and political divisions.

Serena Williams Makes Appearance During Super Bowl Halftime Show

Another unexpected moment came when tennis icon Serena Williams appeared in the performance and performed the Crip Walk, also known as the C-Walk. Given Williams’ past rumored relationship with Drake, many saw this as an intentional nod to Lamar’s ongoing feud with the Canadian rapper, particularly since he performed “Not Like Us,” his diss track aimed at Drake. The moment resonated with fans as Williams has long been a cultural icon beyond sports, making her appearance a pointed inclusion in Lamar’s narrative.

Kendrick Lamar References Drake Lawsuit in Super Bowl Halftime Show

One of the most talked-about moments of the performance was Lamar’s reference to his feud with Drake. Midway through the show, he broke the fourth wall, addressing the audience with the line, “They tried to rig the game, but you can’t fake influence.” This was widely seen as a direct response to Drake’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group, which claims the label helped spread allegations referenced in Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.”

The performance cemented Lamar’s stance in the battle, with the closing phrase “game over” making it clear where he stood.

What People Are Saying

Political influencer Henry Sisson posted to X (formerly Twitter): “Kendrick Lamar dissed [President Donald] Trump and protested the United States in front of him and Trump got scared and left the Super Bowl early. It just doesn’t get any better than that.”

Collin Rugg, co-owner of Trending Politics, posted to X: “Kendrick Lamar says ‘turn this TV off’ before ending his Super Bowl halftime performance. He should have told us that at the beginning of the performance.”

Another X user by the username @crystalandqueue posted to X: “Kendrick Lamar may not be your style music and that’s ok. But the dude came out sporting the American flag, everyone was fully clothed and there was no obvious signs of satanic worship. I understand our bar isn’t set high these days—but conservatives need to pick their battles. This was a W guys. Calm down.”

What’s Next

Lamar’s performance will undoubtedly continue to be analyzed for its cultural and political weight. With his Grand National Tour alongside SZA coming up, fans are eager to see how these themes will translate to his live shows.