OT: Halftime

[MorningCoffee13]

I personally loved the halftime show. To me Kendrick is a genius and is actually a Pulitzer Prize winner.

The sound was rough and the format was tough for him. And honestly so many of the songs were modified to fit a family friendly broadcast.

Blew me away when the whole stadium sang “A-Minorrrrrrrrrrrrrrr”

I am 63 year old Caucasian and love the guys discography.

 

[BigChungus90210]

I just don't feel like rap translates very well to a live performance. No shot at Kendrick, he's clearly very talented, but I wasn't that into it.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

I personally loved the halftime show. To me Kendrick is a genius and is actually a Pulitzer Prize winner.

The sound was rough and the format was tough for him. And honestly so many of the songs were modified to fit a family friendly broadcast.

Blew me away when the whole stadium sang “A-Minorrrrrrrrrrrrrrr”

I am 63 year old Caucasian and love the guys discography.

Saw a liberal friend of mine talk about how awesome it was politically. Frankly, if it was, it went over way too many heads…and that was for the people who were still watching. So my guess is the politics fell flat.

Me? I’m not the target audience. I didn’t care for it. But I did recognize the Debbie Deb sample that was used in the first song. So that was kinda cool.

 

[upj87]

I personally loved the halftime show. To me Kendrick is a genius and is actually a Pulitzer Prize winner.

The sound was rough and the format was tough for him. And honestly so many of the songs were modified to fit a family friendly broadcast.

Blew me away when the whole stadium sang “A-Minorrrrrrrrrrrrrrr”

I am 63 year old Caucasian and love the guys discography.

I think the whole super bowl halftime show is idiotic in that you change the routine of the game you played the entire year ... performer matters not in that regard..

 

[MorningCoffee13]

I think the whole super bowl halftime show is idiotic in that you change the routine of the game you played the entire year ... performer matters not in that regard..

In general I agree but it now has become part of the reality and the extra time coached accordingly.

 

[mlvnsmly]

If there was some political message, I must've missed it. I thought the production value of the show was awful compared to previous years. If we're comparing apples to apples, the Dre Snoop show was light-years better.

 

[Pitt666]

Yeah, a lot of political imagery that went over peoples heads. An American flag with all black dancers, bent over, symbolizing how the success of America was helped to be built on the backs of slaves. A black Uncle Sam. Very creatively intertwined for a message that went over a lot of heads.

I think Jay-z has a contract for one more selection. So likely one more year of Usher, Kendrick, Weekend ish stuff. Personally, I’d love to see Stevie Wonder. Has a ton of stuff, could add multiple guest stars, like RHCP for funk, etc. Same with Elton John. Sting.

 

[pittiswhereiamfrom2]

I personally loved the halftime show. To me Kendrick is a genius and is actually a Pulitzer Prize winner.

The sound was rough and the format was tough for him. And honestly so many of the songs were modified to fit a family friendly broadcast.

Blew me away when the whole stadium sang “A-Minorrrrrrrrrrrrrrr”

I am 63 year old Caucasian and love the guys discography.

You are hip

 

[HailtoPitt]

These halftime shows make me feel old. And I'm not that old.

 

[Upg bobcat]

I personally loved the halftime show. To me Kendrick is a genius and is actually a Pulitzer Prize winner.

The sound was rough and the format was tough for him. And honestly so many of the songs were modified to fit a family friendly broadcast.

Blew me away when the whole stadium sang “A-Minorrrrrrrrrrrrrrr”

I am 63 year old Caucasian and love the guys discography.

I am also a fan of Kendrick's discography but IMO, the half time show was a little too artistic for me. To me, the Super Bowl should be more of a fun and party type vibe.

Also, again just my personal opinion, but I don't think there is a male in the world that could pull off making those jeans cool.

 

[Gunga_Galunga]

Yeah, a lot of political imagery that went over peoples heads. An American flag with all black dancers, bent over, symbolizing how the success of America was helped to be built on the backs of slaves. A black Uncle Sam. Very creatively intertwined for a message that went over a lot of heads.

I think Jay-z has a contract for one more selection. So likely one more year of Usher, Kendrick, Weekend ish stuff. Personally, I’d love to see Stevie Wonder. Has a ton of stuff, could add multiple guest stars, like RHCP for funk, etc. Same with Elton John. Sting.

I think it went over peoples heads because most people understand that America was built off the backs of a lot of immigrants of varying nationalities, including slaves.

I didn't care for it mainly because I don't really care for Kendrick, but it was one of the few parts of the Superbowl my kids actually watched. I would have preferred any of the names you mentioned, but they're not really catering to me.

 

[rpastir]

worst....halftime show....ever

 

[Fk_Pitt]

I am also a fan of Kendrick's discography but IMO, the half time show was a little too artistic for me. To me, the Super Bowl should be more of a fun and party type vibe.

Also, again just my personal opinion, but I don't think there is a male in the world that could pull off making those jeans cool.

I agree. Thought the jeans looked great.

 

[ChiefJusticeMarshall]

There was a halftime show??

 

[happjack]

Yeah, a lot of political imagery that went over peoples heads. An American flag with all black dancers, bent over, symbolizing how the success of America was helped to be built on the backs of slaves. A black Uncle Sam. Very creatively intertwined for a message that went over a lot of heads.

I think Jay-z has a contract for one more selection. So likely one more year of Usher, Kendrick, Weekend ish stuff. Personally, I’d love to see Stevie Wonder. Has a ton of stuff, could add multiple guest stars, like RHCP for funk, etc. Same with Elton John. Sting.

Thankfully the boomer acts are long gone from the halftime show and never coming back, The Rolling Stones at Super Bowl XL were embarrassing and that was 19 years ago, the NFL made the right move by gearing the halftime show to younger people.

I do kind of miss the ultra corny halftimes shows, 30 years ago it was Patti LaBelle, Tony Bennett and Indiana Jones!

 

[PittPharm2002]

Saw a liberal friend of mine talk about how awesome it was politically. Frankly, if it was, it went over way too many heads…and that was for the people who were still watching. So my guess is the politics fell flat.

Me? I’m not the target audience. I didn’t care for it. But I did recognize the Debbie Deb sample that was used in the first song. So that was kinda cool.

The divided flag with their backs turned to each other
Same dancers later fall spread out into a certain fascist symbol.
Having “uncle” lecturing about how the black guy should act and perform .

Kendrick does everything with meticulous details

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

Saw a liberal friend of mine talk about how awesome it was politically. Frankly, if it was, it went over way too many heads…and that was for the people who were still watching. So my guess is the politics fell flat.

Me? I’m not the target audience. I didn’t care for it. But I did recognize the Debbie Deb sample that was used in the first song. So that was kinda cool.

https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/5135981-kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-halftime-performance-serena-williams-drake-not-like-us/

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

Yeah, a lot of political imagery that went over peoples heads. An American flag with all black dancers, bent over, symbolizing how the success of America was helped to be built on the backs of slaves. A black Uncle Sam. Very creatively intertwined for a message that went over a lot of heads.

I think Jay-z has a contract for one more selection. So likely one more year of Usher, Kendrick, Weekend ish stuff. Personally, I’d love to see Stevie Wonder. Has a ton of stuff, could add multiple guest stars, like RHCP for funk, etc. Same with Elton John. Sting.

Unfortunately, is there a country that didn't utilize this type of labor at one time or another?

 

[pittiswhereiamfrom2]

Including slaves in the same category as immigrants is truly something special.

Exactly. The cotton trade is the backbone of American commerce. Whoever can’t see that has their white privilege in need of checking.

 

[PittPharm2002]

Unfortunately, is there a country that didn't utilize this type of labor at one time or another?

We still do
It’s prison labor.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I am a casual fan of rap, inotherwords, I like the mainstream songs/artists and I realize Kendrick Lamar is popular but I always felt his popularity and "greatness" was much more appreciated by big rap fans. I dont think he ever crossed over into the mainstream like Drake, Eminem, Snoop Dog, Tupac, etc. For example, the only songs I knew of were Be Humble and Not Like Us. For that reason, I didn't think he was big enough to do halftime.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

I am a casual fan of rap, inotherwords, I like the mainstream songs/artists and I realize Kendrick Lamar is popular but I always felt his popularity and "greatness" was much more appreciated by big rap fans. I dont think he ever crossed over into the mainstream like Drake, Eminem, Snoop Dog, Tupac, etc. For example, the only songs I knew of were Be Humble and Not Like Us. For that reason, I didn't think he was big enough to do halftime.

My buddy in the industry told me it's probably going to be ICP next year. They're also trying to see how much a GWAR cameo would cost.

 

[PittPharm2002]

My buddy in the industry told me it's probably going to be ICP next year. They're also trying to see how much a GWAR cameo would cost.

Invest in Faygo!

 

[PittPharm2002]

The divided flag with their backs turned to each other
Same dancers later fall spread out into a certain fascist symbol.
Having “uncle” lecturing about how the black guy should act and perform .

Kendrick does everything with meticulous details

Oh - and the tic tac toe bored with two X’s
Then has Sza and Serena on stage - drakes two Ex’s

 

[OH Pete]

I am a casual fan of rap, inotherwords, I like the mainstream songs/artists and I realize Kendrick Lamar is popular but I always felt his popularity and "greatness" was much more appreciated by big rap fans. I dont think he ever crossed over into the mainstream like Drake, Eminem, Snoop Dog, Tupac, etc. For example, the only songs I knew of were Be Humble and Not Like Us. For that reason, I didn't think he was big enough to do halftime.

I'll be honest here - I knew zero of his songs. I did know that he is wildly popular with the kids (my white suburban bubble kids love him) and that he is widely respected and had won a slew of awards including the Pulitzer Prize. But I didn't mind the show. I viewed it as a chance to expand my horizons. I don't think I'll ever be a big fan, but it left me with an appreciation of him as an artist and entertainer. And I did listen to some of this stuff this morning on Spotify.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I'll be honest here - I knew zero of his songs. I did know that he is wildly popular with the kids (my white suburban bubble kids love him) and that he is widely respected and had won a slew of awards including the Pulitzer Prize. But I didn't mind the show. I viewed it as a chance to expand my horizons. I don't think I'll ever be a big fan, but it left me with an appreciation of him as an artist and entertainer. And I did listen to some of this stuff this morning on Spotify.

Not Like Us is new and pretty popular but Be Humble is the only other mainstream song. That song is stuck in my head from my kid playing NBA 2K20 all Covid Break. It was on the soundtrack. Anytime I hear it, it reminds me of Covid.

 

[MorningCoffee13]

I am a casual fan of rap, inotherwords, I like the mainstream songs/artists and I realize Kendrick Lamar is popular but I always felt his popularity and "greatness" was much more appreciated by big rap fans. I dont think he ever crossed over into the mainstream like Drake, Eminem, Snoop Dog, Tupac, etc. For example, the only songs I knew of were Be Humble and Not Like Us. For that reason, I didn't think he was big enough to do halftime.

He just went 5 for 5 at Grammy’s. He long ago crossed over.

 

[Burgh15]

The performance was fine, the show itself was lackluster. It felt like something you'd see for a Thanksgiving day halftime show, not the Super Bowl.

 

[pittchagg]

A couple things…

Not Like Us was pretty much the biggest song of 2024, and just won Record of the Year at the Grammy’s a week ago. It’s still a little inside baseball for the general public because there’s so much other stuff that’s also part of it - notably, that he is blood enemies with Drake and the entire song is Kendrick calling Drake a pedophile. Drake sued so that he wouldn’t play that song, and he did it anyway. There’s a ton of backstory related to it that people who follow hip hop know well, but it might not have been obvious to someone on the broadcast.

I think his most recognizable songs (other than Not Like Us) are from earlier in the catalog - ADHD, Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe, Money Trees, Swimming Pools, and then King Kunta and Alright. He was pretty clear that he was only doing new stuff for this halftime show, which I think resulted in him not playing some of his most recognizable songs.

Kendrick is socially aware and very political. Seems like they tried to balance it, but if you know what you’re looking for, the politics inherent in his whole deal last night were very apparent. See also: the dancer who got tackled for pulling out a Palestinian flag that he had hidden in his costume. It’s all part of the deal, and a reason why I was a little surprised that the most establishment and sanitized music event of the year - the Super Bowl halftime show - picked him.

I personally like the subversive aspect and the challenging aspect of what he consistently brings to the table, including last night. But it’s not for everybody. It’d be like having Chappell Roan up there in drag makeup and singing her songs about having sex with another woman. I’d respect the balls to put your challenging artistry on display in front of the entire globe, but would be an unusual pick for the Super Bowl halftime show.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

Grammy’s and Pulitzer and nobels don’t mean much.

We had journalists win Pulitzers for stories that were fake and they never had to turn in their prize

We had Presidents win preemptive nobels for something they never ended up doing.

And we just had a very talented pop artist win a country Grammy for a non country album.

 

[HailtoPitt]

A couple things…

Not Like Us was pretty much the biggest song of 2024, and just won Record of the Year at the Grammy’s a week ago. It’s still a little inside baseball for the general public because there’s so much other stuff that’s also part of it - notably, that he is blood enemies with Drake and the entire song is Kendrick calling Drake a pedophile. Drake sued so that he wouldn’t play that song, and he did it anyway. There’s a ton of backstory related to it that people who follow hip hop know well, but it might not have been obvious to someone on the broadcast.

I think his most recognizable songs (other than Not Like Us) are from earlier in the catalog - ADHD, Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe, Money Trees, Swimming Pools, and then King Kunta and Alright. He was pretty clear that he was only doing new stuff for this halftime show, which I think resulted in him not playing some of his most recognizable songs.

Kendrick is socially aware and very political. Seems like they tried to balance it, but if you know what you’re looking for, the politics inherent in his whole deal last night were very apparent. See also: the dancer who got tackled for pulling out a Palestinian flag that he had hidden in his costume. It’s all part of the deal, and a reason why I was a little surprised that the most establishment and sanitized music event of the year - the Super Bowl halftime show - picked him.

I personally like the subversive aspect and the challenging aspect of what he consistently brings to the table, including last night. But it’s not for everybody. It’d be like having Chappell Roan up there in drag makeup and singing her songs about having sex with another woman. I’d respect the balls to put your challenging artistry on display in front of the entire globe, but would be an unusual pick for the Super Bowl halftime show.

I have no clue which of his songs are new, but man do I hate the idea of an artist only playing new stuff at such a big event. People want to hear your most popular songs and at the SB with limited time, that is what he should have done.

 

[joeydavid]

I am a casual fan of rap, inotherwords, I like the mainstream songs/artists and I realize Kendrick Lamar is popular but I always felt his popularity and "greatness" was much more appreciated by big rap fans. I dont think he ever crossed over into the mainstream like Drake, Eminem, Snoop Dog, Tupac, etc. For example, the only songs I knew of were Be Humble and Not Like Us. For that reason, I didn't think he was big enough to do halftime.

The GNX Tour is a stadium tour. Not Like Us has over a billion streams on Spotify. There's a reason the whole stadium knew how strike a chord in "A-minor.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

The GNX Tour is a stadium tour. Not Like Us has over a billion streams on Spotify. There's a reason the whole stadium knew how strike a chord in "A-minor.

Didn’t realize I knew that song. Not bad.

 

[PittPharm2002]

I'll be honest here - I knew zero of his songs. I did know that he is wildly popular with the kids (my white suburban bubble kids love him) and that he is widely respected and had won a slew of awards including the Pulitzer Prize. But I didn't mind the show. I viewed it as a chance to expand my horizons. I don't think I'll ever be a big fan, but it left me with an appreciation of him as an artist and entertainer. And I did listen to some of this stuff this morning on Spotify.

Great take!

 

[joeydavid]

Didn’t realize I knew that song. Not bad.

Just a suggestion, listen to GNX start to finish. It's a classic R&B album that he raps on. I don't think there's a miss on the album.

Overall, it's the best (imo) of his 6 studio albums (5 of the 6 hit #1 on the charts).

 

[PittPharm2002]

I have no clue which of his songs are new, but man do I hate the idea of an artist only playing new stuff at such a big event. People want to hear your most popular songs and at the SB with limited time, that is what he should have done.

Then you’re dumb

He played “humble “ and “DNA”.
He did “MAad city” and” alright “ at the last superbowl .

Now I was hoping he’d do Rigamortis after Not Like Us.

 

[PittPharm2002]

Just a suggestion, listen to GNX start to finish. It's a classic R&B album that he raps on. I don't think there's a miss on the album.

Overall, it's the best (imo) of his 6 studio albums (5 of the 6 hit #1 on the charts).

I’m not a Kendrick Stan - but you’re right - it’s a compete album and concept .

It doesn’t get the hype but Euphoria is the far harder diss track .

 

[BigChungus90210]

It’ll be interesting to see who they bring in once the Jay Z arrangement runs out. It’s pretty wild that they haven’t done a country show since the 90s, I think that’d be the obvious next move.

 

[pittchagg]

It’ll be interesting to see who they bring in once the Jay Z arrangement runs out. It’s pretty wild that they haven’t done a country show since the 90s, I think that’d be the obvious next move.

Looking forward to next year’s halftime in San Francisco where Beyonce plays Cowboy Carter and Chappell Roan plays her country song about lesbianism. Something for everyone!

 

[bayardstreet]

It just wasn’t entertaining for me. I can do without some political or societal messaging but the NFL wants that. The lady that rides the unicycle and juggles would have been better. I guess she was booked for the Duquesne Dayton basketball game so unavailable

And I’m sure I will get pounded by many of you but even my wife who thinks Lamar is really good said she couldn’t understand most of his words.