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Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Half-Time Show: A Challenge for Trump and the NFL
07.02.2025, 05:30 Uhr
In a historic move, Donald Trump will become the first sitting U.S. president to attend the Super Bowl, but the half-time show may serve as a major test for him and the NFL. Kendrick Lamar, an outspoken critic of Trump, is set to perform, stirring concerns among the conservative audience.
Amid rumors of Taylor Swift making a surprise appearance during the half-time show, it appears she will attend the event merely to support her partner, Travis Kelce, who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are looking to secure their third consecutive Super Bowl victory against the Philadelphia Eagles, a feat never accomplished in NFL history.
However, the actual half-time performance will be overshadowed by Lamar, whose political stance and activism against systemic racism have made him a polarizing figure. The rapper recently won five Grammys for his diss track, “Not Like Us,” targeting another major artist, Drake.
“Donald Trump is a Fool”
Lamar’s reputation as a political commentator has earned him a significant following over the past twelve years. His lyrics resonate with the messages of the Black Lives Matter movement, likely unsettling Trump and his supporters. The rapper’s history of not pulling punches adds tension to the upcoming Super Bowl performance.
In 2017, Lamar released a song titled “The Heart Part 4,” which criticizes Trump and references alleged ties to Russia, influentially labeling him as a “fool.” Lamar later expressed in an interview that while he recognizes the frustrations of addressing such topics, he believes in driving action rather than just dialogue.
Lamar’s Challenge to Conservative America
Lamar’s 2015 album cover for “To Pimp a Butterfly” featured a provocative image tying into themes of race and power, leading to backlash from conservative media. His song “Alright” became a protest anthem, further igniting outrage from some quarters.
Notably, Lamar has previously supported Colin Kaepernick, the former quarterback who sparked controversy by kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustices. His actions, similar to his music, often incite heated discussions about race and politics in America.
Trump’s Past Response to Lamar
In a similar scenario during the 2018 College Football Championship, where both Lamar and Trump were present, Trump reportedly left the venue during Lamar’s performance. The stakes are high as Lamar prepares to take center stage at the Super Bowl.
While Lamar has shown some restraint in the past, there’s no denying his talent for improvisation and willingness to surprise his audience. With the NFL closely monitoring the event, the potential for unforeseen moments looms large. To prevent any on-air incidents, the game will be broadcast with a five-second delay.
What Will Kendrick Lamar Reveal This Time?
The Super Bowl is expected to be the most-watched event in the United States, showcasing not only sports but also showcasing African American excellence. This year, for only the second time in history, two Black quarterbacks will compete against each other for the title. Ahead of the game, R&B singer Ledesi will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black National Anthem.
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for the matchup, their training session at Tulane University sets the tone for the weekend. With a diverse playlist in the background, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” leads the way, hinting at the complex tapestry this Super Bowl will unfold.
