Lamar Wins the Game

Jillienne Lee

Staff Writer

Kendrick Lamar has won the game. No, I am not talking about the football game that occurred on Sunday, Feb. 9 that had all Philadelphia cheering. I am talking about the Lombardi worthy performance Kendrick Lamar gave.

His act featuring SZA struck many nerves, leaving the internet divided. Some believe it was one of the best halftime performances in history, while others felt it drag on. I’ll be honest, at first, I was not interested. His off-beat start made me question Apple Music’s selection. However, it wasn’t until Uncle Sam, played by Samuel L. Jackson, appeared on the screen, interrupting the introduction to say, “Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto, Mr. Lamar do you really know how to play the game? Then tighten up!” That made me truly understand its hidden significance.

The symbolism for America’s great divide with a human-formed flag during “Humble” and Uncle Sam’s bitter words of racism, highlighted the inequities people of color face every day. Not to mention, SZA’s incredible voice and killer leather outfit, made everyone want to keep watching.

Not only did the show represent many problems of the US, but it also reflected the end of the famous feud between Drake and Lamar. There were lights in the arena that wrote “Game Over” to communicate to Drake – and the rest of the world – there is no more competition, he officially won.

On top of that, the stage was set up like a controller, filled with X’s and O’s. One of those exes was tennis star Serena Williams, who was crip-walking during “Not Like Us”. Lamar had the entire stadium screaming “A-Minorrrrr”.

This show was packed with surprises, celebrity appearances, and interesting fashion choices, including Lamar’s viral bootcut jeans. However, I don’t know if this will take my top spot. Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Prince, and Beyonce, are all hard to beat. But it shouldn’t matter what I think, in the words of Kendrick Lamar himself, “I’m the number one rapper in the world”.