Game Over: Kendrick, Symbolism, and the Super Bowl
Kendrick Lamar doesn’t just perform—he makes statements. His 2025 Super Bowl halftime show was no different. More than just an electrifying performance, Lamar’s set was a meticulously crafted political statement, blending visual symbolism, choreography, and song selection to critique America’s systemic oppression. Through the lens of a video game, he exposed the struggle of Black communities forced to play a game rigged against them.
A Stage That Speaks Volumes
Kendrick’s stage was instantly striking: a grid-like structure, high fences, and stark divisions—a prison yard disguised as a gameboard. The layout mirrored a PlayStation controller, which may be a nod to Sony, who is involved in Drake’s record label. Each of the four iconic symbols—triangle, circle, X, and square—could be interpreted to represent a different facet of the Black American experience:
Square: The structure of oppression, the rigid walls of systemic racism, and the struggle to break free.
X: The confirmation of hidden truths, exposing the reality behind the illusion of equality.
Triangle: A symbol of movement and direction, representing the path towards revolution and change.
Circle: The loop of expectation, the cycle that Black artists and individuals are forced to experience, repeatedly playing the same game to appease those in power.
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Samuel L. Jackson, playing Uncle Sam, introduced the show by calling it the “Great American Game.” But Kendrick made it clear—this wasn’t about football. The game he referred to was one of privilege, power, and oppression, and he was about to play it on his own terms.
Rebellion & Power
Kendrick began his set standing on a Buick GNX, the inspiration behind the title of his latest album, GNX. Surrounding him were dancers in red, white, and blue. The colors are speculated to represent a few things: the colors of the USA, the ideological divide, or even gang-related symbolism in America.
He then delivers his first message, “The revolution is about to be televised. You picked the right time but the wrong guy.” This line references Gil Scott-Heron’s 1971 poem and song, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” which critiques mass media and emphasizes that true societal change arises from active participation rather than passive consumption.
Performing "Squabble Up", Kendrick reinforced themes of resistance and self-assertion, refusing to conform to governmental expectations. His defiance was met with an interruption by Uncle Sam, who chastised him for being “too loud, too reckless,” a clear commentary on how power structures seek to silence marginalized voices.
Credit The Wall Street Journal
In one of the most striking visuals, Lamar stood inside an American flag, seemingly conforming, only for the flag to split in half during "HUMBLE.", a potent metaphor for the division and hypocrisy within the nation. The performance ultimately served as a bold critique of power, urging viewers to reflect on the state of America and the necessity for real, equitable change.
The first part of Kendrick’s performance may be a critique of the current administration, as President Trump was present at the Superbowl. Given the political climate and the racial tensions of the time, the message might have been aimed at those in power, questioning their role in shaping or stifling progress. Kendrick Lamar’s performance, known for its powerful political and social commentary, aligns with this interpretation. His work often addresses issues of systemic oppression, making it likely that his message was deliberately targeted. However, if there was an expectation of a direct response from the administration, it did not come—perhaps because addressing it would have validated its critique, or because ignoring it was a strategic decision to avoid further controversy.
The Stage, A Prison Yard
The stage itself, said to resemble a prison yard, could be commentary on mass incarceration. Many of Kendrick Lamar’s dancers were Black —symbolizing the disproportionate imprisonment of Black individuals in the U.S. The marching formations and group isolation during “DNA” and “euphoria” represented both the divide within Black communities and the need for solidarity in the face of oppression. Throughout history, systemic structures have worked to separate and weaken Black movements, and Kendrick’s choreography reflected that—starting with dancers in isolated groups before they slowly unified, moving in coordinated, military-like precision.
Uncle Sam’s statement: “Ah, see you brought your homeboys with you. The old culture cheat code” reinforced the idea that when Black communities unite and resist, they are met with violence and loss. By referencing the cultural cheat code concept, he acknowledges how American politics and industries have long profited from Black culture while suppressing those who seek real power or change. This tension between cultural exploitation and systemic oppression sets the stage for what follows, highlighting the consequences of challenging the status quo. Then came the ominous line: “Scorekeeper, deduct one life.” It wasn’t just a video game reference—it was a chilling nod to how Black lives are systemically devalued when they push back against injustice.
Confirming Hidden Truths
In gaming, the X controller button often represents confirmation. Kendrick used this section to expose hard truths with “Peekaboo”. He teased “Not Like Us,” a song that symbolizes exposing dirty secrets and confirming hidden truths. The industry often celebrates Black culture while simultaneously profiting off of it, all while limiting the true autonomy of Black artists. To me, Kendrick’s message was clear: Black success in white-dominated spaces often comes at the cost of compliance.
Direction & Change
As the performance continued, SZA joined Kendrick for “Luther,” a song about love and empowerment. The triangle, representing directional movement in gaming, may symbolize a path toward hope and change. This was Kendrick momentarily presenting the vision of a harmonious future—one where Black artists are allowed to express themselves fully without repercussions. However, this moment was short-lived because, just like in real life, those in power only allow this kind of messaging to exist in carefully controlled doses. The Super Bowl, as one of the most-watched events, often prioritizes spectacle over genuine social commentary. While Kendrick’s performance was powerful and political, it was still shaped by an entertainment industry wary of alienating its audience. The NFL, with its history of selective activism, may have used Kendrick’s performance to appear progressive while maintaining the status quo. In many ways, I think this was a carefully controlled dose of resistance—enough to acknowledge social issues without truly challenging those in power.
Rejecting The Expectation to Stay in Line
Kendrick and SZA’s performance of “All The Stars” was a polished song whose vibes fit mainstream America’s expectations of Black artists. Historically, Black artists who conform to industry standards are elevated, while those who challenge the system face censorship or backlash. However, the circle button symbolizes "no" or "cancel" on a gaming controller. Through the song, Kendrick sends a clear message: he refuses to conform to society’s expectations for Black artists. Instead of adhering to the industry's restrictive mold, he asserts his independence, rejecting the systemic pressures designed to dictate his artistry and identity. Uncle Sam, approving of this softer approach, symbolized how the system rewards silence and non-confrontation. However, when “Not Like Us” begins, it disrupts that illusion, signaling that Kendrick is not actually submitting to these expectations but instead using his platform to challenge them.
“Not Like Us” as the Final Showdown
Before diving into his final song, Kendrick delivered a gut-punch statement: “40 acres and a mule—this is bigger than the music.” A direct reference to broken promises made to Black Americans post-slavery, this line set the tone for “Not Like Us.” This performance fully embodies the unfiltered, confrontational side of Kendrick that fans appreciate. This is exemplified by his now-iconic stare down with the camera after saying, "Say Drake." Having Serena Williams crip walk on stage was another standout moment, given her past romantic relationship with Drake. This moment reclaimed her own expression that had previously been criticized when she performed it after her 2012 Olympic victory. Here, it became a powerful statement of Black resilience and triumph, positioning Williams not just as a guest but as an icon of perseverance and cultural defiance.
Credit The Rolling Stone
Game Over: Kendrick’s Final Message
As the performance ended, Kendrick left the audience with one final statement with “TV Off”. The implication? Stop playing the game. Stop letting media, the government, and corporate America dictate how Black artists and individuals navigate success. The final message read “Game Over”—an open-ended conclusion. Did Kendrick win, or did he just expose how impossible winning really is?
A Performance for the History Books
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show wasn’t just a performance—it was a symbolic revolution. Yet, some critics questioned whether his message was too layered for a general audience. Unlike his past performances that delivered straightforward political imagery, Kendrick’s reliance on symbolism—while powerful—left some Super Bowl viewers struggling to grasp the full scope of his intent. Some argued that the Super Bowl, as a corporate-driven event, inevitably diluted the radical edge of his critique. By performing within the system he was critiquing, was Lamar truly disrupting the game, or was he simply playing it in a different way?
In structuring the performance as a journey through resistance, identity, industry critique, and triumph, Kendrick Lamar created a narrative that went beyond entertainment. Every detail, from the choreography to the stage design, was crafted to tell a deeper story about America’s racial and social structures. While the performance was a direct reflection of Black experiences in America, its impact extended beyond, resonating with BIPOC and other marginalized communities who also navigate systems built to suppress their voices and limit their success. Whether viewers fully grasped the symbolism or not, Kendrick once again proved that he isn’t just here to entertain—he’s here to challenge, disrupt, and educate.