What Kendrick Lamar Was Trying to Tell You During His Super Bowl Performance

When the NFL announced that the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show would feature Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent (as a surprise guest), and Kendrick Lamar, hip-hop fans were ecstatic.

This lineup was a testament to West Coast rap influence, the lasting power of early 2000s hip-hop, and the cultural shift that has brought rap front and center at one of America’s biggest televised events.

Yet for many viewers, Kendrick Lamar’s portion of the show stood out for its visual precision, political undertones, and, above all, an understated but powerful message. So what exactly was Kendrick Lamar trying to convey during his Super Bowl performance—and why did it matter so much?

It’s important to remember that Kendrick Lamar’s ascent from Compton mixtape rapper to internationally celebrated artist has always been marked by strong social and political consciousness. Since the release of his groundbreaking album good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012), Lamar has used music to examine themes of systemic injustice, identity, and perseverance.

By the time he dropped To Pimp a Butterfly (2015), he was widely regarded not just as a rap talent, but as a cultural commentator, weaving themes of African American history, oppression, and hope into chart-topping tracks.

Fast forward to 2022, and Lamar’s presence at the halftime show was more than just a cameo or passing acknowledgment of his success. The NFL stage represented an unprecedented mainstream spotlight—one that historically has not always accommodated rap music, let alone politically-charged rap that addresses America’s racial divides.

In that sense, Lamar’s performance was a culmination of years spent balancing mainstream success with an unwavering devotion to telling Black stories.

Kendrick Lamar’s performance opened with dancers forming a tight grid-like arrangement, all sporting matching haircuts, black suits, and “DRE DAY” sashes. This uniformity hinted at something deeper than just aesthetic flair. Observers quickly noticed references to discipline, uniformity, and the stoic repetition often seen in protest movements or military drills.

During much of Lamar’s set, the dancers moved in sync, almost as if they were a militant or a marching band. This imagery was reminiscent of protest lines—crowds marching in unison for a greater cause. Hip-hop has roots in protest culture, and Lamar, in particular, has championed the Black Lives Matter movement.

By having the dancers adopt these coordinated movements, Lamar was subtly invoking a sense of unified purpose, suggesting collective strength in the face of systemic pressures.

Lamar performed snippets of “m.A.A.d city” and “Alright,” two tracks that rank among his most socially resonant hits. “m.A.A.d city” references Compton’s streets, the cycle of violence, and the need for introspection among individuals caught in those struggles.

In a venue as celebratory as the Super Bowl, highlighting the harsh realities of Lamar’s upbringing felt both surprising and deliberate. By shining a light on Compton’s experiences in front of a global audience, Lamar brought an element of truth-telling to an event that often stays within the realm of entertainment spectacle.

“Alright,” on the other hand, is widely recognized as a modern anthem of resistance and hope, frequently heard at protests demanding racial equality and police reform. The refrain—“We gon’ be alright!”—has transcended music and become a rallying cry.

Including “Alright” in his set reaffirmed the song’s status as more than just a commercial hit; it’s a symbol of resilience and unity for communities pushing for social change.

Even if Lamar was only given a short performance window, sneaking in these crucial lines was enough to remind fans and casual viewers alike of the track’s deeper significance.

Performing at the Super Bowl comes with its own set of restrictions.

The NFL and broadcasting networks keep a tight grip on content, camera angles, language, and even certain gestures that artists can or cannot make on stage.

While many expected more overt statements—similar to previous moments when artists wore clothing with protest messages or spontaneously took a knee—Kendrick Lamar’s approach was more measured.
By relying on choreography and visual cues, he delivered messages of empowerment without inciting direct controversy or pushback from league officials.

Of course, some fans hoped Lamar might deliver a brand-new verse tackling contemporary politics, referencing modern figures, or calling out specific injustices. But in a performance format where every second is planned and the NFL’s lens is always watchful, Lamar opted for a stylized approach.

He let the stage arrangement, dance routines, and song selection speak louder than an overt diatribe ever could.

Another important layer to Lamar’s performance was the idea of passing the torch—or rather, sharing the stage with rap legends from his home turf. Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg have epitomized West Coast hip-hop for decades, bridging the gap between old-school rap and contemporary sounds.

As a younger member of this lineup, Lamar symbolized the future of West Coast rap—and by extension, the future of hip-hop’s role in mainstream American culture.

Choosing to feature Compton so prominently in multiple Super Bowl sets (Snoop and Dre’s opening number was a homage to their L.A. roots) reinforced the idea that Lamar is part of a lineage.

From Dr. Dre’s early days shaping G-Funk to Lamar’s conscious rap, the message was clear: the West Coast has always been a foundational driver of hip-hop’s evolution, and Lamar is carrying that legacy forward in an era of renewed calls for racial and social justice.

Though Lamar did not engage in an overt “moment” akin to Colin Kaepernick’s protest or Eminem’s decision to briefly kneel on stage, his entire aesthetic was charged with political subtext. The references to discipline, uniformity, and group solidarity all tie back to issues Lamar has addressed throughout his career, including police brutality, systemic oppression, and the resilience of Black communities.

One potent example is the consistent theme of transformation in Lamar’s discography—the transition from victim to victor, from suppressed to self-empowered. By portraying uniform dancers—each a reflection of a past or potential Lamar—he may have been illustrating how oppression attempts to reduce individuality.

Yet, in the final moments, Lamar radiated a sense of individual identity and freedom of expression, rapping defiantly as if to say, “We still stand strong.” Even if the theme wasn’t spelled out in bold letters on stage, it resonated with anyone who has followed his music over the years.

The Super Bowl halftime show is more than a musical extravaganza—it’s a cultural statement. With hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide, the show can amplify messages in ways few other platforms can match. For Lamar, a notoriously introspective artist, stepping onto that stage meant balancing mainstream spectacle with deeper commentary.

In effect, he became an ambassador of sorts, introducing his brand of conscious rap to casual viewers who might only know him from headlines or cameo features.

This approach—melding mainstream appeal with a socio-political edge—can influence new audiences to explore Lamar’s back catalog, from “HiiiPoWeR” to “The Blacker the Berry.” In doing so, it might spark curiosity about the issues he consistently tackles.

For Lamar’s fans, seeing him share the same stage as icons like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg was validation of his place in rap’s pantheon. For the uninitiated, it was a gateway to understanding how rap can be fun, catchy, and intellectually challenging at the same time.

In the days that followed, social media was ablaze with discussions of Lamar’s performance. Some praised him for bringing “Alright” to the mainstream once again, while others noted the irony of championing protest anthems at an event sponsored by massive corporations. Yet, the fact that these conversations even took place speaks to Lamar’s unique position as both entertainer and provocateur.

Critics and cultural commentators observed that Lamar’s portion was the most understated of the entire halftime show, in terms of flashy visuals and props. Unlike 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, or even Eminem, Lamar used primarily dancers in uniform, minimal set pieces, and subtle costume changes.

This choice might suggest a desire to let the music and the message speak for themselves, free from pyrotechnics or dramatic backdrops.

Context matters. Leading up to the 2022 Super Bowl, the NFL was already under scrutiny regarding its record on social justice, especially in the wake of Colin Kaepernick’s protests and ongoing conversations about racial equity within the league’s leadership.

By enlisting Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar, the NFL signaled a nod toward celebrating hip-hop’s cultural influence—a genre born from marginalized Black communities.

Within this environment, Kendrick Lamar’s set became a microcosm of a broader cultural moment. It showed how Black artistry, once relegated to the fringes of entertainment, now stands at the pinnacle of a globally televised event. Yet, it also highlighted that the struggle for representation and equality continues.

Lamar’s subdued show of power—through unified dancers, powerful lyrics, and stoic stage presence—underscored the idea that mere visibility at the Super Bowl is not the end goal; genuine societal shifts are.

In the end, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance was a study in subtlety and nuance. While other artists might have shouted explicit slogans or brandished protest signs, Lamar allowed the choreography, music selection, and overarching themes to carry the weight.

This approach mirrors his broader career choices: letting the music speak volumes without sacrificing artistry or ceding to sensationalism.

What did Lamar want to tell you? Perhaps it’s that despite being on one of the world’s largest stages, the reality he raps about remains urgent and pressing. Perhaps it’s that the hope and resilience embodied in “Alright” still ring true, even in the face of ongoing social struggles.

Perhaps it’s that the lineage of West Coast hip-hop continues, bridging the old guard with the new. Or perhaps it’s simply that in a time of polished halftime theatrics, authenticity still resonates.

Whatever interpretation you choose, one thing is certain: Kendrick Lamar reminded the world that hip-hop isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a conduit for cultural reflection, a vehicle for activism, and a celebration of the power of music to spark vital conversations.

By harnessing the spotlight of the Super Bowl, Lamar brought his message to a global audience, proving once again that he remains one of the defining voices of modern rap.