Kendrick Lamar's highly anticipated Super Bowl LIX halftime performance delivered a powerful blend of West Coast hip-hop, social commentary, and a not-so-subtle nod to his ongoing rivalry with Drake.
The performance began with Lamar kneeling on top of a black Buick GNX, instantly grabbing the audience's attention and setting the stage for a memorable performance.
The Buick GNX: A Symbol of Origins and Accomplishments
The choice of the Buick GNX was far from arbitrary. Lamar's most recent album is titled GNX, a clear homage to the iconic car released in his birth year. The GNX, short for Grand National Experimental, was the ultimate iteration of the Buick Grand National, known for its turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine.
The GNX also holds a personal connection for Lamar. He was brought home from the hospital as an infant in a Buick Regal, the base car of the GNX. In his song "TV Off," he raps, "All I ever wanted was a black Grand National," further solidifying the car's significance in his life.
While Lamar owns a GNX, Wired reports that the one used in the Super Bowl performance was sourced from a dealership in Southern California and was modified for the performance, including gutting the interior.
A Performance Rooted in West Coast Hip-Hop
Introduced by Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam, Lamar's performance transported the Super Bowl audience to Compton, California, celebrating West Coast hip-hop. Lamar is recognized for championing West Coast hip-hop, revitalizing its origins, and showcasing it for a global audience.
Lamar performed a medley of his hits, including "GNX," "Squabble Up," "Humble," "DNA," "Luther," "All the Stars," and "TV Off". He was joined by SZA for "Luther" and "All the Stars".
Addressing the Drake Beef
Lamar subtly addressed his ongoing feud with Drake during the performance. As he transitioned into "Not Like Us," he remarked, "I play their song but know they to sue," alluding to Drake's legal actions against Universal Music Group related to the song. He notably omitted the word "pedophiles" from the lyrics of "Not Like Us".
Lamar's use of the GNX can also be seen as a response to Drake. Lamar's performance, sitting atop one of the most American cars in history at America's biggest sporting event, proved that verse entirely incorrect.
A Historic Moment
As Elle points out, Lamar became the first solo rapper to headline a Super Bowl halftime show. His performance was a celebration of his accomplishments and a testament to the power of hip-hop on a global stage.
