The Symbolisms Behind Super Bowl Halftime Show

Kendrick Lamar headlined the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, marking the first-ever solo rap at the halftime performance. Kendrick Lamar promised to deliver "storytelling" in his halftime show ahead of the show. His performance featured a mix of political commentary and video game symbolism.

VIDEO GAME SYMBOLISM:
Kendrick Lamar's show had a video game theme, with the field displaying the PlayStation controller symbols (X, O, triangle) and the phrase "START HERE" in lights. The four performance stages were also shaped like PlayStation buttons, and the final message in the crowd spelled "GAME OVER", possibly referencing both his performance and his beef with Drake.

POLITICAL COMMENTARY:
Other than the gaming theme, Lamar also gave political messages about America's divisions. Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as Uncle Sam, introduced Lamar before he launched into his most mainstream songs like "HUMBLE," "DNA," and "Not Like US" from his recent album GNX. His performance included dancers dressed in red, white, and blue, symbolizing America's division, and a moment where the lights displayed "WARNING WRONG WAY."

Lamar also addressed his beef with Drake, performing "Not Like Us" but altering its controversial lyrics. Special guests were SZA and Serena Williams, both of whom had past connections to Drake. Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show was the first-ever solo rap halftime performance.