Kendrick Lamar’s High-Energy Halftime Show Performance Inspired by Iconic PlayStation Moments

Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show: A Masterclass in Storytelling

The Video Game Connection

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was a wild ride, to say the least. The rapper delivered a scathing critique of America, dragged Drake in front of millions, and even threw in a few references to his own music. But did you catch the video game nod in the show? Amidst all the chaos, it’s easy to miss. That’s right, Lamar dropped a direct reference to PlayStation in his performance.

Behind the Scenes

According to a deep dive by Wired, the show’s art director Shelley Rodgers and creative director Mike Carson aimed to portray Lamar’s life as a video game. The stage was designed to resemble a PlayStation controller, complete with spaces shaped like the iconic triangle, circle, X, and square buttons. Rodgers explained that the idea was to symbolically reach young people, showcasing Lamar’s journey through the American dream.

A Minimalist Approach

The performance itself wasn’t too overt with the video game motif, with Carson saying the team wanted to stay "clean and minimal." Instead, they relied on dialogue, lighting, choreography, and music to bring the theme to life. The result was a monochromatic concrete look that was both striking and thought-provoking.

The Feud Continues

Some fans are interpreting the video game reference as a "game over" moment for Drake, given the ongoing feud between the two rappers. With Lamar’s victory lap performance, it’s clear he’s come out on top in their battle of wits.

A Victory Lap

Lamar’s halftime show was the perfect culmination of an incredible year. Between winning the Drake feud, releasing an excellent album in GNX, and co-headlining a tour with SZA, the guy can’t stop winning. It’s a testament to his skill as a storyteller and his ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Key Takeaways:

• Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show included a direct reference to PlayStation in his performance.
• The show’s art director and creative director aimed to portray Lamar’s life as a video game.
• The stage was designed to resemble a PlayStation controller, with spaces shaped like the iconic triangle, circle, X, and square buttons.
• The performance was minimalist in its approach, relying on dialogue, lighting, choreography, and music to bring the theme to life.
• Some fans are interpreting the video game reference as a "game over" moment for Drake, given the ongoing feud between the two rappers.