Simply once we thought the height had already handed — sure, we’re you, Rihanna — Kendrick Lamar delivered a really stellar Tremendous Bowl Halftime Present. It was a full-blown extravaganza.

Samuel L. Jackson took centre stage as Uncle Sam, issuing marching orders to the nation. Serena Williams appeared to carry out a Compton c-walk. “Muuustaaard” turned a panoramic rallying cry. Iconic, frankly.

The efficiency additionally felt completely timed — a full-circle second following Lamar’s very public feud with fellow rapper Drake. Forward of the present, hypothesis swirled over whether or not Kendrick would carry out Not Like Us, given FCC and authorized issues. Ultimately, he did. Williams’ look was extensively interpreted as a further diss, given her rumoured previous relationship with Drake.

That stated, the present wasn’t with out controversy. A number of main figures in hip-hop criticised the choice to have Kendrick carry out in Louisiana, viewing it as a snub of native rap legend Lil Wayne.

Very like U2’s politically charged halftime present, this was greater than only a efficiency. It sparked widespread evaluation for its social commentary on civil rights in america. The second was additional intensified when a protester waved Sudanese and Palestinian flags, with “Sudan” and “Gaza” written throughout them alongside a coronary heart and raised fist, earlier than being eliminated by safety.

2. Prince (2007)

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A real music trade legend delivered a Tremendous Bowl efficiency for the ages. Prince wielded his iconic purple, unpronounceable-symbol-shaped guitar in unapologetically flamboyant trend, taking part in behind a display earlier than launching into his classics: Child, I’m a Star, 1999, and Let’s Go Loopy. He even threw in surprises from different artists’ discographies, together with Proud Mary, Better of You, and All Alongside the Watchtower.

However the true climax was Purple Rain. Because the precise sky started to pour, the efficiency turned electrifying — and extremely dangerous, contemplating Prince and his dancers have been in heels and surrounded by dwell electrical guitars. Prince reportedly beloved each second, even asking showrunners if they may “make it rain more durable.”