Kendrick Lamar’s NFL Super Bowl Performance: A Masterclass in Fashion, Rebellion, and Resistance!
- Claude Russell Style
- Feb 11
- 4 min read
When Kendrick Lamar takes the stage, it’s never just about the music—it’s a statement, a
cultural moment, and, in this case, a high-fashion rebellion wrapped in coded messaging. At this year’s Super Bowl halftime show, Lamar didn’t just perform; he turned the field into a battlefield of style, symbolism, and storytelling. From his carefully curated outfit to the strategic use of red, white, and blue in the dancers’ costumes, every detail was intentional. Let’s break down the fashion, the message, and why this was more than just a halftime show—it was a cultural reset.
Kendrick’s Look: Rockstar Rebellion Meets Luxury Streetwear
Lamar looked every bit the superstar in Celine flare jeans and a custom Martine Rose jacket
that boldly read “Gloria” across the front in capital letters. The jacket was a direct nod to his
song Gloria, a standout track from his album GNX, which also happens to be a duet with SZA. Keeping things effortlessly cool, he rocked a backward cap and fresh sneakers, proving that his style remains true to his roots even at the Super Bowl. But the real flex? His accessories. The Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winner wore a dazzling $68,000 diamond Rahaminov brooch pinned to his cap, a subtle yet powerful touch of elegance. Around his neck, a massive "a" chain hung prominently, adding an extra layer of mystique to his ensemble. Lamar’s look wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was a fusion of luxury, streetwear, and storytelling.
Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam(uel): The Gatekeeper of Respectability
To make his message even clearer, Lamar brought out Samuel L. Jackson, who embodied
Uncle Sam—but not the patriotic figure we’re used to. Instead, he gave us a performance
straight out of Django Unchained, playing a character eerily similar to Stephen, the ultimate
enforcer of the system. Dressed in a traditional red, white, and blue suit, Jackson’s look was a stark reminder of how Black entertainers are often expected to “play the game.” He warned Kendrick: "Now Kendrick, don’t go actin’ all ghetto out here. Play the game. Smile for the good white folks."
It was satire. It was biting. And it was a reminder that no matter how successful a Black artist
becomes, respectability politics still apply.
The Americana Theme: Red, White & Blue in Motion
Lamar was surrounded by dancers dressed in red, white, and blue, forming a living, moving
American flag. But this wasn’t a celebration—it was a critique.
The outfits weren’t crisp and polished; instead, they were distressed, fragmented, and
deconstructed—a nod to the idea that America’s promises of freedom and equality have
always been incomplete, especially for Black communities. The stage itself transformed into a prison yard, a chilling reference to the mass incarceration crisis that disproportionately affects Black men. As Lamar rapped, a choir of Black performers harmonized behind him, their voices a haunting reminder of the resilience and pain woven into America’s history.
This wasn’t just a performance—it was a political statement in fashion form.
SZA’s Daring All-Red Look & Serena’s Unexpected Cameo
Lamar wasn’t alone in making waves. SZA made a stunning guest appearance, dressed
head-to-toe in a fiery red Ashton Michael pants; Kate Broadrick top; bornxraised leather jacket; Luis Cendejas leather and fur belt; Converse shoes; Lana diamond tennis necklace, commanding attention as she performed their duet Gloria.
Then came the night’s biggest surprise: Serena Williams. In a daring move that sent the
internet into a frenzy, Lamar brought out his rival Drake’s ex, the legendary tennis star herself. Dressed in a bright blue and white custom Nike tennis outfit, Williams didn’t just make an appearance—she danced. Williams later commented on her performance in a social media post, saying, "Man, I didn’t Crip Walk like that at Wimbledon—otherwise, I would’ve been fined!". Well, she won "the game".
The moment was seen as a direct shot at Drake, a reminder that while rap feuds come and go, Black women deserve respect, not disrespect.
The boldness. The pettiness. The fashion. It was chef’s kiss perfection.
Final Thoughts: A Performance Written in Fashion, Hidden in Plain Sight
Did you know that on the Underground Railroad, messages were sent through coded
communication using song lyrics, quilt patterns, and natural signs? Enslaved people
discreetly shared information about escape routes, safe houses, and potential
dangers—right in front of their oppressors—without raising suspicion.
In other words, the messages were in plain sight, but not everyone understood.
Lamar did the same. His fashion, his set design, his guest stars—it wasn’t just entertainment.
It was a hidden manifesto. The only question is: Did America hear him? Or were they too busy admiring the looks to realize they were watching a revolution unfold?
🙏the layers of code,messages and referencing was ... is - Unmatched! Whoever didn't get search it listen educate - an if one doesn't care to do the foot work ... "they not like us"
I needed this perspective. It's easy for me to get annoyed with the focus on fashion, as some of the details feel as if it detracts from the overall intent. This breakdown gives me an opportunity to see the statement-making power of fashion as the backbone of Black Expression. Thank you for this!