Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show triggers dialogue among the TSU community

By: KTSU2 Reporter Jourdan Mathis

Texas Southern University (TSU) students demystified the underlying messages behind Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime performance, unpacking its powerful messaging and cultural significance.

Lamar, known for his conscious raps and activism through performance, took the stage to deliver a performance that centered around elements of American symbolism and patriotic imagery. 

“Kendrick is always going to be somebody that’s authentic in his stance to what he believes is right…when you have a man that stands on his principles and, he doesn’t switch up, you can’t pay him to switch up… he’s going to always be consistent to his moral beliefs and principles,” TSU Radio, Television and Film student Asaad Muhammad said. 

Film student Asaad Muhammad

Already aware of Lamar’s boldness in delivering relevant messages of the time, students of the TSU community unpacked the subliminal messaging of the performance, like that of actor Samuel L. Jackson in the role of Uncle Sam, a character meant to symbolize the personification of the United States government.

“Uncle Sam” is seen following Lamar through his performance, pestering him with his words and actions.

The fictional, watchful eye of the Uncle Sam character manifested into reality as President Donald Trump watched the halftime performance from the audience, a key moment that allowed students to conclude the intentionality of the performance. 

“I felt that that was the most necessary and most needed time to do so. The Super Bowl itself it’s something that is watched all around the world…Kendrick Lamar used that time, that platform…President Donald Trump was there as well…” Jamarion Owens, a Broadcast Journalism student, said.

TSU student Jamarion Owens

TSU students concurred that although controversial, the timing and context of Lamar’s message were imperative.

“Because he is a popular artist, instead of just, like, an activist…I feel like people are going to start to question how they get treated on stuff that happens in the government, making sure that they’re educated on the topic,” Felistus Korlison said.

TSU Student Felistus Korlison

Kendrick Lamar took the world by storm when he performed his controversial hit, “Not Like Us,” seemingly about fellow rapper Drake, and many students were eager to discuss the diss record.

Although the song explicitly calls out the rapper, students believe “Not Like Us” lyrics can be viewed differently, especially when paired with the American imagery and an all-Black ensemble performance crew, symbolizing Black America.

“I believe that that was a song that he wasn’t going to perform at first, but he ended up performing it anyway to use it in a certain different light,” Owens said. 

Jamarion Owens a Broadcast Journalism student,

This 2025 halftime show has sparked conversations in the TSU community, with many critically analyzing the 13-minute performance to understand any possible subliminal messages and themes. 

Students are conversing about this country’s state through classrooms and digital outlets like social media.

“A lot of people are taking action, especially him with saying [the revolution will be televised]. I think a lot of people our age, or just in general, Black people, are taking action now…and it is being televised, it’s being shared through social media,” LeDrico McCullough said.

TSU student LeDrico McCullough