Kendrick Lamar to Bring Hip-Hop Storytelling to Super Bowl Halftime Show

Kendrick Lamar is set to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show, infusing his Los Angeles hip-hop style into the New Orleans setting. He emphasizes storytelling as a core element of his music. Fresh off Grammy wins, Lamar aims to bring hip-hop culture to the forefront, alongside featured performer SZA. The event promises to celebrate Louisiana music and includes notable pregame performances.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Kendrick Lamar is ready to showcase his distinct Los Angeles hip-hop vibe during the Super Bowl halftime show, keeping his storytelling roots intact. At a press conference hosted by Apple Music, he expressed, “Being in the now and being just locked-in to how I feel and the energy I have now, that’s the L.A. energy for me,” emphasizing the importance of carrying that energy to New Orleans.

Fresh off winning two major Grammy Awards for his impactful track “Not Like Us,” Lamar is poised to make a profound statement. He reaffirms his passion for storytelling: “I’ve always been very open about storytelling through all my catalog and my history of music. And I’ve always had a passion about bringing that on whatever stage I’m on.”

Kendrick marks a historic moment as the first solo hip-hop act to headline the NFL’s championship halftime show, following his previous collaboration with legends like Dr. Dre and Eminem in 2022. He shared, “It puts the culture at the forefront, where it needs to be and not minimized to just a catchy song or verse. This is a true art form.”

While SZA will join him, details of his performance remain a mystery, following the tradition of keeping plans under wraps. Lamar’s performance aligns with a lineup that includes Jon Batiste singing the national anthem and Trombone Shorty performing “America the Beautiful,” all geared toward honoring the rich Louisiana culture.

As the Super Bowl approaches, fans are also treated to American Sign Language performances alongside the musical acts. The anticipation builds with the Kansas City Chiefs facing the Philadelphia Eagles, promising a thrilling display of talent both on and off the field.

Kendrick Lamar’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance is poised to highlight his unique storytelling approach, firmly rooted in hip-hop culture. With his Grammy accolades boosting his stature and collaborations with artists like SZA, this event marks a pivotal moment for rap in mainstream sports entertainment. The performance aims to honor the essence of hip-hop while reflecting the vibrant culture of New Orleans.

Original Source: www.pbs.org