Overview

• Kendrick Lamar became the first solo rapper to headline a Super Bowl halftime show, attracting a record 133.5 million viewers.
• The performance drew 125 FCC complaints, citing concerns over language, choreography, and perceived racial exclusivity.
• A censored version of Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us,' targeting Drake, was performed, fueling discussions about artistic expression on a global stage.
• Guest appearances by Samuel L. Jackson as 'Uncle Sam' and Serena Williams, whose 'crip walk' prompted criticism, added to the event's cultural and political symbolism.
• The controversy highlights broader tensions about the balance between artistic freedom and family-friendly expectations in high-profile events.