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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, featuring a controversial diss track against Drake and a Serena Williams appearance that included the Crip Walk, sparked debate about artistic expression, social commentary, and the boundaries of acceptable entertainment.
Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show performance was a moment of both artistic triumph and controversy. The rapper, known for his socially conscious lyrics and innovative stage presence, delivered a powerful medley of his hits, culminating in a surprise performance of his diss track aimed at Drake, “Not Like Us.”
The song, which includes explicit lyrics accusing Drake of pedophilia, has been at the center of a legal battle between Drake and Universal Music Group. Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against the label, claiming the accusations were false and damaging to his career.
Lamar’s decision to perform “Not Like Us” on the Super Bowl stage was a bold move, further escalating the feud with Drake. While some fans praised Lamar’s courage and artistic expression, others criticized him for using the platform to settle personal scores.
Serena Williams
The controversy surrounding the song was further amplified by a brief appearance from Serena Williams, who joined Lamar on stage. This unexpected collaboration sparked debate among viewers, with some questioning the relevance of Williams’ presence and others praising it as a powerful display of Black female empowerment.
Additionally, Williams’ performance of the Crip Walk, a dance originating from the Crips street gang, drew criticism from some who saw it as promoting gang violence. Others defended the dance as a form of cultural expression and a celebration of Black history.
Crip Walk
The Crip Walk is a dance style that originated in the 1970s within the Crips street gang in Los Angeles. It involves intricate footwork, often used to spell out “CRIP” or other words and symbols.
The dance was created by Crips members as a form of expression and to display gang affiliation. The footwork patterns were often used to spell out “CRIP” or other gang-related words and symbols. This association with the Crips gang has led to concerns about its potential to incite violence, particularly in rival gang territories.
Due to its gang affiliations, schools and other institutions have sometimes banned the Crip Walk. Media outlets, like MTV, have sometimes refused to air music videos featuring the Crip Walk.
It’s important to note that the Crip Walk has evolved beyond its gang origins and is now considered a form of hip-hop dance by many. Many people who perform the Crip Walk do so for artistic expression and have no gang affiliations.
Conclusion
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was a captivating spectacle that showcased his artistic brilliance while simultaneously igniting controversy.
The inclusion of his diss track against Drake and the performance of the Crip Walk pushed the boundaries of acceptable content, sparking debates about artistic freedom and social commentary. Ultimately, the show served as a powerful reminder of art’s ability to provoke and inspire, forcing viewers to confront complex social issues.
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