By Dessalines Ferdinand —
The Super Bowl is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated events of the year in the United States. Yet, it is neither the game nor the rivalry between the teams that captivates my attention, but rather the halftime show—that spectacular stage where the biggest stars in music deliver performances of a lifetime. This year, I was in for a surprise: an artist I had barely known a few months earlier was about to take center stage. Kendrick Lamar.
From Discovery to Obsession
Born and raised in Haiti, with an unwavering love for konpa, the heartbeat of Haitian music, my relationship with American rap has always been somewhat distant—except for one defining exception: 50 Cent. His timeless anthem, In da Club, became the soundtrack of a transformative period in my life. Yet, an unexpected force has disrupted my musical landscape in recent months: “Not Like Us.”
Playing non-stop on South Florida’s radio stations, the song slowly became part of my daily life. At first, it was just background noise, but before I knew it, I couldn’t ignore it. Its catchy beat, powerful chorus, and raw energy pulled me in like no other song had before, grabbing my attention in a way I never expected.
One day, as I was absentmindedly humming the song in my car, I turned to my son and asked, “Who is behind this track that’s playing everywhere?” Without hesitation, he responded: “Kendrick Lamar.” From that moment on, my curiosity turned into fascination. Who was this artist capable of crafting such an electrifying and impactful song? What was the deeper meaning behind a track that seemed to resonate with an entire generation?
“Not Like Us”: More Than Just a Diss Track
As I delved deeper into my research, I realized that “Not Like Us” was far more than just a hit song. It was a musical knockout punch, a direct attack on canadian-born Drake, whom Lamar accused of cultural appropriation and questionable behavior. In just a few minutes, Kendrick Lamar transformed a personal rivalry into a powerful cultural moment, where every lyric carried weight and significance.
What struck me most was how this song transcends the boundaries of rap. Its meteoric rise to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in record time is a testament to the power of music as a tool for social and political expression. In “Not Like Us,” Lamar does more than just diss his opponent—he raises fundamental questions about authenticity, identity, and power dynamics within the music industry.
An Electrifying Super Bowl Performance
When I learned that Kendrick Lamar would be headlining the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, my excitement reached new heights. The anticipation was immense, and the artist did not disappoint. His brilliant performance, featuring “Not Like Us,” went beyond a simple rap battle—it became a defining moment in pop culture history.
But what made this performance even more remarkable was the surprise appearance of tennis star Serena Williams. I have never hidden my admiration for this sporting icon, and seeing her join Lamar on stage was almost surreal. Her choice to perform the crip walk, a move that was already controversial when she did it at Wimbledon in 2012, added yet another layer of meaning to the spectacle. It wasn’t just a playful nod—it was a bold statement of solidarity and defiance.
A Moment of Musical History
In just a few minutes, Kendrick Lamar delivered more than a show—he made history. His performance immediately set social media ablaze, pushing “Not Like Us” even higher in the streaming charts. But beyond the numbers, it was the message and raw emotion that left a lasting impact.
This song taught me something profound: you don’t have to be deeply embedded in a culture to appreciate its art. Music transcends boundaries, and sometimes, the songs that move us the most come from places we never imagined ourselves connecting with. Even if you are not familiar with the slang, the energy, rhythm, and artistic power can still resonate deeply. Music has an extraordinary ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, and “Not Like Us” is proof of that.
Super Bowl LIX gave me a unique experience: the discovery of an artist, the power of a song, and the reaffirmation that music, even in an era oversaturated with content, can still create monumental cultural moments and write history.
