Kendrick Lamar made history (once again) on February 9, 2025. He became the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. His performance was watched by over 133 million people, breaking viewership records. But not everyone was cheering.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) received 125 complaints about the show. This sparked debates about race, music, and what’s “appropriate” for TV. Let’s break down what happened.
What Did People Complain About?
- “Too Explicit”: Many viewers claimed Lamar’s lyrics and gestures were inappropriate for families. Parents said their kids “didn’t need to see or hear this,” even though the show was censored for TV.
- “Why No White Performers?”: A surprising number of complaints focused on the lack of white artists on stage. Some called it “racist” to feature only Black performers, arguing it excluded other races. One person even asked, “Why was Uncle Sam Black?” when actor Samuel L. Jackson played the role.
- The Drake Drama: Lamar performed his diss track Not Like Us, which criticizes fellow rapper Drake. Some complaints accused Lamar of spreading “false claims” about Drake being a pedophile during the show.
- Serena Williams’ Dance Moves: Tennis star Serena Williams joined Lamar on stage. She did the “Crip Walk,” a dance linked to gang culture. Critics called it “promoting gangs,” though others saw it as celebrating Black heritage.
Below is the full packet of complaints about the 2025 Superbowl Halftime show. This came from the FCC website at www.fcc.gov. Get ready to laugh
Why This Matters
The complaints highlight bigger issues in America:
- Race and Representation: For decades, Super Bowl halftime shows were dominated by white artists. Lamar’s all-Black lineup challenged that norm, leading some viewers to accuse the NFL of “reverse racism.” Others saw it as a win for diversity in mainstream media.
- Art vs. “Family-Friendly”: Lamar’s music often tackles tough topics like racism and inequality. But critics argued the Super Bowl should stick to “safer” entertainment. This isn’t new—artists like Rihanna and Janet Jackson (because of Justin Timberlake) also faced backlash for pushing boundaries.
- Hip-Hop’s Growing Influence: Despite complaints, Lamar’s show proved hip-hop’s cultural power. His GNX album sales soared after the performance. The performance on YouTube has 113 million views. New fans praised his bold storytelling.
The Bigger Picture
Most complaints came from older, conservative viewers who didn’t connect with Lamar’s style. Meanwhile, younger audiences loved it. Social media exploded with memes and videos dissecting every moment of the show. The NFL even released a documentary about how the performance was made, highlighting its massive preparation.
KDot’s performance wasn’t just about music—it was a statement. By celebrating Black culture and calling out societal issues, he sparked conversations that lasted long after the game ended.
What’s Next?
The FCC complaints won’t hurt Lamar’s career. He starts his Grand National Tour with SZA in April, selling out stadiums nationwide. But the debate continues: Should the Super Bowl stick to “safe” acts, or let artists express themselves freely? As hip-hop keeps dominating music, expect more boundary-pushing performances—and more complaints.
In the end, Kendrick Lamar’s show reminded us that art isn’t meant to make everyone comfortable. Sometimes, it’s meant to make us think, and he has younger people writing dissertations about his music.
Leave a Reply