Kendrick Lamar Widely Panned for Super Bowl Halftime Show that Seemed Inaccessible.

He's a religious Christian, married his high school sweetheart and devotes time to charities. A lifelong tee-totaler who never uses drugs, he graduated with honors from Compton High School 18 years ago. He does nothing to embarrass anyone on stage. But Rapper Kendrick Lamar's performance has been called the weakest Super Bowl half time show in years. Why is that?

Several points of criticism have emerged from fans and viewers, as reflected in posts on X and web reviews:

Expectations vs. Delivery: Many fans had high expectations for Kendrick Lamar's performance, given his reputation as a Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper and his recent Grammy wins for "Not Like Us." However, some felt that the performance did not meet these expectations, describing it as "boring," "weak," or "unexciting." For instance, posts on X labeled it as the "worst halftime show ever," citing a lack of energy and entertainment value for a Super Bowl audience, which typically expects a high-energy spectacle.

Song Selection and Lack of Hits: Critics pointed out that Lamar's setlist leaned heavily on newer material, such as tracks from his album "GNX," which was released just two months prior to the Super Bowl. Some viewers felt that he didn't include enough of his well-known hits, which might have alienated casual fans unfamiliar with his recent work. One X user remarked, "Kendrick Lamar didn't have enough hits to perform at the Super Bowl. All of his songs were from this year and no one knows them."

Kendrick Lamar Widely Panned for Super Bowl Halftime Show that Seemed Inaccessible.

Technical Issues: There were complaints about the audio quality, with some fans noting that Lamar's microphone was too loud or not mixed well, which impacted the overall experience. Additionally, SZA, who performed alongside Lamar, was accused of lip-syncing, and her performance received negative feedback for being "bad" or "inaudible."

Choreography and Stage Presence: The choreography and dancer performances were also criticized, with some describing the dancers as "too slow" or the choreography as "terrible." The staging, while ambitious and symbolic (e.g., using a tic-tac-toe board and video game motifs), didn't resonate with all viewers, who found it confusing or not engaging enough for the Super Bowl's grand stage.

Focus on Messaging Over Entertainment: Lamar's performance was noted for its storytelling and political undertones, such as Samuel L. Jackson's Uncle Sam character and subtle references to societal issues. While some appreciated the depth and artistic integrity-like the X user who called it "lowkey mind-blowing" for its thematic elements-others felt it prioritized messaging over the fun and spectacle expected at the Super Bowl. One X post stated, "No one is going to the Super Bowl for think pieces; they want to turn up."

Kendrick Lamar Widely Panned for Super Bowl Halftime Show that Seemed Inaccessible.

Over-Reliance on the Drake Feud: Some critics felt that the highlight of the performance, Lamar's rendition of "Not Like Us," was too centered on his feud with Drake rather than showcasing his broader artistry. While the song was a crowd-pleaser and a cultural moment, a few fans expressed disappointment that Lamar's "peak part is revolved around Drake," rather than his own independent achievements.

Despite these criticisms, there were positive reactions as well. Some fans and reviewers praised Lamar for delivering a performance true to his hip-hop roots and artistic vision, with one X user calling it "historic" for performing a recent album on such a large stage. Publications like Billboard hailed it as "the most hip-hop halftime show in Super Bowl history," appreciating Lamar's authenticity and bold choices.

In summary, the criticism of Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance largely stems from unmet expectations for a high-energy, hit-filled spectacle, technical issues, and a perceived mismatch between his artistic approach and the Super Bowl's mainstream audience. However, these critiques are balanced by praise for his storytelling, cultural impact, and commitment to his unique style. If you'd like, I can search for additional details or perspectives to provide a more comprehensive view!