From beats to ballots: What political rap lyrics tell us
Briefly

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance featured a mix of entertainment and sharp political commentary. He delivered a powerful message on racial injustice, referencing his ongoing rivalry with Drake. Their lyrical exchanges reflect a tension over authenticity in activism. The imagery, including dancers forming a U.S. flag, symbolized America’s deep political divisions. Lamar also invoked Gil Scott-Heron’s seminal work on media and politics, framing hip-hop as an essential vehicle for cultural resilience and social protest. Despite its layers of meaning, the performance garnered mixed reviews from audiences and critics alike.
Lamar's performance at the Super Bowl was layered with political commentary, using symbolism to address issues like racial injustice and the current political climate.
The rivalry between Lamar and Drake is evident in their lyrics, with Drake accusing Lamar of 'performative activism', highlighting the tension in their relationship.
Through imagery, like dancers forming a U.S. flag, Lamar's performance speaks to the polarized political landscape of America today.
Invoking Gil Scott-Heron's message, Lamar suggests that hip-hop can serve as a powerful platform for cultural and political expression.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
[
|
]