Also. Kendrick opened with an unapologetically loud performance focused on Black America with a ton of political messaging. And the women sang âsomeone better squabbleâ in almost a mocking tone?? Because so many white Americans only know Kendrick from the Drake beef, and theyâre there to see two black men fight, not a celebration of Black Culture.
The american flag literally dissolved into depictions of violence and shooting. And then, once the performers were united in sync again, the audience flashed âWARNING, WRONG WAYâ
That has so many meanings, both in the context of the performance being about politics and the path America as a whole is going downâthe wrong way.
But also in that specific moment, when black men were working together as a whole, America would rather see them fighting. After that section is over, Uncle Sam mocks Kendrick.
Once the performance turns into a pop song Uncle Sam says, âyeah, thatâs what Iâm talking about! Thatâs what America wantsânice and calm! Youâre almost there. Donât mess this-â and he is cut off by Not Like Us starting. White America is content to watch Black artists as long as the art is palatable to them, but Kendrick disrupted that with the Drake beef, and white America watched because it glorifies violence between black men.
But Kendrick emphasizes that this is not what this performance is about. When asked if heâs really about to do this, he says âItâs a cultural divide, Imma get it on the floor.â And â40 acres and a mule, this is bigger than the music.â He is doing this for Black America. Not Like Us has brought folks together when America has tried its hardest to divide and conquer. Hell, Kendrick had Crips and Bloods dancing on stage together at a concert. Heâs managed to work through centuries of oppression and trauma to bring Black America together in this moment. This is bigger than the music.
And he brings it back to politics with âyeah, they tried to rig the game, but you canât fake influence.â Thereâs a reason he said that with the president in the audience. Kendrick had the biggest stage in the world and he used it to say âThey Not Like Usâ with the president, a known child predator, in the audience. And the rest of the crowd was screaming the lyrics along with Kendrick.
Kendrick Lamar the man you are
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