After witnessing Bad Bunny’s long-awaited performance, I wondered who could top this? Maybe that’s not the right question, because I wouldn’t say that Bad Bunny topped Kendrick Lamar. The last two half-time performances have been more than mere entertainment. Both have centered resistance to American colonialism and capitalism.
We’re still talking about Lamar’s 2025 halftime show, and we’ll be talking about Bad Bunny’s for months to come. Both artists have challenged our critical thinking with their use of symbolism and layered messages woven into the cultural moments that occurred between touchdowns. This was a refreshing change from the mindless entertainment that we are often presented with daily.
There is debate over which artist got the most views, but I think that’s a futile conversation. So is any debate that compares the two performances. A more relevant discussion is the political impact that these two cultural icons are having on global consciousness.
The world recognized the genius of these performers long before they stepped onto the prestigious international halftime stage of the National Football League. Their brilliance was evident in every aspect of the productions, from the props and choreography to the song selection. They have elevated lyrical, visual, and sonic creativity to new heights.
There is debate over which artist got the most views, but I think that’s a futile conversation. So is any debate that compares the two performances. A more relevant discussion is the political impact that these two cultural icons are having on global consciousness.
Kendrick Lamar, who once struggled with stuttering, is now the most decorated rapper of all time. Not only has he won the most Grammys ever, but Kendrick has won many other music awards, from Emmys to MTV to BET. The Pulitzer Prize winner started his own independent recording label, helping other artists tap into their musical talents. Because of his humility, most people don’t know about his generosity in the community, both in time and money.
Born Benito Osario, Bad Bunny rose from humble beginnings to achieve extraordinary success. His meteoric rise from grocery bagger to Grammy Award winner is unparalleled. He made Grammy history when his all-Spanish album Debí Tirar Más Fotos won Album of the Year. Bad Bunny continued to make history last year when his music reached nearly 20 billion streams. His unshakable ties to Puerto Rico and the love for his people inspire Bunny’s generous support for his people.
Kendrick and Lamar are using their global status to raise consciousness among primarily Black and Brown people. They both use their lived experiences and their respective cultures to expose racism and colonialism, while at the same time lifting the beauty and resilience of their communities.
Considering the icons’ global fan base, the NFL may be questioning whether they want to awaken sleeping giants despite the mega millions they generate from the Super Bowl.
Lamar may be considered Black and subversive, but it’s Bad Bunny who has to wear a bulletproof vest and endure death threats. The music and its impact are dangerous. How will the corporate NFL approach next year’s Super Bowl entertainment for halftime? Will Trump and his MAGA monsters put pressure on the outspoken artists who are critical of the U.S. government? Will the NFL owners whose names have turned up in the Epstein files have to bow to Trump and tame halftime?
There are many questions about how this country will look and act in the year ahead. The current trajectory suggests more upheaval and suffering are ahead. Rhythmic, affirming music with powerful messages can help shape the resistance movement against racist oppression at home and imperialist exploitation abroad. We don’t have to learn Spanish; we just need to get more organized.
Jamala Rogers is an opinion writer and one of the founding members of the Organization for Black Struggle, based in St. Louis.