https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3NhX6-5mO0
The Superbowl LVI halftime show — sponsored by Pepsi — was a historic moment in pop culture. In short, it was great. Actually, it wasn’t just great it was one for the ages.
It’s a moment that should be indelibly ingrained into the very fabric of American pop culture as hip-hop headlined the halftime show of the Super Bowl. Yes, despite it being an unabashedly popular facet of American culture, it’s never headlined. It’s a mind-boggling statement of course, but let’s celebrate this moment … because it was awesome.
The performance began with Dr. Dre and yes, the Doctor was in. He and his longtime compatriot Snoop Dogg kicked this off with the ultimate introductory banger ‘Next Episode.’ The swagger-filled beats were the perfect symphony to get the people at SoFi Stadium and everyone at home moving and fully hyped for the performance. Snoop and Dre did not miss a step with their performance as the two showed why they are the legends that they are.
If there was any weak spot to their segment of the performance it was not getting more of “Kalifornia Love.” However, we got more than 30 seconds of “The Next Episode” so that more than atoned for that issue.
50 Cent was a surprise addition to the halftime show and he got quite the spot dropping his Dre-penned hit “In Da Club.” It was surprising that he got one of the longest spot of the show and he was not advertised at all. But, listen for all of us who were just turning 21 when “In Da Club” hit the airwaves, the nostalgia hit hard (and in the best way possible).
To the surprise of no one Mary J. Blige showed up and slayed. Her renditions of “Family Affair” and “No Drama” as she was bedazzled in a stunning ensemble was an absolute show stealer.
Kendrick Lamar, to the surprise of no one, came out and delivered highly dramatic and intense performance of his songs “m.A.A.d city” and “Alright” as a number of dancers (complete with black suits and dyed blonde goatees) stomped around a stage that look like an aerial view of Los Angeles.
It then cut to Eminem rising from the stage (which not mentioned before was stark white versions of house interior and exteriors) and rapping “Forgot About Dre.” He quickly transitioned into his anthem “Lose Yourself” which also saw an appearance from Anderson Paak (on drums) and his band backing Eminem up.
The performance ended as it should, with Dre and Snoop ending with “It’s the D-R-E” which included Dre jumping on a live piano.
This was a completely awesome halftime show. The live audience was absolutely engrossed in the performance and then exploded with audience upon its completion. it was also the type of performance that — no matter how bogged down you are by wings and beer — had your toes tapping, your head swinging and your pulse rising. The Superbowl LVI Halftime Show was thrilling, fun, historic halftime show, easily one of the best this writer has seen in the past decade.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq4nKuR3iPw
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