Loved the Super Bowl Performance? Here's Where it all Started...
It was only a matter of time until the Super Bowl 2022 halftime show featured some of rap's biggest legends. Rap fans were treated to a star-studded halftime show that featured some of the biggest names in the genre.
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent took the stage and delivered a performance hailed as one of the greatest Super Bowl halftimes shows ever. This was a huge moment for hip-hop and Black musicians. It showed just how popular this genre has become over the years.
The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most-watched events of the year. And since the show focused on hip-hop music and Black musicians for its halftime show this year, it showed the progressive approach of the NFL to race and popular music.
The performers delivered a stunning show that will be remembered for years to come. Black musicians are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
This year's halftime show set was different than the previous ones. For example, it featured enhanced interaction of the performers with the surroundings and the set fully promoting Compton's history.
Studio mixer Dr. Dre's interactions with the sound channels and changing the sound levels all through the show were unique. And so was Eminem's entry into the stage from the Compton Courthouse on the left side of the stage to start his performance.
Dr. Dre, a renowned producer and 7 times Grammy winner, started the show at SoFi Stadium from behind a sound table. He called Snoop Dogg onstage, who delivered classic performances, including California Love, The Next Episode, and more.
And then 50 Cent joined the duo onstage, performing his famous In da Club. He came wearing a white tank top and hung upside down during his performance.
The star-studded lineup also saw Mary J Blige performing Family Affair together with an electric support dancers group. She was wearing a sequined white bodysuit and high boots. Then came Kendrick Lamar wearing a black suit and accompanied by a team of men flaunting the same costume.
Eminem hit the stage with a bang and performed his all-time hits. He concluded his performance with his most famous, record-breaking 2002 song, Lose Yourself. And as he sang, he took a knee and placed his head in his hand, an apparent recognition of Colin Kaepernick's gesture of a call for racial justice.
At the end of Eminem's performance, all six artists came together as Dr. Dre performed Still Dre. That was the show's conclusion, and it featured many dancers wearing khaki dresses and fireworks erupting and illuminating in the background.
Before the show started, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog noted that the NFL should have adopted rap music many years ago. Plus, they expressed their expectations for more opportunities for rap artists down the line. It is worth noting here that rap music did previously feature in NFL but alongside rock and pop performances.
Fans loved the show, and some even went on to call it the best after Beyonce and Bruno Mars's halftime show in 2016. Many renowned personalities took to social media to shower their praise on the show. Los Angeles Lakers basketball star LeBron James tweeted that it was the best halftime show he's ever seen.
Conservative commentator Candace Owens also praised the show.
"This is an excellent Super Bowl halftime performance. Undeniable hip-hop and R&B excellence," Owens tweeted.
The Super Bowl is one of the most popular events held each year. It draws around 100 million audiences and features the best musical artists from around the world. This year's show was undoubtedly unique and one of the best halftimes the Super Bowl has seen. It was truly a historic moment for rap music and Black musicians.