Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show is still generating debates but for some, the attention has been shifted to the hidden messages within his lyrics.
On February 10, iconic director Spike Lee took to Instagram to applaud the rapper’s performance while explaining a historical reference made by the rapper.
“I Want To Thank My Brother Kendrick For The 40 Acres And A Mule Shoutout Which Has Been The Name Of My Production Company Since NYU Grad Film School,” Lee, 67, wrote alongside a clip of the performance.
“And I Want To Send A Special Shoutout To My Morehouse Brother Samuel Jackson Who Started This Super Bowl Halftime Extravaganza As Uncle Sam And You Might’ve Seen Him As Dolmedes In CHI-RAQ,” he continued, before explaining the term “40 acres and a mule.”
“The Term 40 Acres And A Mule Was A Proposal For Reparations To Former Enslaved African-Americans In The Aftermath Of The Civil War,” Lee wrote. “The Proposal Was Intended To Provide Land And Resources To Provide Land And Resources To Help Free People Achieve Economic Independence. This Promise Was Ultimately Broken. HAPPY BLACK HIS-HERSTORY ✊????????✊????????✊????????✊????????✊????????✊????”
Lamar’s Super Bowl performance was partly about America’s history and racial divisions. Midway through, he referenced “40 acres and a mule,” a promise made to formerly enslaved Black Americans in 1865 by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman.
The pledge, later revoked after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, symbolized economic self-sufficiency for Black Americans.
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The ‘Humble’ rapper’s performance incorporated powerful visual symbolism, with backup dancers dressed in red, white, and blue forming an American flag before turning their backs to each other as Lamar stood at the center.
Adding to the message, Samuel L. Jackson appeared dressed as “Uncle Sam,” wearing a patriotic suit and top hat while providing commentary and guiding the performance’s narrative.
Following Lamar’s performance of Squabble Up, Jackson playfully antagonized him by referencing a letter from Louisiana lawmakers. The letter had urged Lamar to keep his Super Bowl performance “family-friendly,” citing concerns over his past “lewd” shows.
“Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto,” he said. “Mr. Lamar, do you really know how to play the game? Then tighten up!” Lamar responded not by challenging Uncle Sam but by delivering throughout the performance.
Once SZA came out, their segment of “Luther” and “All the Stars” were “calm,” said Jackson, which briefly satisfied him.
“Thats what America wants! Nice and calm. You’re almost there, don’t mess this… ” Jackson said before Lamar began rapping “Not Like Us.” By the end of the performance, Jackson’s defeated Uncle Sam exited the Caesars Superdome stage.
