A Thematic Analysis of Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Performance: Through the Lens of Black Culture, Race, and Gender

Abstract: In 2025, Kendrick Lamar performed at Super Bowl LIX and the performance was viewed by more than 133 million people. Using thematic analysis, four main themes emerged from the data: Black survival, overcoming oppression and injustice, Black joy, and cultural pride. These themes captured concepts such as persisting through systemic racism, celebrating life and community, and creative expression through dance. Additional themes focused on negotiating racial biases and embracing masculinity and femininity within Black culture. While hip-hop music is often viewed from a negative perspective, our analysis highlighted how Kendrick Lamar's halftime show represented examples of positive Black culture.