Kendrick Lamar Shatters Super Bowl Halftime Records: Al Sharpton Calls Performance the Best Ever
When it comes to Super Bowl Halftime Shows, few can match the impact that Kendrick Lamar’s performance had during the 2025 event. Known for his impactful lyrics and boundary-pushing style, the rapper’s halftime show has officially gone down in history — not just for its electrifying energy, but for shattering records and challenging conventional ideas about what a Super Bowl performance should be.
Al Sharpton, the renowned civil rights leader and activist, had no personal stake in the Super Bowl matchup. However, he was all in when it came to Kendrick Lamar’s performance. During an interview with TMZ Hip Hop in New York City, Sharpton wasted no time applauding Kendrick’s halftime show.
“Hands down, this was the best halftime show ever,” Sharpton stated with confidence. And when news broke that Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance had set a new record for viewership — 133.5 million people tuned in live — it was clear that the reverend was onto something big.
Kendrick Lamar Breaks Records with Historic Halftime Show
Kendrick’s show didn’t just impress fans and critics; it set a monumental record. The rapper’s performance outshined the actual Super Bowl game itself in terms of real-time viewership, surpassing even legendary halftime performances by icons like Michael Jackson and Prince. While streaming has undoubtedly contributed to this new milestone, it’s undeniable that Kendrick’s artistry and message resonated with millions.
Al Sharpton, known for his bold statements on racial equality, didn’t hold back when it came to defending Kendrick’s performance against critics who may have felt uncomfortable with its deeply-rooted pro-Black themes. Sharpton, who has long been a supporter of Black culture and empowerment, remarked that anyone criticizing Kendrick’s show for being “too Black” was simply missing the point. “This is Kendrick Lamar — he is history in the making,” Sharpton continued.
The Power of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Pro-Black’ Message
Kendrick’s halftime performance was more than just a musical display — it was a powerful statement. It blended his artistic mastery with a message of empowerment, embracing his Black heritage and highlighting the contributions of African American culture to the broader cultural landscape. This was a performance that embraced unapologetic Blackness, and Al Sharpton was quick to note that this kind of representation on such a global stage was a monumental achievement.
Fellow comedian and activist DL Hughley shared similar sentiments, noting that it was a win for Black culture to have someone like Kendrick Lamar deliver such a bold message. He also pointed out the significance of the performance, especially with former President Donald Trump in the audience — someone who is not typically associated with embracing Black culture but was still witness to Kendrick’s undeniable brilliance.
Is Kendrick Lamar the Hip Hop G.O.A.T?
With his record-breaking Super Bowl performance and widespread acclaim, the question must be asked: Is Kendrick Lamar now considered the greatest of all time in hip hop? While the title of “Hip Hop G.O.A.T” is often debated, Kendrick’s influence in both the music industry and society as a whole has made a lasting impression. His lyrical prowess, activism, and the ability to blend entertainment with messages of profound social change set him apart from many of his peers.
Sharpton’s words about Kendrick resonated with fans across the world: “Kendrick Lamar’s performance was a celebration of Black excellence, and it’s one that we will all remember for years to come.”
Why Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance Matters
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show wasn’t just a musical spectacle. It was a statement — a reflection of his artistry, his identity, and his place in history. For Sharpton, and many others who champion social justice, it represented a proud moment for Black culture on one of the largest stages in the world.
While the performance stirred up debate about what’s “appropriate” for a Super Bowl show, it also sparked conversations about representation, power, and the impact of Black artists in mainstream entertainment. Kendrick Lamar has always used his platform to speak truth to power, and his Super Bowl performance was just the latest chapter in his ongoing mission to elevate Black voices and experiences through his music.
As Kendrick continues to break barriers and push the limits of what hip hop and mainstream culture can be, it’s clear that his influence will only continue to grow. Fans and critics alike will likely debate whether or not Kendrick is the Hip Hop G.O.A.T., but one thing is for certain — his legacy is undeniable, and his Super Bowl performance will go down as a historic moment in the annals of music history.
