Every year, the Super Bowl halftime show triggers conversation, debate and polarizing reactions. There was no difference this year either Kendrick Lamar takes the stage. I supported myself with an inevitable wave of criticism, especially from older audiences who struggled to connect with contemporary artists. And unfortunately, much of this criticism seems to be disproportionately aimed at black artists like Lamar and rap music in general.
If you take a moment to look at Lamar’s performance, it is worth noting that such criticism actually reveals an important issue for our culture. We see so many things through the consumer lens, including music. Instead of looking at music as an art form that invites others into the experience, we judge it based on what it does for us. We ask, “Does it entertain us? Do we enjoy it? Do we agree with that message?” This idea is not inherent to music, but Rather, it is deeply embedded in how we interact. alleven in the church. People often evaluate their experiences of sermon and worship based on how much they “go out” they have “got out” rather than being challenged or shaped by the Word of God.
Music is not only fun, but also about seeing the world through the eyes of others.
Like all art, music asks us to resist this consumer approach. It asks us to go outside ourselves and be involved in the reality of others. It’s not only about being entertained, but also about seeing the world through the eyes of others. Music is essentially a deep, collaborative and relationship experience, and when we reduce it to mere personal enjoyment, we strip it of its depth and meaning. It brings us back to Lamar’s performance.
I will judge equally
A common reason why people reject rap music is the language or image used in the lyrics. And yes, that’s true. Some rap lyrics have been dehumanized and contain language that children don’t want to repeat. However, dismissing the entire genre means that this misses the deeper context of the song. Music is often an expression of living experience, struggle, pain, and sometimes lament. It tells a story that might otherwise be unprecedented.
With books, we often read stories about difficult and brutal reality. But when it comes to music, we quickly dismiss songs that make us uncomfortable. However, discomfort can become a powerful teacher. Instead of asking, “Do you want to repeat this song with your kids?”, you probably said, “What is this song saying? What experience does it emphasize? What story does it have? Would you like to do it?”
Music often served as a social commentary and a means of change. The folk songs told the story of difficulties and victory. Gospel music emerged from the depths of suffering, with hope for rescue. Song protests from the civil rights era have become the national anthem of change. Rap continues this tradition and serves as a modern storytelling medium that sheds light on social injustice, economic disparities and the reality of urban life. Rap is a genre that requires attention at all times. Listeners are forced to confront difficult truths and engage in perspectives that they may otherwise ignore.
Many people who criticize rap music do not apply the same criteria to other genres. There are rock, pop and country songs with themes and lyrics, and while they don’t want kids to hear, those songs tend to be more widely accepted. Willie Nelson and Casey Musgraves openly celebrate marijuana and excessive alcoholism. Kiss built an entire brand into sex, parties and money, and Gene Simmons boasted of sleeping with over 4,000 women. These musicians have been celebrating sex, drugs and money for decades, but have been celebrated as rebellious artists and cultural icons. When rappers tell similar stories that are often accused of negative influence, promoting crime and lacking artistic value, from real experience rather than just fantasy. This proves that bias is not about content, but who is telling the story and which culture is represented.
Even the Bible contains parts that my children don’t read at a young age. The apostle Paul used it occasionally Strong language In a letter driving his points home (Philippians 3:8). David wrote a psalm for justice, and even asked that the enemy’s children would be left without their fathers and that their wives would become widows (Poem sal109). The prophet Jeremiah condemned the wickedness of Israel and Judah, and compared their dishonesty to the dishonesty of prostitutes.Jeremiah 3:2). Finally, Isaiah used impressive images of menstrual blood stained clothing to explain human justice (Isaiah 64:6).
Language can be powerful, and in some cases even curses are less about expressing deep lament and sadness, rather than about dehumanizing others. Such shocking languages and images do not automatically imply a lack of value. Rather, it could mean that maturity is necessary to fully grasp its meaning.
Therefore, the expectation that certain artists must present their work in a way that is “mouthy” for mainstream viewers can lead to the removal of cultural credibility and aesthetic power. . In particular, rap is a form of raw, unfiltered expression, capturing the reality of life in a way that does not allow for more refined art forms. To completely dismiss it is to silence the voices that need to be heard.
The power of rap as art
Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show illustrated the power of rap as an art form. His choice of song, the inclusion of Samuel L. Jackson as commentator, and the nature of his performance highlighted how rap often encounters resistance in mainstream America. Ironically, the backlash against his performance only proves his point. His performance wasn’t the only controversy. It was a reflection of the exact cultural tensions he exposed. People’s criticism revealed that even when rap is at the heart of mainstream culture, it is still treated as an outsider who must be conformed or silenced.
Rap is poetry at its best. It’s storytelling. That’s a social commentary. Many people don’t even recognize that Lamar won the Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for his lyrical and artistic excellence, acknowledging that his work is not just music but literature. Entertainment wasn’t the only place to watch him take the Super Bowl stage. It was a cultural moment that should be recognized for its importance.
Kendrick Lamar’s performance reminds us that we must recognize the broader social impact of rap. Not only has it shaped fashion, language and even politics, rap has also played a pivotal role in social justice movements, activities and cultural identity. From Tupac Shakur’s prophetic reflection on systemic oppression and from prophetic reflection on Lamar’s own modern criticism of racial injustice, Rap consistently holds a mirror on society and demands accountability; It has amplified years of voices and provided a sense of unity among those who resonate with it. message.
New ways to listen
Obviously, not everyone needs to enjoy rap music. My music preferences are personal. However, we need to learn how to appreciate art beyond our personal preferences. You need to hear not only a catchy beat, but also the message behind the lyrics.
When I saw Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show, I saw an artist who was not afraid to use his platform to challenge the story and express his experiences. He has transformed the world’s biggest stage into a bold statement about race, arts freedom and industrial politics. By dealing with social opposition to rap, calling industry feuds and featuring Serena Williams as an empowerment icon, he redefines what the halftime show is. Rather than just entertainment, Lamar’s performance forced a conversation no one had ever deliberately brought to this stage.
And while not everyone enjoys his music, we all have the opportunity to approach it with an open mind, listen deeply, and try to get a glimpse into the world through someone else’s lens of reality. This is an invitation provided by all the great arts. It’s about not only entertaining, but also expanding your perspective. The question is, will we accept the invitation?
Keep in mind the words of James, Jesus’ brother. We strive to reflect Christ in these divisive times. (James 1:19).
Source: Christ and Pop Culture – christandpopculture.com
