February 11th 2025.
Kendrick Lamar's performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show was truly unforgettable. The talented rapper, known for his hit song "Not Like Us," made a statement with his choice of outfit - a leather jacket designed by the renowned British-Jamaican designer, Martine Rose.
The jacket, featuring the colors of the American flag, perfectly complemented the patriotic theme of the show. It was a powerful symbol of Lamar's vision to showcase the contributions of Black people and culture to America, even though the designer herself is not American.
In an Instagram post, Martine Rose shared her excitement about collaborating with Lamar for the performance. The jacket also had a special touch, as it featured the word "Gloria" on the front - a nod to Lamar's latest album, GNX, and the final track on the LP. The song, which features Sza, is said to be a metaphor for Lamar's rap glory.
According to music information platform Genius, "Gloria" represents rap glory and reflects Lamar's intimate and often conflicted relationship with his art. It symbolizes the power of his pen and the journey it represents.
Lamar's outfit also included a lower-case "a" chain from Tiffany & Co., which sparked speculation about its meaning. Some believed it represented Lamar's media company, PG Lang, while others saw it as a reference to his lyrics in "Not Like Us," where he mentions "a minor" in relation to Drake's dating choices.
The rest of Lamar's outfit consisted of flare jeans from Celine and a backward hat. But it was his choice to feature the designs of a modern Black designer that truly captured the theme of the show. Lamar's performance also included a Black Uncle Sam, portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, and crip-walking dancers, showcasing a new form of national pride.
Lamar's decision to include elements of Black culture in his performance further emphasized his belief that rap's influence goes beyond just music. As he stated when he was announced as the Super Bowl headliner, "Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I'll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one."
For those who want to emulate Lamar's bold style, Martine Rose has a variety of track jackets available. However, it's worth noting that one protester who performed alongside Lamar during the show has been banned from all NFL stadiums for life. Despite this, Lamar's powerful message and performance will forever be remembered as one for the books.
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