Kid Rock has shared his thoughts on Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime performance.
In a new chat with HBO’s Real Time, the singer shared his theory about the gig, saying Colin Kaepernick should be credited for helping Lamar get the gig.
“I’ve heard nobody answer this question: how did he get that gig? Jay-Z. What happened there? I think Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar should both send Colin Kaepernick a Bundt cake and a six-pack of beer and a ‘thank you’ note with a bunch of money in it, because without him kneeling and getting everyone’s panties in a bunch over the anthem, self-included, I don’t think that happens,” Kid Rock said.
Before Maher could respond, the singer also pointed out that Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show booking was an example of ‘DEI blowing up,’ referring to the NFL’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. “The NFL was all this DEI and racism, all this stuff. They got Jay-Z in their booking this, and like Kendrick Lamar goes out there and basically turns DEI into an IED.”
“It’s like all Black people or all people of color speaking to his crowd in the hood, Black people. It was like the most exclusive thing ever and I’m like, ‘F*ck yeah, that’s awesome.’ I’m laughing my ass off,” he added.
After his performance, Lamar faced criticism from some other musicians. Ted Nugent recently took to X to write about the performance, “Hey Kendrick Lamar you suck!”
However, Nugent’s comment was met with backlash from his followers reminding him of his past, particularly his time with an underage girlfriend.
Dino Cazares also thought something was off with the performance, and suggested another name for it. “When are they going to bring Rock/Metal to the Superbowl? Metallica, AC/DC etc.”
The Fear Factory guitarist added, “I’m not saying I don’t like Kendrick Lamar, I actually like him very much but I just feel his Half Time Show was boring. That’s why I suggested something more exciting like some Rock & Metal bands mix it up,it doesn’t have to be just commercial artists.”
Lamar won five Grammys this year, including Best Music Video, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year. After winning the Grammy for Record of the Year, he returned to the stage on February 2 to accept the Song of the Year award for his hit ‘Not Like Us.’
