Lamar Fails to Connect

Super Bowl Halftime Entertainer Kendrick Lamar Forgot the Entertainment Part

I’ve been asked several times for my thoughts on Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance. Well, I knew going in that it would not be my jam. Sorry Maximus, but I was not entertained. I couldn’t wait for it to end! I didn’t get the message, didn’t try to get the message and I couldn’t even understand what they were saying! Closed captioning may have helped, but I still wouldn’t have found it to be entertaining. For me, it was torture.

Consequently, some have criticized this take of mine, saying that if Pearl Jam had performed, I would have liked it but those not familiar with their lyrics might need closed captioning too.

Fair enough.

And then there have been some who suggested that if I embraced and understood the message, I may have appreciated it more.

First, I’m not looking for social commentary from the Super Bowl halftime entertainer. There’s a time and place for it and for me, that’s not the time and place. Secondly, if I don’t get a joke, I don’t laugh. Pointing out after the fact the meaning of the joke, doesn’t suddenly make it funny. It still hits the floor, just as Kendrick Lamar did for me during Super Bowl LIX.

Serena Williams was the extra sauce last night. She’s lost a sister to gang violence in a drive-by shooting, but she’s crip-walking on Kendrick’s set last night. She’s a controlled clown. pic.twitter.com/DAYn2vqZOw

— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) February 10, 2025

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Odds & Ends

Donald D’Alesio has been hired by the Ravens presumably to assist recently hired DB coach Chuck Pagano. D’Alesio was hired by the Kansas City Chiefs as a defensive assistant on April 2, 2021, and then in February of 2022, Andy Reid promoted him to safeties coach. The Ravens have failed to produce turnovers in recent years and this hire seems to be another intended to shape a more opportunistic defense.

The #Ravens are expected to hire #Chiefs safeties coach Donald D’Alesio, sources tell @CBSSports/@247Sports.

Worked for Kansas City the last four years and has coached players like Justin Reid and Brian Cook, who combined for 165 tackles and four interceptions this season.… pic.twitter.com/gzbvrpIZMc

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 13, 2025

Are you among those frustrated by John Harbaugh? Well apparently, the angst in Pittsburgh stemming from fans having their fill of Mike Tomlin is even more pronounced.

Wow: #Steelers superfan @KevinAdams26 paid for a billboard telling team owner Art Rooney to trade Mike Tomlin or sell the team.

“The standard is mediocrity. Trade Tomlin or sell the team, Rooney! We’ve had enough.” pic.twitter.com/R1GG3iaz6t

— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 11, 2025

Of course, things can change with an injury, players lost to free agency, etc., but on the surface, the Ravens have a ball-busting road schedule in 2025.

All eyes ahead pic.twitter.com/Qtb5Z78m0t

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 13, 2025

For the record, my favorite Super Bowl halftime shows are probably a bit predictable coming from a 64-year-old white guy with a 19-month old granddaughter. I’ve listed mine below. I welcome yours in the comments section.

5. Bruce Springsteen
4. Tom Petty
3. U2
2. Paul McCartney
1. Prince

Honorable Mention: Lady Gaga
Worst: Kendrick Lamar

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