Kid Rock Shares His Take on Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show
Recently, Kid Rock made headlines for his comments on Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show during an appearance on the show Real Time With Bill Maher. The veteran musician spoke candidly about his views on hip-hop and the cultural significance of the performance, while also touching on various topics such as diversity in the music industry and the current state of concert ticket sales.
Kid Rock’s Respect for Kendrick Lamar
During the Real Time interview, Kid Rock expressed his respect for Kendrick Lamar, despite admitting that the performance wasn’t his preference. He acknowledged his long-standing admiration for hip-hop culture, saying, “I grew up loving, emulating hip-hop” through breakdancing, deejaying, and graffiti art. Kid Rock pointed out that he has a deeper understanding of hip-hop culture than many others, particularly those outside the community.
"I gotta respect it," he stated, referring to Lamar’s bold and unapologetic performance which resonated with a dedicated fan base.
The Impact of Diversity and Inclusion
Kid Rock took the conversation further by examining the behind-the-scenes dynamics of how Kendrick was chosen to perform at such a significant event. He suggested that it was the result of the NFL’s initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Lamar’s performance, which attracted 133.5 million viewers, marked a historic moment in Halftime Show history.
Kid Rock posed a thought-provoking question: “How did he get that gig?” He speculated that Jay-Z may have played a crucial role in getting Kendrick on stage, suggesting that Kaepernick’s politics surrounding the national anthem protest may have sparked the NFL’s interest in spotlighting artists like Lamar. In an almost tongue-in-cheek manner, he remarked that Jay-Z and Kendrick should send Kaepernick a thank-you note for his impactful stance.
A Unique Performance and Its Reception
On the topic of Kendrick’s performance, Kid Rock emphasized the authenticity of Lamar’s message, stating that the artist “came out figuratively with both middle fingers in the air.” He appreciated how Lamar spoke to his audience, mostly made up of Black individuals, noting the exclusive nature of that representation.
Kid Rock pointed out that Kendrick’s performance could be viewed as a humorous twist on the NFL’s DEI efforts, showcasing the importance of representation within the music industry.
Kid Rock’s Diverse Band
As the conversation progressed, Kid Rock discussed his own band, noting its diversity. He explained that his commitment to inclusivity isn’t about adhering to DEI policies but about recognizing talent. “We all love each other and get along,” he said, highlighting how talent should be the determining factor, regardless of an individual’s background.
Concert Ticket Pricing Reforms
Shifting gears, Kid Rock addressed issues faced by concert-goers, particularly the frustrations surrounding ticket purchases. He discussed the TICKET Act, a proposed law aimed at reforming the ticketing industry. This act seeks improvements such as the implementation of all-in pricing, refunds for canceled events, and a ban on speculative ticket sales.
“In the last however long, it’s complete horse s—,” he criticized the current ticket purchasing process, adding that customers often get exploited in the system.
Kid Rock suggested looking towards European models, where countries like France limit the resale of tickets to a maximum percentage above the original price, ensuring fairness for fans.
Kid Rock’s Upcoming Gospel Album
In a surprising turn, Kid Rock announced that he is working on a gospel album with renowned producer Rick Rubin. He shared that they are in the early stages of development and is excited about this new direction in his music career.
Conclusion
Kid Rock’s candid remarks about Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime show illustrated the evolving dynamics within the music industry, especially regarding representation and appreciation for diverse cultures. His thoughts on concert ticket reform highlight the ongoing challenges that artists and fans alike face in securing fair pricing. As he ventures into the realm of gospel music, fans are eager to see how his experiences and views will translate into his new project.
