Kendrick Lamar’s Televised Revolution and Ben Watkins Talks Alex Cross
Feb 11, 2025
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Ben Watkins, showrunner of Prime Video's 'Cross,' shares insights into the show’s success and Aldis Hodge's potential as the next Black Panther. They discuss Hodge's star power and the implications it could have for representation in Hollywood. The conversation also dives into Kendrick Lamar’s impactful Super Bowl halftime performance and its cultural significance. Plus, they reflect on Kanye West's continued presence in the news and touch on political themes entwined with celebrity culture. A compelling blend of entertainment and social commentary!
The Super Bowl showcased the Philadelphia Eagles' dominance, shifting narratives around team identities and public reactions to celebrity influence.
Kendrick Lamar's halftime show sparked intense debate on cultural representation and the nuances of expressing societal issues in mainstream platforms.
The discussion on Kanye West highlighted the complexities of celebrity influence, mental health, and the responsibilities tied to public commentary.
Deep dives
Eagles Dominate the Super Bowl
The recent Super Bowl showcased a dominant performance by the Philadelphia Eagles, who not only won but overshadowed the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving fans in disbelief at the final score. The game highlighted the struggles of Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense, which failed to gain traction, with Mahomes accumulating under 100 passing yards by the third quarter. Enthusiasts watched the game together, celebrating the Eagles' victory while expressing relief that the Chiefs’ dominance from previous seasons had been disrupted. The consensus among fans was that the game lacked competitiveness, especially given the Eagles' commanding lead throughout.
Cultural Reflections and Expectations
The conversation surrounding the Chiefs included critique of their association with certain public figures, particularly in light of political affiliations that some fans found disheartening. A large focus was placed on Jalen Hurts, the Eagles quarterback, who was celebrated by the Black community as a representation of success and excellence. The discourse around the Chiefs also noted the mixed feelings fans had about celebrity culture, especially regarding Taylor Swift's presence and her perceived influence over Travis Kelce. This highlighted the intersection of sports, culture, and identity, as fans grappled with shifting narratives and team dynamics.
New Orleans as a Super Bowl Host
The podcast delved into discussions about New Orleans' reputation as a Super Bowl host city, with opinions divided among attendees. Some expressed dissatisfaction with the chaotic nature of the city during events, while others praised its vibrant culture and hospitality. The experiences shared included tales of free food being distributed throughout the city, which sparked curiosity about marketing tactics used to engage visitors. The essence of New Orleans was lauded for its unique atmosphere, asserting that it possesses qualities that cater well to large-scale events like the Super Bowl.
Kendrick Lamar's Halftime Show Controversy
Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance was met with mixed reactions, as many viewers lauded the artistic expression but others criticized it for a perceived lack of mainstream appeal. The podcast featured spirited discussions around the significance of Kendrick's performance, which many felt was a powerful assertion of cultural identity amid the backdrop of a traditional sporting event. Speculation arose regarding the performance's commentary on societal issues and domestic politics, with some fans feeling the critique was too subtle. The discussions ultimately underscored the struggles of representation and acceptance within popular culture and entertainment.
The Impact of Kanye West's Statements
The conversation transitioned to Kanye West and his recent controversial remarks which sparked discussions surrounding mental health and influence in contemporary culture. While some expected the audience to ignore him as one would walk past someone ranting, there were strong opinions on whether his words had real implications on societal narratives. The hosts grappled with intricacies of West’s influence, debating whether engaging with his rhetoric is necessary or counterproductive. The podcast highlighted the dynamic between celebrity discourse, personal responsibility, and the broader implications of celebrity influence on public consciousness.
Van and Rachel react to the Super Bowl (0:00) before giving their reviews of Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show (14:42). Then, Kanye West is regrettably in the news again (31:35), and Trump signs an order in solidarity with white South Africans (45:10). Finally, the showrunner of Prime Video’s ‘Cross,’ Ben Watkins, joins to discuss Aldis Hodge’s star power (55:51) and his thoughts on him possibly being the next Black Panther (1:08:37).