Shamira Ibrahim, a culture writer and critic with a background as a lapsed New York Giants fan, joins to dive into the recent Super Bowl. They recap the Eagles' impressive 40-22 win against the Chiefs and dissect Kendrick Lamar's electrifying halftime show alongside guests like Samuel L. Jackson and Serena Williams. The conversation also explores the mix of creativity and commercialism in Super Bowl ads, critiquing the reliance on celebrity endorsements while highlighting impactful messages, especially for women in sports.
The Philadelphia Eagles showcased their dominance over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59, with Jalen Hurts earning MVP honors.
Kendrick Lamar's halftime show stood out not only for its engaging performances but also for introducing new material, emphasizing his artistic evolution.
Deep dives
Eagles' Dominant Victory
The Philadelphia Eagles achieved a decisive victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59, winning 40-22. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was named MVP, showcasing an impressive performance that highlighted his leadership and skill. The game marked a contrast to their previous Super Bowl matchup when the teams faced a close contest, with this game characterized by the Eagles' comprehensive dominance in both offense and defense. The Chiefs struggled significantly, prompting discussions about their season and whether their winning record in close games had led to unrealistic expectations.
Kendrick Lamar's Halftime Show
Kendrick Lamar's halftime show delivered a captivating mix of unreleased material and powerful performances from his catalog, alongside appearances from SZA and Samuel L. Jackson. He broke away from tradition by premiering a new song and seamlessly incorporated his established hits while employing striking visual elements that resonated with the audience. Lamar's ability to energize the stadium with hip-hop in a traditionally challenging format showcased his artistic prowess and stage presence. His performance was deemed a fitting celebration of his recent successes, further building anticipation for his upcoming tour.
Commercials and Cultural Commentary
The Super Bowl ad landscape was critiqued for its reliance on celebrity appearances rather than creative storytelling, with a notable highlight being Ben Affleck's Dunkin' Donuts spot. While the trend shows a shift towards shameless celebrity integration, some commercials failed to leave a lasting impression, focusing instead on superficial gimmicks. However, Nike's inspirational ad for women's sports stood out, signaling a positive cultural push for athletic representation and empowerment. Overall, while some ads provided a laugh or a thought-provoking message, many were seen as lacking in originality, reflecting broader trends in contemporary advertising.
At this year's Super Bowl, the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22. During the halftime show, Kendrick Lamar performed his Grammy-winning diss track "Not Like Us," and brought out special guests Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams, and SZA. And we watched plenty of commercials featuring celebrities.