What Was Kendrick Lamar Referencing with '40 Acres and a Mule' at Super Bowl Halftime Show? Spike Lee Explains Shoutout

Mar. 15, 2025

Spike Lee; Kendrick Lamar.Photo:Michael Owens/Getty;Daniele Venturelli/Getty

Michael Owens/Getty;Daniele Venturelli/Getty

Kendrick Lamar’sSuper Bowl halftime performancewas packed with hidden messages — andSpike Leeis celebrating it.

On Monday, Feb. 10, the legendary director commended the “Not Like Us” rapper’s performanceon Instagram— and offered some insight to a historical reference he made.

Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025.John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

“The Term 40 Acres And A Mule Was A Proposal For Reparations To Former Enslaved African-Americans In The Aftermath Of The Civil War,” Lee wrote. “The Proposal Was Intended To Provide Land And Resources To Provide Land And Resources To Help Free People Achieve Economic Independence. This Promise Was Ultimately Broken. HAPPY BLACK HIS-HERSTORY ✊🏾💜✊🏾💜✊🏾💜✊🏾💜✊🏾💜✊🏾”

Lamar’s performance was jam-packed with references about American history and a divided country. Midway through the performance, he declared, “40 acres and a mule / this is bigger than the music. They tried to rig the game / but you can’t fake influence.”

Elsewhere in the performance, his backup dancers — who were dressed in red, white and blue — formed an American flag and turned their backs to each other with Lamar standing in the middle.

The performance also featuredSamuel L. Jacksondressed like “Uncle Sam.” Jackson wore a patriotic suit and top hat as he provided commentary and guided Lamar’s performance to be appropriate.

Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025.Christopher Polk/Penske Media via Getty

Christopher Polk/Penske Media via Getty

OnceSZAcame out, their segment of “Luther” and “All the Stars” were “calm,” said Jackson, which briefly satisfied him.

“Thats what America wants! Nice and calm. You’re almost there, don’t mess this… " Jackson said before Lamar began rapping “Not Like Us.” By the end of the performance, Jackson’s defeated Uncle Sam exited the Caesars Superdome stage.

source: people.com