Kid Rock on Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Performance

In a recent episode of Real Time With Bill Maher, Kid Rock expressed his thoughts on Kendrick Lamar's groundbreaking Super Bowl Halftime Show, calling it the 'epitome of DEI blowing up.' He acknowledged the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the NFL, suggesting they played a crucial role in Lamar's historic performance.

Kid Rock Reflects on the Performance

Reflecting on the show aired on Valentine’s Day, Kid Rock admitted, 'To put it nicely, it wasn’t my cup of tea, but I got to respect it.' He shared his love for hip-hop culture, drawing from his own experiences of breakdancing, graffiti, and deejaying growing up. 'I understand the culture a little bit more than most,' Kid Rock noted, referring to the predominantly white audience that might struggle to appreciate the nuances of Lamar's artistry.

Praise for Kendrick Lamar

He praised Lamar for his unapologetic attitude during the performance, stating, 'This kid pretty much came out figuratively with both middle fingers in the air, doing what he does for the people who love what he does. I don’t think he gives a frog’s fat a— what anyone thinks about it.' Kid Rock resonated with this mindset, as it mirrored how he has built his own career.

Behind-the-Scenes Dynamics

The conversation turned to the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the Super Bowl, where Kid Rock questioned how Lamar, a 22-time Grammy winner, landed such a prestigious gig. He speculated that Jay-Z’s involvement as a music consultant for the NFL may have been a significant factor. 'I think Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar should both send Colin Kaepernick a Bundt cake and a six-pack of beer and a ‘thank you’ note. Without him kneeling and stirring up all the discussions about race and the anthem, I don’t think that happens,' Kid Rock remarked.

Significance of DEI in the NFL

Delving deeper into the subject, he pointed out the significance of the performance in the context of the NFL's commitment to DEI. Kid Rock stated, 'This was the epitome of DEI blowing up… It was like the most exclusive thing ever.' He celebrated the representation of Black artists in front of a mainstream audience, saying, 'F— yeah, that’s awesome. I’m laughing my a— off.'

Reflections on Politics and Diversity

As the discussion transitioned to politics, Kid Rock reflected on his own history with both Democratic and Republican leaders, including performing for Barack Obama but deciding not to vote. He emphasized the diversity within his own band, highlighting that it stems from talent, not from a desire to fulfill DEI benchmarks.

Frustration with the Ticket Industry

The conversation also touched on the concert ticket industry. Kid Rock expressed his frustration with current practices and advocated for reform. 'It’s complete horse s—,' he declared, advocating for the TICKET Act, which aims to introduce all-inclusive pricing and protections for consumers in the concert market. He cited successful practices in Europe where ticket resale prices are capped, suggesting this could benefit American concertgoers as well.

Upcoming Gospel Album

In an unexpected twist, Kid Rock revealed he is working on a gospel album in collaboration with famed producer Rick Rubin. 'Early beginnings now,' he shared, reminiscing about their past work on his album Born Free.

Conclusion: A Significant Conversation

In a media landscape often characterized by divisiveness, Kid Rock's candid remarks about Kendrick Lamar—and the broader implications of representation and diversity in entertainment—spark a significant conversation that resonates across audiences while reinforcing the evolving dynamics of culture within the NFL and beyond.