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Super Bowl is known for pushing forward huge celebrities every year. Previously, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, The Weeknd, and even Beyoncé graced the 15-minute scene. In 2022, the music break featured even more iconic musicians!
For Old-School Music Fans
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This year, Super Bowl didn’t disappoint its fans. The show started with the coolest old-school stars – Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg! And those two definitely knew how to hype up the crowd. Classics from the ‘90s got the fans jumping from their seats, including “Next Episode” and “California Love.” The latter honored the host state, for sure. But it was just the start of the concert. Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg welcomed another legend on the scene as 50 Cent started performing his outstanding motives. The surprise guest rapped, perhaps, his best-known track, “In Da Club.” So far, rap lovers were thriving, and it seemed like the Super Bowl concert turned into heaven.
That said, only kids from the ‘90s and earlier would recognize the next star. If 50 Cent still didn’t surprise you, then take a look at Mary J. Blige! With her performance of “Family Affair,” fans were practically floated closer to the screens and the stage as they tried to get a glimpse of the legend’s sparkly outfit. While the first song was a bop for electric dancing, the second one calmed the crowd. Ballad “No More Drama” got fans ready for the next bomb performance by other outstanding musicians.
Mixing Styles
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Some were not ready for what was about to come because Kendrick Lamar performed after Blige. “Alright” sent a helping hand into the crowd of listeners, supporting us through the tough year. While he didn’t rap for long, his appearance meant a lot. That said, even Lamar’s black suit paid respect to the late Virgil Abloh. He wore a “full look from the late designer’s final Louis Vuitton menswear collection,” per NFL’s Twitter post.
Eminem came next. Rap God himself didn’t just bring his food, Mom’s Spaghetti, to the game, he also prepared incredible rhymes and old-school hits. With “Forgot About Dre,” Eminem honored his teacher. Moreover, Dr. Dre became the first to give the rapper his first big appearance – and his expression gave away how proud he was when Eminem got to rap “Lose Yourself.” The latter wasn’t alone on the stage. Another all-time favorite joined, Anderson .Paak played the drums. Dr. Dre shined once again when the music group closed the stage with “Still D.R.E.”
Emotional Reactions
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Although many reactions were recorded during the Super Bowl concert, most flooded Twitter afterward. Just like average viewers, celebrities came to post their feedback to social media. Some guessed that younger generations didn’t get the hype. “I feel bad for all the 2000 babies watching this halftime show confused as heck!!” tweeted Emmanuel Acho. Others stated that it was the first show to include many Black artists. “The Blackest halftime show ever. The best halftime show ever. Lived up to the billing and surpassed it,” Mike Freeman stated.
Sadly, Super Bowl is still not as supportive of people of color. “Easily the best halftime show ever, after Prince. Yes it will launch 10000 critiques – and the NFL is beyond shady for projecting Black culture while denying Black opportunity – but that was epic,” explained Dave Zirin. Overall, the crowd cheered with happiness. “Just give me more halftime show. Forget the second half,” joined Ryan Wood.
“OMG!!!!!!!!! WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!! THE GREATEST HALFTIME SHOW IVE EVER SEEN!!!” LeBron James wrote.
Sources: Esquire, Fox Sports, Sporting News
