Kendrick Lamar Called Out for No White Performers in Super Bowl Halftime Show – ‘DEI Only Goes One Direction’

Kendrick Lamar’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime show has sparked controversy, with critics calling out the absence of white performers in the lineup. While some see this as a long-overdue celebration of hip-hop culture and Black artistry, others argue that it raises questions about the consistency of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in entertainment. The debate has fueled heated discussions online, with many questioning whether inclusivity should work in all directions or if there is a double standard at play.

A Super Bowl Performance Shrouded in Controversy

The announcement of Kendrick Lamar as the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show headliner was met with excitement from fans who have long regarded him as one of the most influential rappers of his generation. Known for his thought-provoking lyrics and deeply personal storytelling, Lamar is expected to deliver a powerful performance. However, as more details about the show emerged, some fans and critics alike noticed a pattern—every performer rumored to be involved in the show is non-white.

While the official lineup has yet to be confirmed, reports suggest that Kendrick’s set will heavily feature Black artists from the hip-hop and R&B genres. This decision has led to backlash, with some arguing that the absence of white performers contradicts the core principles of DEI. Critics claim that if the roles were reversed—if a major white artist excluded Black or non-white performers—there would be widespread outrage.

One of the most widely shared criticisms on social media came from a conservative commentator, who wrote, “DEI only goes one direction. Imagine the uproar if a white artist headlined the Super Bowl and only included white performers.” This sentiment was echoed by many who feel that diversity should be truly inclusive rather than selective.

Historical Context: Hip-Hop and the Super Bowl Stage

Supporters of Kendrick Lamar argue that his Super Bowl halftime show is a significant and necessary step toward acknowledging the contributions of Black artists in hip-hop, a genre that has long been underrepresented on the NFL’s biggest stage. Despite hip-hop being one of the most dominant cultural forces in music, the halftime show has historically featured predominantly white performers.

For decades, the Super Bowl halftime show was dominated by pop, rock, and mainstream acts, with artists like Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, and U2 headlining. While there have been performances by Black artists—such as Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and Prince—many argue that hip-hop has been underrepresented as a headlining act until recent years.

It wasn’t until the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show, curated by Dr. Dre, that hip-hop was given a fully dedicated performance slot. That show, which featured Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar, was widely praised for celebrating rap’s cultural impact. However, critics of this year’s halftime lineup argue that excluding white artists entirely is not the right way to address past underrepresentation.

Is There a Double Standard in DEI?

The controversy surrounding Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl lineup highlights a broader discussion about how diversity efforts are applied in the entertainment industry. Many believe that inclusivity should mean fair representation for all groups, rather than prioritizing one demographic over another.

Some of Lamar’s critics argue that the modern entertainment industry has leaned into a form of “selective inclusivity,” where diversity efforts are enforced in certain areas while ignored in others. They point to Hollywood, corporate hiring practices, and even music festivals, where there have been growing efforts to ensure representation of minority voices—often at the expense of traditional industry norms.

One social media user put it bluntly: “Diversity means everyone. If we’re picking lineups based on race rather than talent, we’re heading in the wrong direction.” Others have taken a more nuanced approach, acknowledging that hip-hop deserves more recognition on the Super Bowl stage but questioning whether complete exclusion of white artists is the best way to achieve that.

Supporters Defend Kendrick’s Vision

Despite the backlash, many fans and cultural commentators have defended Kendrick Lamar’s artistic vision for the halftime show. They argue that his performance is meant to celebrate the roots of hip-hop, a genre deeply intertwined with Black culture and history.

“Kendrick is putting together a show that represents the culture,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “Hip-hop was created by Black artists. Why are people mad that a halftime show honoring hip-hop is focusing on Black performers?”

Others pointed out that there have been countless Super Bowl performances in the past that featured all-white lineups without facing similar scrutiny. Many argue that Kendrick’s show is not about exclusion but rather about highlighting a specific cultural movement.

Additionally, some have pointed to the involvement of white artists in past hip-hop-focused performances, such as Eminem’s participation in the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show. They argue that hip-hop as a genre has always embraced diversity, and Kendrick’s show should not be seen as a rejection of white artists, but rather as a celebration of the Black pioneers who shaped the genre.

Will Kendrick Respond to the Backlash?

So far, Kendrick Lamar has not commented on the controversy. Given his history of addressing racial and social issues in his music, it remains to be seen whether he will incorporate these discussions into his Super Bowl performance or make a statement ahead of the show.

Kendrick has never shied away from political or social commentary. His Pulitzer Prize-winning album DAMN. and the critically acclaimed To Pimp a Butterfly both tackled themes of systemic racism, Black empowerment, and identity. His 2022 song The Heart Part 5 also included references to racial inequality and cultural history.

If Kendrick does address the controversy, it is likely that he will frame the discussion around the importance of representation and the need to honor hip-hop’s origins. However, given the NFL’s history of keeping Super Bowl performances relatively neutral, he may choose to let the music speak for itself.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Future Halftime Shows

The debate over Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl lineup is about more than just one performance—it is a reflection of larger cultural conversations about race, representation, and inclusivity in entertainment.

As the industry continues to grapple with questions of fairness and diversity, events like the Super Bowl halftime show will remain a focal point for these discussions. Whether Kendrick’s performance will be remembered as a groundbreaking tribute to hip-hop or as a divisive moment in Super Bowl history will depend on how the public, media, and industry leaders respond in the coming months.

Regardless of where one stands on the issue, one thing is certain: Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show is already one of the most talked-about performances in recent memory. And whether people are tuning in to celebrate or to scrutinize, it is set to be a defining moment in his career.