In my 18 years of life, I can’t say I have seen many Super Bowl Halftime shows that actually impressed me.  I have always been what I’d call a bit of a music connoisseur, and it is because of that self-given title that I am extremely critical of how some of my favorite songs are performed and produced when it comes to big shows. 

This year, however, was the first time since Lady Gaga’s 2017 performance that I have nothing but good things to say.  When I heard the lineup of Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar, I knew this year’s show would be one for the books.

Some people might argue that the show didn’t have a lot going on in terms of bling, lights, and dance numbers, but to that, I say who needs it when you have 6+ legends on stage at one time?  At one point, rapper Anderson .Paak even performed alongside Eminem for a brief stint on the drums.  

Honestly, the understated set of this halftime show–which also paid homage to the city of Los Angeles–was the perfect complement to the star-studded nostalgic performance itself.  Within the set, however, were deeper meanings that could have easily been looked over.  Included in this was the map of lights laid strategically around the set pieces themselves. 

Some may have thought this was a map of Los Angeles, but it was actually representative of Compton, California, where many of the most famous, and nostalgic hip hop talents–including Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar–originated.

Furthermore, legends paid tribute to legends as Dr. Dre played the intro to Tupac’s “I Ain’t Mad At Cha” while Eminem took a knee and bowed his head.  This may have been out of respect for Tupac, but many have argued it was a stance with former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who faced great controversy after kneeling during the National Anthem as a statement against police brutality and racism in 2016.

Continuing the Tupac tribute, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre performed Tupac’s hit–which Dr. Dre was featured in– “California Love.”  These subtle references to the late icon really made a difference in the show, because they showed the impact that late rappers such as Tupac have had, and will forever have in the world of rap and hip hop.

Back to the performances themselves, many people were left stumped by 50 cent’s upside down surprise appearance in the performance as he rapped his popular song, “In Da Club.”  However, given the song choice, his entrance–while I’ll admit a little funny–was perfect.  

It has left my Instagram feed flooded with memes, but it was really a reference to his original music video for “In Da Club,” where he can be seen hanging upside down in the “Artist Development Center.”  50 Cent also sported a white sweatband, yet another reference to the video.

Speaking of references, Kendrick Lamar’s piece of the show began with boxes, and dancers wearing sashes that said, “Dre Day.”  Seeing as the show was widely centered around Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, this was a great detail, as it was a direct connection back to the iconic diss-track the pair released in 2006.  This piece also added that 90s/2000s vibe back into Kendrick’s modern rap performance of “m.A.A.d.d. city,” and “Alright.”

Looking a bit deeper into Kendrick’s performance, specifically his fashion choices, you’ll find tributes to two more icons—Virgil Abloh and Michael Jackson.  Kendrick’s suit was from Abloh’s final Louis Vuitton collection, and among other accessories, was paired with a singular glove, a staple in the late Michael Jackson’s fashion.

All hidden meanings aside, the song choices and quality of the performer’s vocals were enough to have my friends and I singing and nearly out of our seats.  After watching, I lost count of how many times each of us called it the “best halftime show I’ve ever seen.”   We aren’t alone, either, as the internet immediately blew up, praising the show.

Personally, my jaw dropped the second I heard the opening beats of “The Next Episode.”  Dr. Dre and Snoop did not disappoint with this opening, set the rest of the show up with such great vibes, and began the theme of late 90s and early 2000s nostalgia.  

My amazement with how great the show was only continued as Mary J. Blige proved that she’s still got it.  Even at 51, Blige absolutely rocked her dance routine, and vocals as she performed “Family Affairs,” and “No More Drama.”  Not only did she hit every beat and every note, but she did so in one of the most blinged-out and extravagant outfits we saw throughout the show.  In her typical dramatic fashion, Blige ended her piece of the production with an exhausted fall to the ground.

Overall, there was not a disappointing moment in the entirety of this year’s performance.  Each artist came in with their own visions, and they were all executed perfectly.  There were flashes of modern rap among the classics, and the show displayed an amazing evolution of rap, as well as the influence that many songs old and new have had in the world of music.

This year’s halftime show is already making people’s top 10 best performance lists, ranking #4 in a ranking done by Rolling Stone.  Furthermore, the performance has been watched over 40 million times on Youtube and holds its spot as #1 trending on the streaming website.  Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised if it stayed this way for a while.