Twitch star and internet personality Imane “Pokimane” Anys has never been one to shy away from speaking her mind, and this time, she’s taking on critics of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show.
The popular streamer recently addressed the backlash from certain audiences who questioned Lamar’s deservingness of the prestigious halftime slot.
In a passionate response during her live stream, Pokimane broke down why the criticism didn’t sit right with her—especially considering the cultural and historical weight of Lamar’s performance.
Pokimane Claps Back at Kendrick Lamar Critics
During a recent Twitch stream, Pokimane responded to online discourse about whether Kendrick Lamar deserved to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. Expressing her frustration, she said:
“With probably zero musical capabilities, think that Kendrick Lamar didn’t deserve the halftime show. What? What do you mean?”
She continued, explaining that while it’s normal for people to have differing opinions on music, completely dismissing Lamar’s performance was unwarranted and, in many cases, rooted in bias.
“Sure, we could sit here all day and be like, ‘I actually think this artist deserved it more.’ What? Only white people hated it. I didn’t want to say it. As a white-passing person, I didn’t want to say that. But you saying that and me repeating that message, I’m just going to let that sit.”
Her comments quickly sparked discussion on social media, with fans applauding her willingness to address the racial undertones in some of the backlash.
“Look at the Bigger Picture”: Pokimane on Lamar’s Performance
Pokimane went on to highlight why Lamar’s halftime show was important, especially during Black History Month. She urged critics to go beyond surface-level opinions and recognize the deeper messages embedded in his setlist, visuals, and stage design.
“I feel like if you watched his performance and really took it in, you’d be like, ‘There are some underlying messages that the performance is trying to convey, especially during Black History Month.’ So you sitting there, again, respectfully, whatever, being like, ‘I don’t think he deserved it,’ it’s just like… stop. Please. Please stop. Please. Please.”
Lamar, known for his socially conscious music and impactful storytelling, is no stranger to incorporating themes of racial identity, oppression, and empowerment into his performances. Many fans and critics noted how his Super Bowl LIX set felt like an extension of his Pulitzer Prize-winning work—a deliberate and meaningful showcase of Black artistry on one of the world’s biggest stages.
Who’s Really Upset? Pokimane Identifies a Pattern
Perhaps one of the most eye-opening parts of Pokimane’s reaction was her observation of who was leading the charge against Lamar’s performance. She noted:
“The people that I saw with this take the most were white men. Ain’t nothing wrong with being a white man. That’s not the point. My point is that I feel like if you watched his performance and really took it in, you’d be like, ‘There are some underlying messages that the performance is trying to convey.’”
Her comment suggested that some of the backlash might stem from a lack of cultural awareness or an unwillingness to engage with the themes Lamar presented. This sentiment resonated with many viewers who felt that some critics were dismissing Lamar’s artistry without fully understanding its significance.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Performance: A Cultural Moment
Despite the criticism from certain corners of the internet, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show was widely praised by fans, music critics, and industry professionals.
Lamar, who has consistently delivered some of the most visually striking and thought-provoking performances of his career, brought an electrifying presence to the stage. The setlist reportedly featured a mix of his biggest hits and newer material, all while incorporating powerful imagery and choreography.
A Moment in Black History Month
As Pokimane emphasized, Lamar’s performance was particularly significant given that it took place during Black History Month. His work has long celebrated Black resilience, history, and identity, making his Super Bowl appearance a moment of representation and cultural pride for many viewers.
Lamar himself spoke about the weight of the moment in a pre-game interview, stating that his goal was to bring something “meaningful and thought-provoking” to the audience.
Social Media Reacts to Pokimane’s Comments
Pokimane’s candid take quickly went viral, with many praising her for speaking up. Some agreed wholeheartedly with her breakdown, while others debated whether or not race played a role in the backlash Lamar received.
Fans Applaud Pokimane for Speaking Up
One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Pokimane always keeps it real. People need to admit that Kendrick Lamar’s performance was great, and the hate is weird.”
Another added:
“She’s not wrong. Some people just don’t want to see a Black artist like Kendrick Lamar take up that space. It’s sad.”
However, there were also those who pushed back, arguing that criticism of Lamar’s performance wasn’t necessarily racially motivated and that people are entitled to their opinions about music.
Art, Representation, and Respect
Pokimane’s impassioned response highlights a larger conversation about race, representation, and the cultural weight of performances like Lamar’s. While not everyone may have been a fan of his halftime show, dismissing his place on that stage ignores the impact his music has had on culture, activism, and hip-hop as a whole.
As Pokimane herself put it:
“If you don’t know what that means, that means ‘stop’ in French. Now you know.”
"Only white people hated it. I didn't want to say it…"
— ryan 🤿 (@scubaryan_) February 10, 2025
Pokimane reaction to people saying that Kendrick Lamar didn't deserve to perform at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show pic.twitter.com/fGH57NAUCc
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