Super Bowl Sign: Eminem Kneels With Shamed Face Hidden
Photo: Getty Images, Kevin C. Cox. All rights reserved.
The Super Bowl 2022 halftime show was one big rap song. In addition to Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent and Kendrick Lamar, and of course Eminem was there. The most political action of the 12-minute performance emanated from him.
After belting out “Lose Yourself” (before Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog honored Tupac Shakur), Eminem suddenly got on his knees. Apparently in solidarity with former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who founded a symbolic action that was subsequently copied worldwide as a sign against racism.
According to Billboard, Eminem asked to kneel at half-time, but was reportedly denied. However, the NFL denies a ban, as spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed in an industry publication: “There was a false report this afternoon. We watched all elements of the show during several rehearsals this week and were aware that Eminem was going to do it. A player or a coach could have gotten on their knees and there wouldn’t have been any problems, so there was no reason to tell a musician he or she couldn’t.”
A spokesman for Eminem confirmed to Billboard that an NFL intervention in the musician’s performance was indeed planned. In the past, the 49-year-old had repeatedly alluded to Kaepernick in his lyrics (changed for award ceremonies) and repeatedly campaigned against racism.
The Super Bowl halftime show had many surprises in store besides Eminem’s kneeling. In addition to the surprisingly hologram-free, and therefore dignified, homage to Tupac Shakur, 50 Cent also took to the stage without prior notice. Or rather, he was hooked up headfirst, sparking numerous amused memes across the internet. The action was a reference to the music video for his song “In Da Club”.
Many fans complained about massive sound problems during the television broadcast – especially in the first few minutes of the halftime show.