Veteran actor Robert Davi has sparked controversy with his recent comments on Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime show, labelling the performance as “ghetto” and calling for an end to what he termed “rap crap.” On February 10, 2025, Davi took to his X account and shared a video message following the Super Bowl LIX halftime show that took place on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
In this two-minute clip, Davi expressed his discontent with the performance, which featured Kendrick Lamar as the headliner. He described his commentary as a “quick rant,” criticizing the performance as “ghetto” and calling out the involvement of Samuel L. Jackson, who made a guest appearance during the show. Davi expressed that he was “done” with what he referred to as “ghetto” entertainment, explicitly mentioning both Lamar and Jackson.
In his remarks, Davi drew a comparison between rap and jazz, arguing that jazz is a “gorgeous” art form and suggesting that artists should pursue meaningful artistic expression within that genre instead of rap, which he dismissed as “garbage.” He did not shy away from referencing jazz legends such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington, emphasizing his preference for a different level of music.
Davi’s criticism extended beyond the performances, questioning the NFL’s decision to feature rap artists during the halftime show. He suggested that there were numerous other musicians who would have been better suited for the event, expressing concern about the messages conveyed through such performances. The fallout from Davi’s comments has been significant, stirring discussions about the appropriateness of the Super Bowl’s entertainment choices.
As of now, neither Kendrick Lamar nor Samuel L. Jackson has responded to Robert Davi’s remarks, and the NFL has also remained silent on the controversy. The discussion surrounding Davi’s statements highlights the ongoing debate over artistic expression in popular culture and the impact of such performances on societal values and perceptions.
