(ThyBlackMan.com) It was the halftime performance heard around the world.
Kendrick Lamar took center stage, delivering a show that will be talked about for years. With the Philadelphia Eagles dominating the Kansas City Chiefs 24-0 at halftime, all eyes turned to Lamar and his highly anticipated performance. The 22-time Grammy Award-winning artist did not disappoint, enlisting the help of some famous friends. While SZA’s appearance was expected, no one saw the surprise cameos of Samuel L. Jackson, Mustard, and the legendary Serena Williams coming.
In just a few seconds of screen time, Serena Williams once again showed why she is—and always has been—that girl. The retired tennis icon stepped out onto the stage for less than five seconds, but it was enough to break the internet. Why? Because Serena hit a smooth, effortless Crip Walk that had the crowd in a frenzy. The move wasn’t just for show; it was a full-circle moment that spoke to Serena’s journey of self-expression and Black culture reclaiming spaces where it has historically been scrutinized.
A Dance Move with History
Serena’s Crip Walk wasn’t just any dance move—it was a nod to West Coast hip-hop culture and a moment of pure joy. Originating in the 1970s, the Crip Walk was created by Robert ‘Sugar Bear’ Jackson, a first-generation Crip member. While the dance has often been stigmatized due to its gang-related history, it has also evolved into a staple in hip-hop and Black dance culture. And this wasn’t the first time Serena let loose with the infamous step.
Back in 2012, after winning Olympic gold against her longtime rival Maria Sharapova, Serena celebrated with a quick Crip Walk on the Wimbledon grass. The backlash was swift and harsh. Sports journalists and media critics—many of them white—were outraged. Former Fox Sports reporter Jason Whitlock condemned her, saying her dance was “immature and classless.” Bill Plaschke of the LA Times went even further, claiming her dance was inappropriate because it originated from “violence and death.”
At the time, Serena brushed off the criticism, explaining, “It was just me. I love to dance. I didn’t know what else to do. I was so happy, and next thing I know, I started dancing and moving. I didn’t plan it. It just happened.”
Fast-forward to 2025, and Serena’s Super Bowl moment was a reminder that she is no longer concerned with critics policing her joy. She is living her truth, unbothered and unapologetic.
Serena Williams: A Black Woman Unapologetically Living Her Truth
Gone are the days when Serena allowed the haters to win. She has nothing left to prove. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, she is widely regarded as the greatest female tennis player of all time. But beyond the accolades, Serena has been a beacon of strength, resilience, and Black excellence.
Now, at 43 years old, Serena is retired, happily married to tech mogul Alexis Ohanian, and raising two beautiful children. She has shifted her focus to business, philanthropy, and motherhood, but one thing remains the same—she is still Serena Williams. She still moves with power, confidence, and the ability to shake the room, even with a simple dance step.
Her Super Bowl moment was a reminder that no matter what stage she graces, she will always command attention. And this time, instead of criticism, Serena was met with widespread love and admiration.
Fan Reactions: The Internet Erupts
The moment Serena hit the Crip Walk, social media went wild. Everyone from fellow athletes to casual fans chimed in with their reactions.
“Serena ate that,” Coco Gauff posted on X.
“You did that!!!” her sister Venus Williams added.
But it wasn’t just the compliments—fans also had jokes.
“Serena Crip walked for four seconds and gained more yards than the Chiefs in the entire first half,” one fan wrote.
“Kendrick Lamar’s got more yards walking during his performance than the Chiefs offense did in the first half. Very impressive,” another joked.
“Kendrick getting the entire Super Bowl screaming ‘a minor’ with Serena Williams dancing has to feel like a shotgun blast to Drake’s chest,” one user wrote, referencing Lamar’s ongoing beef with the Toronto rapper.
The jokes didn’t stop there. With Kansas City only gaining a total of 23 yards and one first down in the first half—their worst performance in the Mahomes era—fans couldn’t help but compare their struggles to Lamar’s dominant performance.
“Kendrick Lamar has barely moved from the waist down but still has more rushing yards than the Chiefs,” one tweet read.
The halftime show became more than just a musical performance; it was a cultural moment. Lamar brought the house down with hit after hit, but his performance of “Not Like Us” was the biggest shock of the night. The diss track aimed at Drake had the entire stadium rapping along, effectively solidifying Lamar as the winner of their ongoing rap feud.
“THIS MAN KENDRICK LAMAR JUST SMILED IN THE CAMERA AFTER COOKING DRAKE.”
“What did we just witness… Kendrick just murdered Drake in front of 120 MILLION PEOPLE.”
It was clear: Mahomes, the Chiefs, and Drake all took Ls that night.
A Night to Remember
The Super Bowl halftime show is always a major event, but this year’s performance had everything—surprise guests, legendary moments, and a little bit of controversy. Serena Williams’ brief yet impactful cameo was the cherry on top. It was a reminder of her influence, her joy, and her unapologetic Blackness. She has transcended sports, and now, she is simply a cultural icon.
One thing is certain: whether it’s on the tennis court, a Super Bowl stage, or anywhere else, Serena Williams will always move with power, grace, and a little bit of swagger. And this time, there was no backlash—only celebration.
Serena has won in life, and there’s nothing the critics can do about it.
