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Songs Kendrick Lamar Will Play To Win Everyone Over

Kendrick Lamar isn’t just an artist. He is a performer. He was just named to do the Super Bowl halftime show this year in New Orleans and it has some…

Kendrick Lamar attends the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards. He's wearing a white shirt under a black jacket.

Would you believe K-Dot is 5’5″? The “FEEL.” rapper is widely recognized as one of the most influential rappers of his generation. He is engaged to his high school sweetheart, Whitney Alford. They share two children, daughter, Uzi, and son, Enoch.

Frazer Harrison via Getty Images

Kendrick Lamar isn't just an artist. He is a performer. He was just named to do the Super Bowl halftime show this year in New Orleans and it has some people upset. But let me tell you why I think people may be surprisingly happy with his performance. 

Lamar has plenty of mainstream hits. I saw him live at T-Mobile Arena, here in Las Vegas, a few years ago not thinking I would know any of his songs except "Humble" and I ended up knowing so many. I bet he will have a set list that will feel familiar, energetic, and exciting for everyone. 

Here’s a fun look at what songs he’s likely to perform and how they could appeal to everyone from hardcore rap fans to casual pop listeners. I mean heck, he re-recorded a verse in Bad Blood with Taylor Swift

 "HUMBLE"

This song is almost guaranteed to make the cut. "HUMBLE." is not only one of Kendrick’s biggest hits, but the very straightforward chorus is a crowd-pleaser. The hook is easy for non-rap fans to latch onto, and the energy of the song will have everyone hyped up. 

 "Alright"

"Alright" is an anthem that has transcended hip-hop, becoming almost a symbol of hope in a way. It's a powerful message. I play the song when the other team scores a touchdown at my son's games. "we gon’ be alright" is perfect for creating a feel-good moment during the halftime show. 

"Love"

To appeal to the pop and R&B crowd, Kendrick might mix in "Love." featuring Zacari. This track is smooth, romantic, and radio-friendly, giving the halftime show a change of pace while still keeping it exciting. The melodic nature of "Love" will likely draw in listeners who prefer softer vibes, making it a great balance in the middle of a high-energy set.

Can Kendrick Lamar Win Over Everyone?

It’s impossible to make everyone happy, but Kendrick Lamar is one of the few artists who has the potential to come close. His mix of chart-toppers and catchy lyrics is going to give him a lot of wins Even people who don't know him are going to appreciate his storytelling and the energy he brings to the stage. Excited to see his setlist. 

Let’s see if Kendrick Lamar can prove that even the biggest rap skeptics can sit down and enjoy the show!

2024 Super Bowl: 10 Best Commercials

Super Bowl LVIII is in the books, so let's look back at one of the biggest draws to the Big Game: The commercials.

In 2024, the Super Bowl commercials offered a wide variety for the millions of viewers who tuned in. Many major films released trailers, including Wicked, Twisters and Deadpool & Wolverine.

As expected, plenty of food/drink/snack brands bought ads during the Super Bowl. Many of them brought the funny, like Dunkin' and Reese's. Others offered fun pop culture moments, like Nerds, M&Ms, and e.l.f cosmetics.

Speaking of pop culture, celebrities were everywhere in the 2024 Super Bowl commercials. There was truly someone for everyone. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin showed up with a mullet in an ad for Kawaski. Meanwhile, Christopher Walken was confronted with hilarious impressions in an ad for BMW. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito reunited for State Farm, and FanDuel honored the late Carl Weathers. Uber Eats had a ton of star power in their ad with Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Jelly Roll, Usher and David and Victoria Beckham. However, Verizon may have had the biggest star moment with Beyoncé in their ad.

Obviously, these ads cost millions to produce, but the cost of the airtime alone was worth millions. According to The Wall Street Journal, the average cost for a 30-second Super Bowl commercial was $7 million. The cost has gone up significantly since 2010. Back then, the average cost for a 30-second spot was $2.6 million. However, the most mind-blowing price WSJ shared was the cost of an ad during the first Super Bowl in 1967. All of those years ago, when the Big Game was broadcast on NBC and CBS, a 30-second ad had a whopping price tag of $42,000.

Without further ado, here is our list of the ten best commercials that aired during Super Bowl LVIII in 2024.

Verizon

When it comes to the 2024 Super Bowl commercials, you have to start with Verizon. Their surprise spot starred Beyoncé as she tried to break the internet and the Verizon network. While Bey couldn't break Verizon, she broke major news announcing her eighth studio album, Act II. The album drops on March 29, and two preview tracks -- "Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 Carriages" -- are now available. That's one incredible way to announce new music!

Uber Eats

The "forget" premise of Uber Eats' Super Bowl ad was really clever. Jennifer Aniston forgetting about David Schwimmer? Jelly Roll forgetting he had a bunch of face tattoos? David and Victoria Beckham being stumped on the name of the girl group she was once in? Very funny, and tons of star power, which is what these ads are all about.

State Farm

Neighbor? No, "Neighbaaa!" This State Farm ad showed that Arnold Schwarzenegger still has incredible comedic timing. Plus, his chemistry with Danny DeVito is still perfection. This ad makes us want to get to the choppa.

CeraVe

Whoever thought of the concept for this CeraVe ad deserves a major raise. The skincare brand bought ad time during Super Bowl LVIII, and who could blame them with such a funny ad. Michael Cera isn't the first celebrity you'd think of for such a big commercial, but he's absolutely perfect here. Of course, the dermatologists that developed CeraVe's products seem less than enthused.

BMW

One word: Wow! Christopher Walken starred in this spot from BMW, and it's proof that nearly everyone has a Walken impression. The Usher cameo was a clever added bonus. Much like the CeraVe add, whoever thought of this ad deserves a major raise.

Dunkin'

This ad from Dunkin' was a sequel to their ad from last year's Super Bowl. Unlike most sequels, this ad did not disappoint. Ben Affleck showed up to the recording studio where wife Jennifer Lopez is working, but he's not alone. Ben has Jack Harlow, Tom Brady and Matt Damon with him. Jenny clearly looks unimpressed, and Matt is mortified. Another outstanding ad from Dunkin'!

Reese's Cups

Reese's didn't have any celebs in their 30-second spot, but they made up for it in sheer weirdness. The physical comedy was out of control. Someone jumped out of a window! An old lady launched herself through a coffee table! Also, we can't wait to try the Caramel Big Cup. It sounds delicious!

T-Mobile

T-Mobile held auditions in their Super Bowl ad for their next "Magenta Status" spokesperson, or in the case of Bradley and Gloria Cooper, spokespeople. Not to be outdone, Suits stars Patrick J. Adams and Gabriel Macht also submitted an audition. Other celebs vying for the T-Mobile gig were Jennifer Hudson, Common and Laura Dern. Zach Braff and Donald Faison appeared at the end of the spot a little miffed about even having to audtion since they appeared in T-Mobile's Super Bowl ad last year.

e.l.f. Cosmetics

Speaking of Suits, Rick Hoffman and Gina Torres star in this ad along with Judge Judy for e.l.f. Cosmetics. Referring to the iconic television personality as "Judge Beauty" was quite clever. Plus, it's a nice reminder that e.l.f. offers a wide range of great products at great prices. Not to mention, e.l.f. Cosmetics are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. "In e.l.f. we Trust," indeed!

Kawasaki

A bald eagle with a mullet! A turtle with a mullet! A grizzly bear with a mullet! "Stone Cold" Steve Austin with a mullet! ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!

Aimee Thomas is the morning show co-host of Aimee + Shawn on 102.7 VGS. She has been VGS since the birth of the station in 2022 and has been with Beasley Media Group for nine years doing mornings at various stations in the cluster. Before working in radio Aimee was a bartender at a local restaurant in Las Vegas when a local radio veteran thought she would be perfect in radio because of her crazy stories, knowledge of pop culture, and contagious laugh. Aimee loves writing about new recipes she creates in her kitchen, her favorite artists and actors, and being a mom of two boys.