n a moment that reignited a decade-old debate, Serena Williams’ surprise appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show has become a focal point of both celebration and controversy. The tennis legend, known for her unparalleled achievements on the court, took to the stage to perform the Crip Walk—a dance with deep roots in Compton, California—during Lamar’s rendition of “Not Like Us.”
This isn’t the first time Williams has showcased the dance. In 2012, after clinching the Olympic gold medal in London, she broke into the Crip Walk on the Wimbledon courts. That spontaneous display of joy was met with mixed reactions; while some praised her for embracing her cultural heritage, others criticized the move due to its associations with gang culture. Reflecting on that moment, Williams humorously noted, “Man, I did not Crip Walk like that at Wimbledon. I would’ve been fined.”
Fast forward to 2025, and Williams’ halftime performance has once again sparked discussions. Critics, including ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, questioned the appropriateness of the dance, especially given its historical connotations. Smith remarked that if his wife were to “join trolling her ex,” he would consider it a breach of their relationship.
In defense of his wife, Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, took to social media to address the backlash. Responding to sports journalist Jason Whitlock, who labeled Williams a “controlled clown” for her performance, Ohanian suggested that such criticisms stem from personal grievances and urged detractors to focus on self-improvement rather than projecting negativity.
Williams herself addressed the situation, explaining that her participation was at Lamar’s invitation. The rapper, sharing roots with Williams in Compton, wanted to pay homage to their shared heritage. Williams recounted, “When Kendrick Lamar and [his] team called and was like, ‘We’ve been trying to do something forever. What about this? We loved your Crip Walk at the Olympics after you won the gold medal.'” She enthusiastically accepted, viewing the Super Bowl as a unique platform to celebrate her culture.
The performance also added another layer to Lamar’s ongoing feud with rapper Drake. “Not Like Us,” widely interpreted as a diss track aimed at Drake, gained additional significance with Williams’ involvement, given her past association with the Canadian artist. This strategic collaboration not only highlighted the cultural significance of the Crip Walk but also underscored the intricate dynamics of personal and professional relationships in the music industry.
In the aftermath, social media platforms buzzed with varied reactions. While some lauded Williams for embracing her roots and delivering a powerful statement, others remained critical, focusing on the dance’s controversial origins. Regardless of the differing opinions, Williams’ performance has undeniably reignited conversations about cultural expression, the evolution of art forms, and the complexities of personal history intersecting with public personas.
Leave a Reply