February 23, 2025 • 12 mins
In this episode of the Keepin' It Real Now podcast, host Ms. Unapologetic undertakes a layered discussion primarily on Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show and its symbolism, touching on both its positive reinforcement and criticism. She praises Kendrick for his bold statements about America and its history. The host also discusses Target and Walmart's faltering stocks due to their failed diversity initiatives and criticizes the White House administration for its damaging policies. Shifting gears, she emphasizes "Blackout Day" on February 28 and the Amazon Blackout on March 3, illustrating the economic prowess of the Black community. Drawing the listeners' attention to supporting Black-owned businesses, she spotlights Philadelphia-based Chubby Chicks restaurant, before saluting Black talents and moving onto the symbolism of fashion in the world of entertainment. She pays specific attention to the historical significance of Kendrick Lamar’s bell-bottom pants. The episode wraps with a call to action— to maintain vigilance and to keep on persevering.
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
Hey, they're beautiful people. This is miss unapologetic and welcome
back to another episode of Keeping It Real. Now today,
we have a very special episode lined up for you,
our Black History Special. Can you believe it's been a
year since Kat Williams was on Club Shay Shay? That
was hilarious? This year, we're talking about Kendrick Lamar and
(00:26):
his talked about Super Bowl halftime show. We're going to
break down why some folks loved it while others had
a different take. We'll also dive into the symbolism in
Kendrick's performance and what it says about America today. You
won't want to miss this, so stick around. All right,
(00:47):
let's get into Kendrick Lamar's performance at the Super Bowl
halftime show. Now, I'll be the first to admit initially
I wasn't feeling it, but after giving it another look,
I've got to say Kendrick is nothing short of a
lyrical genius. The man didn't just perform, he delivered a
full blown history lesson wrapped up in a show. And
(01:09):
can we talk about how he embarrassed Drake on National TV.
Kendrick called him out and Drake's response was to show
up in a shirt with holes smoke coming out, like
look at me, I'm still alive. Child. If that's the
best you can do, it might be time to rethink
your style choices. But let's get deeper into the symbolism
(01:30):
in Kendrick's performance. He had all of his black performers
dressed in red, white and blue, the colors of the
American flag. But what really got folks talking was when
he split the flag in half and had them turning
their backs. That wasn't just a performance, it was a
bold statement. Kendrick was challenging America to wake up and
(01:53):
recognize the ongoing struggles and contributions of black folks throughout history.
As Kendrick said, picking him to perform at the Super
Bowl was the right time with the wrong person. And
I'm here for freedom of expression. My grandma used to say,
if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
(02:14):
And let's not overlook the significance of the song. Not
like us in a time where cancel culture and censorship
are rampant, Kendrick's performance was a powerful declaration that the
truth hurts, but it needs to be heard. This country
has profited off of black labor creativity and culture for centuries.
(02:36):
Kendrick was laying it all out there, reminding America of
the price Black people have paid and continue to pay
for their so called freedoms. Now, y'all know Kendrick and
Drake go way back with their rap battles, but there's
something to be said about respecting this fierce world of rap.
It's all fun in games until lines get crossed. That
(02:58):
shouldn't be, especially when it comes to women and children.
Kendrick's way of maintaining that respect while delivering hard truths
is something to be admired, and if Drake needs to
take notes, he should. So there you have it. Kendrick
Lamar didn't just show up to perform. He came to
shake things up, challenge preconceptions, and make America listen. And man,
(03:21):
he did just that. Sorry America. It wasn't a flag
on a play, It wasn't just a performance. It was
a statement. This country needs to wake up and realize
the power of the black dollar. This is bigger than
forty acres and a mule. And let's talk about Target
and Walmart. Their stocks are dropping faster than Drake's chances
(03:42):
of a comeback. You want to get rid of DEI
you lose game over. And don't even get me started
on the man in the White House, brick by brick,
he's destroying this country. You thought he would make America
great again. When was America ever great for black and
brown folks? How is it fair that a man with
thirty four felonies is running the country while someone with
(04:05):
one felony can struggle to feed their family. Where's the freedom,
justice and equality? But you let number forty seven dictate
and not accept accountability. And now you're crying because you
got that pink slip. You made a mistake choosing red
instead of blue, and now your stores might be hurting too.
Don't forget. February twenty eight is Blackout Day. This is
(04:28):
our time to make some real noise, to show the
economic power of the black community. We're out here saying
you want to play games with our lives and our rights,
fine will hit you where it hurts your pockets. This
isn't just a day of protest, it's a statement. It's
a demonstration of our strength, unity, and economic impact. So
(04:52):
mark your calendar's, folks, February twenty eight is going to
be a day to remember. So let's keep the momentum going. People.
We've got to stay vigilant, stay active, and above all,
stay real. Now, let's move on to something equally important,
fashion symbolism and the underlying messages that often get ignored. Now,
(05:14):
we've talked about Kendrick Lamar's powerful Super Bowl performance, but
let's dive a little deeper into the fashion choices and
the symbolism behind them. First things first, the bell bottoms
Kendrick war during his performance. Some folks thought it was
just a fashion statement, but it's much more than that.
Bell bottoms have a rich history representing freedom, liberation, expression,
(05:39):
and rebellion. This wasn't just about bringing bell bottoms back
into style. It was a nod to a deeper historical context.
Believe it or not, Black train conductors used to wear
bell bottoms. It's a small but significant detail that ties
back to our culture and heritage in ways many didn't realize.
(06:01):
In speaking of historical ties, let's talk about Samuel Jackson's appearance. No,
Kendrick did not just grab those bell bottoms for a
throwback look. They symbolized years of struggle, freedom and standing
up against oppression, something Samuel prepped us for even before
the main event. He's always been a visual and vocal
(06:24):
advocate for change, and his appearance wasn't just random, it
was intentional. This leads us to the bigger picture, the
history of the White House and its deep roots in slavery.
The very ground it stands on was once owned by
a slave owner, David Burns, originally called the President's Palace,
(06:45):
built with labor from more than two hundred in slave individuals.
Make no mistake, the cornerstone of American political power was
laid down by hands bound in chains. It's important to
remember that many earth early presidents were slave owners themselves
and brought their enslaved workers to the White House to
(07:06):
save on staffing carts. The White House that stands today
is not just a symbol of political power, but also
a grim reminder of our country's dark past. To truly
understand where we are, we need to reflect on where
we came from. When we see the White House, we
need to recognize the sacrifices and the labor of enslaved
(07:30):
individuals that made it possible. Just imagine, while the presidential
salary back in the day was twenty five thousand dollars,
it was supposed to cover all household expenses, including wages
for servants that amount pals in comparison to what the
Enslaves endured. So next time you hear about another renovation
(07:52):
or addition to the White House, remember who paid the
real price. And let's not forget the taxpayers dollars that
continue to go into maintaining this building. From its original
construction in seventeen ninety two by architect James Hobin to
the complete gutting and rebuilding during the Truman administration in
(08:15):
nineteen fifty two, it's been the embodiment of American history.
Both good and bad folks. Wake up. Stop letting the
powers that be control and divide us. If you don't
stand for something, you'll fall for anything. We need to
make our voices heard and our actions felt. Support the
(08:36):
blackout on February twenty eighth. Support the Amazon blackout on
March third. If you're in Philly, check out Chubby Chick's
Restaurant and support a black owned business. We've contributed so
much to sports, entertainment, fashion, and even inventions that history
try to erase. Keep showing up, keep supporting, and keep
(08:57):
fighting for what's ours. That's it for today's segment on
fashion and symbolism. We've touched on how much more there
is behind those bell bottoms and the hidden history of
the White House. Up next, we're going to talk about
the contributions of minorities across various industries and the upcoming
blackout days. All right, beautiful people, let's shift gears and
(09:21):
go into some important actions. We all need to take
mark your calendars for February twenty eighth. It's Blackout Day.
This is our chance to make some serious noise and
show the economic power of the black community when we
band together and withhold our dollars. Trust me, they feel
it where it hurts most their pockets. This isn't just
(09:43):
a protest, it's a powerful statement. Show your strength, unity
and economic impact by taking part in Blackout Day. Following
closely behind is the Amazon blackout on March third. If
you're used to adding to Kart, resist the urge on
that day no purchases from Amazon. Let's remind them of
(10:03):
the power we hold as consumers. Join the movement and
make your voice heard through your spending or lack thereof.
And while we're at it, let's talk about supporting local
black owned businesses. If you're in Philly, swing by Chubby
Chick's Restaurant. It's more than just good food. It's about
uplifting our community and keeping our dollars circulating within businesses
(10:28):
that respect and reflect us. Now, let's celebrate the contributions
of minorities across all sectors fashion, entertainment, technology, and more.
From streetwear to high fashion, from R and B to
tech innovations. Our influence is fast and undeniable. Remember, many
(10:50):
black inventors created things that were often claimed by white people.
Let's continue to support and acknowledge a trailblazing brothers and sisters.
If you notice, as I mentioned Hurts three times, shout
out to Jalen Hurts. He's a Super Bowl MVP who
scored three touchdowns and he's a black man. Talk about
(11:10):
symbolism and excellence rolled into one. The man is breaking
barriers and setting new standards on and off the field.
His success is a powerful reminder of what we can
achieve and a beacon of black excellence. So remember, folks,
it's essential to take action. Support the Blackout Days, uplift
(11:30):
black owned businesses, and celebrate our contributions across industries. Stay
strong and stay real people, all right, beautiful people. We've
touched on a lot of ground today. From Kendrick Lamar's
powerful Super Bowl performance and the impactful symbolism, to the
importance of the upcoming Blackout Days and supporting our black businesses,
(11:54):
it's been a ride. Each segment highlighted the significance of
our history and the strength within our community. Remember, Black
History isn't just a month. It's a lifetime of learning, celebrating,
and acknowledging our stories and contributions. So let's get out
there and make a difference. Mark your calendars for February
(12:17):
twenty eight for Blackout Day and March three for the
Amazon Blackout, and don't forget to swing by and support
Chubby Chicks in Philly if you can. It's time we
put our words into action and show the world the
power of the black dollar. This is keeping it real
now and I miss unapologetic signing off. Be sure to
(12:38):
check the show notes for any links in further details
mentioned in today's episode. Stay strong, stay bold, and most importantly,
keep it real. See you next time.
Hey, they're beautiful people. This is miss unapologetic and welcome
back to another episode of Keeping It Real. Now today,
we have a very special episode lined up for you,
our Black History Special. Can you believe it's been a
year since Kat Williams was on Club Shay Shay? That
was hilarious? This year, we're talking about Kendrick Lamar and
(00:26):
his talked about Super Bowl halftime show. We're going to
break down why some folks loved it while others had
a different take. We'll also dive into the symbolism in
Kendrick's performance and what it says about America today. You
won't want to miss this, so stick around. All right,
(00:47):
let's get into Kendrick Lamar's performance at the Super Bowl
halftime show. Now, I'll be the first to admit initially
I wasn't feeling it, but after giving it another look,
I've got to say Kendrick is nothing short of a
lyrical genius. The man didn't just perform, he delivered a
full blown history lesson wrapped up in a show. And
(01:09):
can we talk about how he embarrassed Drake on National TV.
Kendrick called him out and Drake's response was to show
up in a shirt with holes smoke coming out, like
look at me, I'm still alive. Child. If that's the
best you can do, it might be time to rethink
your style choices. But let's get deeper into the symbolism
(01:30):
in Kendrick's performance. He had all of his black performers
dressed in red, white and blue, the colors of the
American flag. But what really got folks talking was when
he split the flag in half and had them turning
their backs. That wasn't just a performance, it was a
bold statement. Kendrick was challenging America to wake up and
(01:53):
recognize the ongoing struggles and contributions of black folks throughout history.
As Kendrick said, picking him to perform at the Super
Bowl was the right time with the wrong person. And
I'm here for freedom of expression. My grandma used to say,
if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
(02:14):
And let's not overlook the significance of the song. Not
like us in a time where cancel culture and censorship
are rampant, Kendrick's performance was a powerful declaration that the
truth hurts, but it needs to be heard. This country
has profited off of black labor creativity and culture for centuries.
(02:36):
Kendrick was laying it all out there, reminding America of
the price Black people have paid and continue to pay
for their so called freedoms. Now, y'all know Kendrick and
Drake go way back with their rap battles, but there's
something to be said about respecting this fierce world of rap.
It's all fun in games until lines get crossed. That
(02:58):
shouldn't be, especially when it comes to women and children.
Kendrick's way of maintaining that respect while delivering hard truths
is something to be admired, and if Drake needs to
take notes, he should. So there you have it. Kendrick
Lamar didn't just show up to perform. He came to
shake things up, challenge preconceptions, and make America listen. And man,
(03:21):
he did just that. Sorry America. It wasn't a flag
on a play, It wasn't just a performance. It was
a statement. This country needs to wake up and realize
the power of the black dollar. This is bigger than
forty acres and a mule. And let's talk about Target
and Walmart. Their stocks are dropping faster than Drake's chances
(03:42):
of a comeback. You want to get rid of DEI
you lose game over. And don't even get me started
on the man in the White House, brick by brick,
he's destroying this country. You thought he would make America
great again. When was America ever great for black and
brown folks? How is it fair that a man with
thirty four felonies is running the country while someone with
(04:05):
one felony can struggle to feed their family. Where's the freedom,
justice and equality? But you let number forty seven dictate
and not accept accountability. And now you're crying because you
got that pink slip. You made a mistake choosing red
instead of blue, and now your stores might be hurting too.
Don't forget. February twenty eight is Blackout Day. This is
(04:28):
our time to make some real noise, to show the
economic power of the black community. We're out here saying
you want to play games with our lives and our rights,
fine will hit you where it hurts your pockets. This
isn't just a day of protest, it's a statement. It's
a demonstration of our strength, unity, and economic impact. So
(04:52):
mark your calendar's, folks, February twenty eight is going to
be a day to remember. So let's keep the momentum going. People.
We've got to stay vigilant, stay active, and above all,
stay real. Now, let's move on to something equally important,
fashion symbolism and the underlying messages that often get ignored. Now,
(05:14):
we've talked about Kendrick Lamar's powerful Super Bowl performance, but
let's dive a little deeper into the fashion choices and
the symbolism behind them. First things first, the bell bottoms
Kendrick war during his performance. Some folks thought it was
just a fashion statement, but it's much more than that.
Bell bottoms have a rich history representing freedom, liberation, expression,
(05:39):
and rebellion. This wasn't just about bringing bell bottoms back
into style. It was a nod to a deeper historical context.
Believe it or not, Black train conductors used to wear
bell bottoms. It's a small but significant detail that ties
back to our culture and heritage in ways many didn't realize.
(06:01):
In speaking of historical ties, let's talk about Samuel Jackson's appearance. No,
Kendrick did not just grab those bell bottoms for a
throwback look. They symbolized years of struggle, freedom and standing
up against oppression, something Samuel prepped us for even before
the main event. He's always been a visual and vocal
(06:24):
advocate for change, and his appearance wasn't just random, it
was intentional. This leads us to the bigger picture, the
history of the White House and its deep roots in slavery.
The very ground it stands on was once owned by
a slave owner, David Burns, originally called the President's Palace,
(06:45):
built with labor from more than two hundred in slave individuals.
Make no mistake, the cornerstone of American political power was
laid down by hands bound in chains. It's important to
remember that many earth early presidents were slave owners themselves
and brought their enslaved workers to the White House to
(07:06):
save on staffing carts. The White House that stands today
is not just a symbol of political power, but also
a grim reminder of our country's dark past. To truly
understand where we are, we need to reflect on where
we came from. When we see the White House, we
need to recognize the sacrifices and the labor of enslaved
(07:30):
individuals that made it possible. Just imagine, while the presidential
salary back in the day was twenty five thousand dollars,
it was supposed to cover all household expenses, including wages
for servants that amount pals in comparison to what the
Enslaves endured. So next time you hear about another renovation
(07:52):
or addition to the White House, remember who paid the
real price. And let's not forget the taxpayers dollars that
continue to go into maintaining this building. From its original
construction in seventeen ninety two by architect James Hobin to
the complete gutting and rebuilding during the Truman administration in
(08:15):
nineteen fifty two, it's been the embodiment of American history.
Both good and bad folks. Wake up. Stop letting the
powers that be control and divide us. If you don't
stand for something, you'll fall for anything. We need to
make our voices heard and our actions felt. Support the
(08:36):
blackout on February twenty eighth. Support the Amazon blackout on
March third. If you're in Philly, check out Chubby Chick's
Restaurant and support a black owned business. We've contributed so
much to sports, entertainment, fashion, and even inventions that history
try to erase. Keep showing up, keep supporting, and keep
(08:57):
fighting for what's ours. That's it for today's segment on
fashion and symbolism. We've touched on how much more there
is behind those bell bottoms and the hidden history of
the White House. Up next, we're going to talk about
the contributions of minorities across various industries and the upcoming
blackout days. All right, beautiful people, let's shift gears and
(09:21):
go into some important actions. We all need to take
mark your calendars for February twenty eighth. It's Blackout Day.
This is our chance to make some serious noise and
show the economic power of the black community when we
band together and withhold our dollars. Trust me, they feel
it where it hurts most their pockets. This isn't just
(09:43):
a protest, it's a powerful statement. Show your strength, unity
and economic impact by taking part in Blackout Day. Following
closely behind is the Amazon blackout on March third. If
you're used to adding to Kart, resist the urge on
that day no purchases from Amazon. Let's remind them of
(10:03):
the power we hold as consumers. Join the movement and
make your voice heard through your spending or lack thereof.
And while we're at it, let's talk about supporting local
black owned businesses. If you're in Philly, swing by Chubby
Chick's Restaurant. It's more than just good food. It's about
uplifting our community and keeping our dollars circulating within businesses
(10:28):
that respect and reflect us. Now, let's celebrate the contributions
of minorities across all sectors fashion, entertainment, technology, and more.
From streetwear to high fashion, from R and B to
tech innovations. Our influence is fast and undeniable. Remember, many
(10:50):
black inventors created things that were often claimed by white people.
Let's continue to support and acknowledge a trailblazing brothers and sisters.
If you notice, as I mentioned Hurts three times, shout
out to Jalen Hurts. He's a Super Bowl MVP who
scored three touchdowns and he's a black man. Talk about
(11:10):
symbolism and excellence rolled into one. The man is breaking
barriers and setting new standards on and off the field.
His success is a powerful reminder of what we can
achieve and a beacon of black excellence. So remember, folks,
it's essential to take action. Support the Blackout Days, uplift
(11:30):
black owned businesses, and celebrate our contributions across industries. Stay
strong and stay real people, all right, beautiful people. We've
touched on a lot of ground today. From Kendrick Lamar's
powerful Super Bowl performance and the impactful symbolism, to the
importance of the upcoming Blackout Days and supporting our black businesses,
(11:54):
it's been a ride. Each segment highlighted the significance of
our history and the strength within our community. Remember, Black
History isn't just a month. It's a lifetime of learning, celebrating,
and acknowledging our stories and contributions. So let's get out
there and make a difference. Mark your calendars for February
(12:17):
twenty eight for Blackout Day and March three for the
Amazon Blackout, and don't forget to swing by and support
Chubby Chicks in Philly if you can. It's time we
put our words into action and show the world the
power of the black dollar. This is keeping it real
now and I miss unapologetic signing off. Be sure to
(12:38):
check the show notes for any links in further details
mentioned in today's episode. Stay strong, stay bold, and most importantly,
keep it real. See you next time.
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