Serena Williams' Crip Walk at Super Bowl Halftime Show Sparks Nostalgia and Controversy: A Nod to LA Roots and Past Wimbledon Criticism
Tennis legend Serena Williams made an unexpected appearance during rapper Kendrick Lamar's halftime performance at the Super Bowl on Sunday, captivating audiences with her rendition of the crip walk—a dance move with origins in Los Angeles. The performance highlighted the shared cultural roots of Williams and Lamar, both of whom have deep ties to the city.
However, the crip walk also reignited memories of a past controversy involving Williams. During the 2012 London Olympics, after defeating Maria Sharapova to win a gold medal, Williams celebrated with a similar dance at Wimbledon. At the time, critics argued that the move was inappropriate, accusing it of glorifying gang violence. Williams addressed the backlash in a video posted on She added, "It was all love," referring to her Super Bowl performance.
The crip walk originated in the 1970s among members of the Crips, a street gang based in Los Angeles. Over time, it became a popular dance move within the hip-hop community, particularly among those connected to LA. Williams has consistently defended her 2012 celebration, with many supporters arguing that the criticism she faced was excessive and racially charged. "It was just a dance," Williams stated at the time.
Beyond the dance, Williams' Super Bowl cameo drew attention for another reason. The 43-year-old tennis icon was once romantically linked to rapper Drake, who is Lamar's rival and the subject of his Grammy-winning diss track, Not Like Us. Lamar apparently referenced Williams in the track, warning Drake, "better not speak on Serena." Williams, a Compton, California native, has been married to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian since 2017.
Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance was a star-studded affair, with appearances by notable figures such as Taylor Swift, Lionel Messi, Jay-Z, and even former President Donald Trump. The show not only celebrated music and culture but also sparked conversations about identity, history, and the power of artistic expression.
Enhancing Your Understanding: Key Sources and References
To provide a deeper insight into Serena Williams' surprise Super Bowl appearance, the cultural significance of the crip walk, and the broader context of her involvement in Kendrick Lamar's halftime show, we've curated a list of authoritative sources. These references offer valuable perspectives on the history, controversies, and personal connections tied to this iconic moment. Whether you're exploring the origins of the crip walk, the dynamics between Lamar and Drake, or Williams' response to past criticisms, these links will enrich your understanding of the story.
1.Serena Williams' Crip Walk at Super Bowl Halftime Show
- Discusses Serena Williams' surprise cameo and the cultural significance of the crip walk1.
2.Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show Featuring Serena Williams
- Provides details about Kendrick Lamar's performance and Serena Williams' involvement3.
3.Origin and Meaning of the Crip Walk
- Explains the history of the crip walk and its connection to Serena Williams and Kendrick Lamar4.
4.Serena Williams' Response to Super Bowl Performance
- Highlights Serena Williams' humorous reaction to her crip walk at the Super Bowl9.
5.Cultural and Personal Significance of Serena's Cameo
- Analyzes the deeper meaning behind Serena Williams' appearance and its connection to her past controversies10.
6.Kendrick Lamar's Feud with Drake and Serena's Role
- Explores the dynamics between Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and Serena Williams during the Super Bowl performance11.
7.Serena Williams' History with Drake and Crip Walk Controversy
- Discusses Serena Williams' past controversies and her connection to the crip walk8.
8.Serena Williams' Viral Super Bowl Appearance
- Breaks down why Serena Williams' cameo was such a big deal and its impact on social media7.
