Punch Claps Back at Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Critics: “Since When Did Hip Hop Want to Fit In?”
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was a cultural moment—but not everyone was impressed. While many praised his electrifying set, some critics, including conservative pundits and hip-hop personalities like Kai Cenat and Charlamagne Tha God, had their doubts. That didn’t sit well with TDE president Terrence “Punch” Henderson, who wasted no time defending Kendrick and the essence of hip-hop.
Kai Cenat, who attended the game in New Orleans, went live on Twitch, claiming the NFL added fake crowd noise to the broadcast. “Oh my God, they added sound effects,” he said. “I was there—the crowd was making no noise.” He acknowledged the symbolism of Kendrick’s performance but insisted the live audience wasn’t as hyped as it seemed on TV.
Charlamagne, meanwhile, took issue with the setlist, saying it was “too Drake-heavy” and that Kendrick shouldn’t have performed “Not Like Us.” He argued that the song was just a moment, not something that defines Kendrick’s legacy. “At the end of the set, it said ‘game over,’ and I really hope it is at this point,” he said on The Breakfast Club.
Punch wasn’t having it. He took to social media to remind everyone what hip-hop stands for.
“Seeing all of the commentary surrounding the Super Bowl performance, it’s showing that we lost sight of what we’ve always fought for… to be who WE ARE as artists of Hip Hop Culture,” he wrote on X. “Since when did we want to fit in with the mainstream?? lol. Sure, we want the mainstream platforms, but only to do US. Authentically us. That’s what always made Hip Hop so appealing.”
Hollywood, another TDE executive, joined the conversation and took a direct shot at Kai Cenat, implying his criticism came from jealousy. “This n-gga MAD MAD cause he didn’t have access to Dot’s suite!!! Lol… I was there, that’s what it is!!” he wrote on Instagram.
Despite the backlash, one thing isn’t up for debate—Kendrick’s impact. His performance pulled in a staggering 133.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show ever, surpassing even Michael Jackson’s legendary 1993 performance.
Love it or hate it, Kendrick made history.