Bill Maher is rarely left without words, but that’s exactly what happened after hearing Kid Rock’s take on Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance.
During the latest episode of Real Time on HBO, Maher asked the musician—who has been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and a critic of DEI initiatives—what he thought about the show. Some opponents of DEI policies had taken issue with the performance for featuring only artists of color.
“To put it nicely, it wasn’t my cup of tea, but I got to respect it,” Kid Rock replied. “And here’s why: I grew up loving, emulating all things hip-hop, break dancing, deejaying, graffiti, rapping, and so I understand the culture a little bit more than most. And when I say most, of course, I mean white people.”
He went on to explain his reaction, acknowledging the mixed opinions about the show. “So watching it… after it’s a lot of things going through your head, you know, everyone’s like that sucks, this that and the other. I’m like, this kid pretty much came out figuratively with both middle fingers in the air, doing what he does for the people who love what he does unapologetically. And I don’t think he gives a frog’s fat ass what anyone thinks about it. So I go, huh, it’s pretty much how I built my whole career. I gotta respect it.”
Kid Rock then shifted gears, suggesting that former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick played a role in Lamar landing the halftime slot.
“I’ve heard nobody answer this question: how did he get that gig? Jay-Z. What happened there? I think Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar should both send Colin Kaepernick a Bundt cake and a six-pack of beer and a ‘thank you’ note with a bunch of money in it, because without him kneeling and getting everyone’s panties in a bunch over the anthem, self-included, I don’t think that happens,” he said.
Before Maher could jump in, Kid Rock continued, claiming that Lamar’s selection for the show was “the epitome of DEI blowing up” due to the NFL’s diversity efforts.
“It’s like all Black people or all people of color speaking to his crowd in the hood, Black people. It was like the most exclusive thing ever and I’m like, ‘Fuck yeah, that’s awesome.’ I’m laughing my ass off,” he added, leaving Maher momentarily stunned.
Kid Rock was part of the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show, featuring Janet Jackson, among others.
Former Rep. Tim Ryan and New York Times columnist Pamela Paul joined Maher for the episode. You can watch a clip of Maher and his guests discussing a handful of topics during the show’s “Overtime” segment above.
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