After much anticipation, Dr. Dre put on for the West Coast and hip-hop with one of the most epic halftime shows ever at Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. on Sunday (Feb. 13).
The hip-hop icon was joined by his famous friends including Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. Dre and Snoop opened the nearly 14-minute celebration with “The Next Episode” while perched atop an elaborate all-white set resembling their hometown.
“West Coast make some noise,” Dre said before launching into “California Love.”
“Been in the game for 30 years,” rapped the 56-year-old icon while reminding the 100 million viewers of his legendary status.
Surprise guest 50 Cent then emerged for a performance of “In Da Club,” recreating his iconic music video while hanging upside down in a box.
Mary J. was in the spot and looking fly as ever while performing her Dre-produced hit “Family Affair” before delivering an emotional performance of her power ballad “No More Drama” that left goosebumps.
The excitement was palpable as King Kendrick made his return to the stage with “Alright,” backed by an army of dancers.
Then it was time for Eminem to get lost in the moment. Backed by Anderson .Paak on drums, Slim Shady commanded the crowd with some lines from “Forgot About Dre,” followed by his Oscar-winning anthem “Lose Yourself.” He ended his set by taking a knee, an apparent nod to Colin Kaepernick’s NFL protest.
Dre then took the stage beside Em to play the first notes of “Still D.R.E.” on the piano before his fellow legends accompanied him, capping off a historic night.
Prior to Sunday’s show, Snoop reflected on what the moment means for his city and hip-hop. “This is what hip-hop and the NFL is supposed to be about, representing change, about moving forward,” he said. “We appreciate the NFL for even entertaining hip-hop. We know a lot of people didn’t want hip-hop on stage, but we here now and ain’t nothin’ you can do about it.”
