Tennis legend Serena Williams made a surprise appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s electrifying halftime performance at the Super Bowl on Sunday, showcasing her signature Crip Walk – a dance move with deep roots in Los Angeles culture.
The brief but striking moment was a nod to both Williams’ and Lamar’s shared heritage in the city. However, the performance also evoked memories of a past controversy, when Williams faced criticism for executing the same dance after winning gold at the London 2012 Olympics by defeating Maria Sharapova.
At the time, critics argued that the Crip Walk was an inappropriate choice of celebration, accusing Williams of glorifying gang culture. Some claimed the move, which originated in the 1970s from members of the Crips, a Los Angeles-based street gang, carried negative connotations. However, it has since been widely embraced in the hip-hop and entertainment community as a symbol of West Coast culture.
In a lighthearted response to the resurfaced debate, Williams posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) from behind the scenes at the Super Bowl.
“Man, I did not Crip Walk like that at Wimbledon,” she laughed. “Oh, I would’ve been fined.”
She added, “It was all love,” referring to her appearance during Lamar’s set.
A dance of heritage or controversy?
Williams’ performance has reignited discussions around the significance of the Crip Walk. Some argue that its origins in gang culture cannot be overlooked, while others see it as a dance move that has transcended its past, becoming a mainstream expression of pride and heritage for many in Los Angeles.
Williams has previously defended herself against criticism of her 2012 Wimbledon celebration, insisting that it was simply a dance and not intended as a statement. Many of her supporters also felt the backlash was excessive, with some suggesting it had racial undertones.
“It was just a dance,” Williams stated at the time.
Her latest performance at the Super Bowl appears to reaffirm her stance – a confident and unapologetic embrace of her roots.
A surprising connection to kendrick lamar’s diss track
While Williams’ dance captured headlines, her cameo also raised eyebrows for another reason. The 43-year-old has long been rumoured to have dated Canadian rapper Drake, who happens to be Lamar’s rival. Lamar’s track Not Like Us, which he performed during the halftime show, is widely regarded as a scathing diss aimed at Drake.
In the song, Lamar even appears to reference Williams, rapping that Drake “better not speak on Serena.” The lyric has been interpreted by fans as a pointed warning about their alleged history.
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Serena Williams: A sporting and cultural icon
Williams, who hails from Compton, California, has never shied away from celebrating her background. Over the years, she has used her platform to highlight both the struggles and triumphs of Black athletes and has been a vocal advocate for social issues.
Since retiring from professional tennis, she has remained in the public eye, focusing on her business ventures, philanthropy, and family life. She has been married to Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, since 2017, and the couple share two daughters.
Her Super Bowl appearance, brief as it was, reaffirms her status as not only a sporting icon but also a cultural force to be reckoned with. Whether intentional or not, her dance reignited a long-standing debate, highlighting the complex intersections between sport, music, and cultural identity.
As discussions continue, one thing is clear: Serena Williams remains a powerhouse, both on and off the court.
