Dr Dre was joined by an all-star cast of hip-hop royalty for a nostalgic Super Bowl half-time show in California – with the performance seen as a love letter to black history in Los Angeles.
Dre’s proteges Snoop Dogg, Eminem and 50 Cent were joined by Kendrick Lamar and R&B queen Mary J Blige for the show at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
Dre and Snoop opened the show with the Next Episode, which was performed on top of a mock-up community housing project with low-riding cars.
It was followed by the west coast rap anthem California Love, with Dre rapping the lyrics that had originally been delivered by the late Tupac Shakur.
From left: Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Dr Dre, Mary J Blige and Snoop Dogg performed a medley of hip-hop classics. Pic: AP
Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre performed the Next Episode and California Love. Pic: AP
50 Cent then made a surprise appearance as he opened his hit In Da Club while hanging upside down from part of the set – a callback to the music video for the track that was released in 2003.
Mary J Blige followed, showing off her vocal range as she performed alongside slickly choreographed dancers in sparkling one-piece costumes.
Lamar then took to the stage with his own group of dancers who were dressed in all-black suits, wearing sashes reading “Dre Day”.
Eminem was then joined by a band as he performed his hit Lose Yourself – at one point taking a knee in an apparent tribute to former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s protests against police brutality.
The performers assembled together on the roof of the set for a final performance of Still Dre, while members of the 70,000-strong crowd clutched lanyards with LED lights that flashed in coordination with the music.
Mary Blige took to the stage after 50 Cent. Pic: AP
Eminem performed his track Lose Yourself
Eminem took the knee in an apparent protest message
The Los Angeles Rams took on the Cincinnati Bengal for what was the 56th running of the NFL’s showpiece event.
The Rams claimed a late touchdown to win the contest 23-20.
The Super Bowl is one of the biggest cultural events in the US and also featured the usual Hollywood star power, with blockbuster film trailers and celebrity-filled adverts appearing during the many commercial breaks.
The artists performed on top of a mock-up of a housing project
The Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl with a late touchdown. Pic: AP
A 30-second slot at this year’s Super Bowl reportedly cost about $7m (£5m).
This year’s offering saw Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd team up for an offbeat crisps advert, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Salma Hayek become Greek Gods to sell BMWs, and original cast members of the Sopranos recreate their famous opening credits for Chevrolet.
Mike Myers also reprised his role as dastardly comic villain Dr Evil for an Austin Powers themed sketch to promote electric vehicles.
The Super Bowl was opened by actor Dwayne Johnson, who channelled his former pro-wrestler persona The Rock to welcome the world to the game.
