The Super Bowl LVI halftime show was last night, and if you’re like us, you’ve been waiting for this moment for what seems like an eternity. When it was previously announced that Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg and Eminem would be headlining this year, our excitement kicked in early. Sure, we’ve seen these powerhouse acts put on a heck of a show individually, but the thought of them all being on the same stage at the same time? Absolute magic. As predicted, the show did not disappoint and was full of surprises that only confirmed what we already know — everyone in this lineup is a legend and should be addressed as such.

To commemorate this iconic performance, we’ve come up with seven of our favorite takeaways from this year’s halftime show.

1. 50 Cent’s surprise appearance

Listen, if there’s one thing that 50 Cent is going to give us, it’s glistening biceps and good storytelling. We were so excited to see him recreate his hit “In Da Club” music video during his surprise appearance. From the nostalgia to the surprise appearance in itself, it was everything.

2. Mary J. Blige’s setlist

Any Mary J. Blige live performance is bound to be a hit and this was no different. Not only were we in awe of that fabulous silver look she donned but her setlist of hits that we all know and love. This is a Mary J. Blige stan account and we were living for a walk down memory lane.

3. Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s teaming up

With this year’s Super Bowl taking place in California, of course, it made sense for Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg to put on for their home state. It wasn’t enough for these two icons to support one another on this significant day for Californians but to perform some of their greatest hits? We weren’t ready. The synergy was absolutely, positively, on point. We love to see it!

4. Kendrick Lamar’s unapologetic Blackness

What one has to appreciate about Kendrick Lamar is the rapper’s interspersing of his unapologetic Blackness in his performances. This was no different! Whether it was performing “Alright” on one of the world’s biggest stages at a time where Black lives are still being mercilessly slain to his dancers clad in “Dre Day,” referencing one of Dr. Dre’s more popular songs, Kendrick took this opportunity to prove what we already know – he’s for the culture and he is the culture.

5. Anderson .Paak on the drums

Performing alongside some of the biggest names in Black Hollywood could’ve been daunting for Eminem, but he certainly held his own by putting a very talented person on the drums during his set. That drummer in question? Anderson .Paak! Not only was this a pleasant surprise, but it showed the beauty that transpires when white people take up space and pass the microphone to Black creatives. Well done!

6. Dr. Dre on the piano

Dr. Dre is a man of many talents, but who knew playing the piano was one of them? The California native pulled out all the stops for this year’s halftime show, including how to effortlessly slay piano keys in front of millions of viewers.

7. The irony in Eminem’s performance

A highlight of the night was the irony present in Eminem’s set. Ending his performance on a bended knee after recent years of the NFL condemning former NFL player Colin Kaepernick for doing the same thing. Isn't it funny how these things work out? Shout out to Eminem!

It’ll take us a minute to recover from this display of utter Black excellence. From Mary J. Blige’s fabulous ensemble to 50 Cent’s surprise appearance, this halftime show will go down in the books as one of the greatest performances. What was your favorite part?

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