In an interview with Ebro Darden and Nadeska Alexis on Apple Music, Kendrick Lamar spoke about what inspired him to pivot from the intimate approach he took on Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers to the hyper-localized,

Kendrick Lamar’s ascension to the top of the rap game has no parallel. Equally lauded for his lyrics, songwriting, creativity and perspective, Lamar has amassed a catalog that nimbly balances self-reflection and analysis of the world around him.

Lamar, himself, is no stranger to the halftime show. Three years ago at the Super Bowl LVI, he performed alongside two of the greatest rappers to come from the West Coast: Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. But what feels so monumental about this moment, in particular, is that Lamar has been able to puncture the mainstream in his own way—on his own terms.

Ahead of his Super Bowl halftime show, a look at how the rapper has turned introspective rhymes into his own visual language.