The American Carnival Archives - Andscape

Illustration of potential Super Bowl performers -Justin Bieber, JAŸ-Z and Beyoncé, Cardi B, Harry Styles and Taylor Swift.

Culture

‘The American Carnival’: Halftime power rankings

The road to America’s grandest stage has already begun

By Justin Tinsley

An illustration of performers at the Super Bowl, including Rihanna, Bad Bunny, Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Michael Jackson and Beyoncé.

Culture

Michael Jackson and the night the Super Bowl stood still

Michael Jackson’s 1993 Super Bowl halftime show didn’t just captivate a stadium — it forced the NFL to rethink what halftime could be.

By Justin Tinsley

Artist rendering of Jay-Z at a desk with a framed younger photo of himself plus a football, Super Bowl trophy and Grammy Award.

Culture

JAŸ-Z is re-entering a different America

Despite his Super Bowl halftime success, JAŸ-Z’s empire has become a mirror for collective cynicism about power and ascent.

By Justin Tinsley