Take a Blast From the Super Bowl Commercials Past With These 5 Ads

Just ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl LVI, we take a look back of the some of the best Blackity-black commercials in the last five years.

Michael B. Jordan as Amazon’s Alexa in a 2021 Super Bowl ad. Screenshot: YouTube/Hoop Hits-NBA Highlights

Ahhh, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Two alligators bang on a door at a Florida home and social media is going crazy

No, not Christmas. No, not Black Panther anniversary release date (what? I know I’m not the only one who still remembers that glorious occasion but I digress.)

It’s time to grab your latest Los Angeles Rams or Cincinnati Bengals jersey and head to the nearest couch (or airplane headed to LA) to gear up for the upcoming Super Bowl LVI.

If you’re anything like me though, you’re probably less excited for the game and more excited for yet another reason to veg out with all your favorite snacks while surrounded by your family and friends. You’re also probably more interested in the Halftime Show performances and commercials set to air during the game than the actual game itself.

If you found yourself nodding your head in agreement, then join me as we take a look back at some of the best of Blackity-black Super Bowl commercials from the last 5 years. From Morgan Freeman to Cardi B., the commercials of the past have been pretty promising. Here’s hoping that this year’s will continue in the same pattern.

Michael B(ae) Jordan as Amazon Alexa- 2021

Screenshot: YouTube/Hoop Hits-NBA Highlights

When a simple Amazon Alexa shopper stumbled into the store looking at the brand new model, I wonder if she knew the glorious montage of daydreams featuring People’s 2021 Sexiest Man Alive and Creed star Michael B. Jordan that awaited her.

I’m not gonna sit here and lie to y’all, if I got the notice I’d get to sit in a tub adorned with candles and mood lighting with Michael as he seductively read my favorite novel, I’d be the envy of all my girlfriends (as I’m sure the actress in this commercial was once it aired during last year’s Super Bowl.)

To be fair though, I can’t give this commercials success all to MBJ. The confused and bothered husband who could tell his wife was having an emotional affair with “Alexa,” shined in his role as well. He brought equal parts jealousy and hilarity which only further cements this ads place in the best of the best commercials.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KreKbHwCilY

“Drake From State Farm” (2021)

Screenshot: YouTube/Highlight Hell

As The Root’s resident Drake stan, you know I couldn’t make this list without including this State Farm commercial from 2021.

While the premise was suppose to surround arguably confusing stand-ins for football stars like Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes, it was the multi Grammy-winning stand-in for “Jake from State Farm” that ultimately stole the show. Enter none other than the Certified Lover Boy himself: Drake. Obviously not getting the hint that he’s only there to serve as backup for Jake, this slightly awkward show down between the SF representatives were both cringe and hella funny at the same time.

I don’t know if it was Drake’s intimidating stare at the end or his intense bite into the apple that sealed the deal for me but all I know is: State Farm missed a huge opp to make some Drake from State Farm plush toys. I mean, I’d buy it, wouldn’t you? (OK, you probably wouldn’t but there’s a market for everything!)

“Is Pepsi OK or Okurrrrrr?” (2019)

Screenshot: YouTube/Pepsi

“Is Pepsi OK or okurrrrrr?” seems to be the central question in this 2019 Pepsi ad featuring Cardi B.

Still riding high from the success of her debut album Invasion of Privacy, the popular soft drink tapped the “Bodak Yellow” artist to bring her signature flair to the Super Bowl commercials stage. The spot was filled with a chorus of confused “okurrrr”’s (that’s OK in Cardi B-speak if you haven’t caught on yet) from restaurant-goers until a waiter finally corrected everyone.

What ensured next was a barrage of noises and voices that only a mother could bare to listen to for a long period of time. But, if I’m completely honest with you all, I still use “okurrrr” weekly. I know, I know!

There’s always some moment, good or bad, that warrants it! What can I say, it just rolls right off the tongue.

Hollaaaa! Listen to Morgan Freeman/Missy Elliott, Now (2018)

Screenshot: YouTube/Ad Trends

OK, so truth be told, this Mountain Dew ad from 2018 is acutally two-fold.

Part one included Cyrano actor Peter Dinklage rapping to Busta Rhymes’ verse in Chris Brown’s song “Look At Me Now” to promote the Doritos flavor Blaze. He did a pretty fire job too, I gotta give it to him. But the real winner in this rap battle of sorts is Morgan Freeman, who completely BODIED Missy Elliott’s song “Get Ur Freak On” for his promo spot for Mountain Dew. I knew Freeman was too cool for school, but this ad made him even more ice cold. Legend things, I suppose.

Part of me can’t help but wonder, though, how an actual monologue of Freeman just saying Elliott’s verse would’ve turned out. I mean, he is the voice of God after all. (If you don’t understand that reference, this article is too old for you.)

Sprite Can’t Tell LeBron What to Do (2016)

Screenshot: YouTube/Lakers Basketball

In this 2016 Sprite ad, it’s clear that LeBron James’ wife Savannah is the only person that can tell him what to do.

A multi-million dollar campaign involving yet another popular soft drink can’t nor can rapper Lil Yatchy convince the NBA star to do the one thing he agreed to show up to do: tell people to drink Sprite. Even though there’s Sprite drinks littered all throughout this commercial and a huge sign with LeBron’s lines on it that says, and I quote, “drink Sprite.”

But none of that will word for James because, in his words, it’s much easier to ask you to drink a Sprite, instead of demanding that you do. (Duh, ad execs! The man knows what he’s talking about!) Sure, this may not have been one of the best commercials but this has LeBron “The GOAT” James in it and a drink that’s been common-place on Black folks’ table since the 80s. Did you really think I was not going to include it? You should have a Sprite and go think about.

And after you’re done, I’ll meet you on the virtual couch for this years Super Bowl LVI, airing Sunday Feb. 13 at 6:30pm ET.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

These 15 Beloved White Hollywood Icons Have a Racist Past

These 15 Beloved White Hollywood Icons Have a Racist Past

From John Wayne to Doris Day, these 15 Hollywood stars have been accused of being racist …
New Black TV Shows You Need to Watch This Spring

New Black TV Shows You Need to Watch This Spring

Kerry Washington, Chase Infiniti and more are starring in hot new shows that you need to tap into right now! …
Breaking: Tiger Woods Arrested, Charged With DUI After Rollover Crash in FL

Breaking: Tiger Woods Arrested, Charged With DUI After Rollover Crash in FL

Legendary golfer Tiger Woods was just involved in a rollover crash in Florida almost five years after a previous car accident almost cost his life …
A Latino Man Breaks Down Hispanic's ‘Polite’ Racism Black People Probably Won’t Notice Immediately

A Latino Man Breaks Down Hispanic’s ‘Polite’ Racism Black People Probably Won’t Notice Immediately

A Latino TikToker just said the quiet part out loud, explaining how Hispanics are indeed racist towards Black people and exactly how they do it in front of you …
Howard University Launches Cardi B-Inspired Hip Hop Course

Howard University Launches Cardi B-Inspired Hip Hop Course

Howard University has just announced a new Cardi B-inspired Hip Hop course for students, and we have the tea! …
Arsenio Hall Reveals Why We Have Eddie Murphy to Thank For Keeping 'Coming to America' From Getting Scrapped

Arsenio Hall Reveals Why We Have Eddie Murphy to Thank For Keeping ‘Coming to America’ From Getting Scrapped

‘Coming to America’ may be a beloved cult classic now, but according to star Arsenio Hall, it almost didn’t see the light of day. Now we know what turned things around! …
Here is Why Druski Is Winning!

Here is Why Druski Is Winning!

Druski is not avoiding controversy. He just understands the culture well enough to get it right and build an audience of millions …
Former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay Weighs in on the Show's Current Scandal

Former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay Weighs in on the Show’s Current Scandal

Former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay speaks out on the current season’s major scandal. Let’s break it down …
A Running List of Everything President Trump Is Planning to Name After Himself

A Running List of Everything President Trump Is Planning to Name After Himself

From $100 bills with Trump’s signature on it to renaming several buildings in his honor, here’s everything President Trump has named or renamed after himself …
State Comptroller Targeted More than 15,000 Businesses Owned by Women & People of Color — And It Wasn’t an Accident

State Comptroller Targeted More than 15,000 Businesses Owned by Women & People of Color — And It Wasn’t an Accident

Texas businesses owned by women and people of color just filed a landmark lawsuit against the State …
Black Women Have Proven Their Worth. So Why Are They Being Targeted?

Black Women Have Proven Their Worth. So Why Are They Being Targeted?

Despite historic gains in degrees and entrepreneurship, nearly 600,000 Black women were “economically sidelined” in 2025 alone, according to Fortune. Credentials and hard work have not shielded them from glaring pay gaps, bias or stalled advancement …
Here's a Full Timeline of Trump's Years-Long Beef with AG Letitia James

Here’s a Full Timeline of Trump’s Years-Long Beef with AG Letitia James

If you’re not caught up with the latest beef between Trump and Letitia James, don’t worry. We have you covered with everything to know since 2022 …
HBCU Alumni Score Higher in Brain Health Than PWI Peers, New Study Finds

HBCU Alumni Score Higher in Brain Health Than PWI Peers, New Study Finds

A new study shows that the HBCU experience may actually be connected to a lifetime of well-being …
Rihanna Gives Firsthand Account of Home Shooting Incident

Rihanna Gives Firsthand Account of Home Shooting Incident

New details from Rihanna are emerging about her unfortunate home shooting from Let’s get into it …
Druski Goes Viral With Hilarious Skit on 'Conservative Women in America'

Druski Goes Viral With Hilarious Skit on ‘Conservative Women in America’

Fan-favorite comedian Druski transforms into a satirical “Christian conservative” character, sparking millions of views and a heated online debate …
82 and Fabulous: Diana Ross's Style Through the Years

82 and Fabulous: Diana Ross’s Style Through the Years

As ‘The Boss’ turns another year older, we thought it’d be fitting to revel in the fabulous fashions of the legendary singer over the years. Let’s take a look! …
TikToker Finds Jill Scott’s Family Photos at Goodwill and Launches Mission to Return Them

TikToker Finds Jill Scott’s Family Photos at Goodwill and Launches Mission to Return Them

After stumbling across Jill Scott’s family photos in Goodwill, one TikToker user has returned the precious memories back to the singer …
New Details In Kandi Burruss Divorce From Todd Tucker

New Details In Kandi Burruss Divorce From Todd Tucker

The divorce settlement details between ‘RHOA’ star Kandi Burruss and ex Todd Tucker have been released. Let’s take a look! …
Verzuz, Once Beloved, Is Now Dead. We Just Haven’t Buried It Yet.

Verzuz, Once Beloved, Is Now Dead. We Just Haven’t Buried It Yet.

Professor: It gave us everything we needed in 2020 and nothing we need now …
Why Serena Williams' Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Why Serena Williams’ Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Serena Williams has unfortunately reignited more talks of potential skin bleaching thank to new posts on social media. And folks online are not happy! …