Ahhh, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.
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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
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.
“Drake From State Farm” (2021)
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)
“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)
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)
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 
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