Megan Thee Stallion did not mince words during her SNL performance

Megan Thee Stallion used her platform on SNL to send a message about social justice and protecting Black women. 

The self-proclaimed “Savage” artist did not waste time beating around the bush on Saturday Night Live‘s 46th season premiere this weekend.

Megan Thee Stallion took advantage of her stoplight on NBC’s SNL to shed light on social justice issues. On stage to perform her No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 track “Savage,” the 25-year-old artist incorporated a mid-song social messaging break.

The audio played messages from activists, and after each figurative bullet point, an audio bullet would sound off as Megan Thee Stallion and her four backup dancers raised a fist in the air. One of the bites included activist Tamika Mallory calling out Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron as he made the final ruling in the Breonna Taylor trial. Afterward, the “WAP”-featured artist shared a message of her own.

Watch Megan Thee Stallion’s SNL performance here:

“We need to protect our Black women and love our Black women. Because at the end of the day, we need our Black women,” Megan Thee Stallion said on the mic. “We need to protect our Black men and stand up for our Black men. Because at the end of the day, we are tired of seeing hashtags of our Black men.”

After the message, she proceeded to perform her 2020 hit song.

How Megan Thee Stallion Is Showing Growth as an Artist

Taking the opportunity to use her platform at that moment was nothing short of brilliant. It only added to what was already a wonderful performance, and it really showed the growth of this young artist. Sliding in social justice messages through music is nothing new, as Sam Cook and other past artists have notoriously done. However, Megan Thee Stallion’s decision to incorporate sound bites, calligraphy behind, and raising her fist in the air while standing in solidarity with her dancers is a moment that will be iconic for SNL and television music performances in general. For viewers, it really does leave a lasting impression. 

Throughout the entire performance the words “protect Black women” could be spotted behind the rapper. This past summer, she was reportedly shot in the foot on July 16. Rather than be supported, there were celebrities and media outlets that teased the musician. Then, she was vocal about the notion that Black women need to feel protected and resented Tory Lanez for making a diss track about the alleged incident titled “Money Over Fallouts,” as Megan Thee Stallion admitted Lanez is the one who shot her. Beyond her situation, Megan Thee Stallion also stood for those of the likes of Breonna Taylor and all Black men and women who are victims of police brutality.

The season 46 premiere of SNL was the series most viewed premiere in four years. Megan Thee Stallion definitely made the most of it.

What did you think about Megan Thee Stallion’s performance on Saturday Night Live? Is it in your top five favorite music performances on SNL? Let us know in the comments below.