Kendrick Lamar’s performance at the 58th annual Grammys, rapping songs from his most recent album “To Pimp a Butterfly” and preaching about equal rights for African Americans, caused people to create unneeded commotion over his lyrics.

The performance started out with Lamar in chains, followed by the rest of his chain gang portraying the age of mass black incarceration. He then rapped part of his song “The Blacker the Berry,” leading into “Alright,” portraying the suffering and struggle of African Americans throughout his performance. The performance ended with a section of an unreleased song and a projected image of Africa with “Compton” written across it.

Anyone familiar with Lamar’s lyrics understands that they portray deep and powerful meaning with regard to the struggles of African Americans. The controversy of his performance centered around the appropriateness at this family-friendly award ceremony. Others also worried his lyrics presented an “anti-police” message.

Lamar’s songs speak toward powerful and difficult social issues about racial inequality. He mentioned the date Feb. 26, 2012, the day of Trayvon Martin’s murder, saying “I lost my life too … (It) set us back another 400 years.” His performance made a much needed impact for racial equality and Lamar received unreasonable accusations for his lyrics.

His words in the performance continued to inspire and terrify his audience. Even those who support him have to process the lyrics carefully when he raps because of the power of his message.

Everyone must disregard the controversy over Lamar’s performance because when fighting for an issue as important as racial equality, people need to make a massive impact. The Grammys are the best venue for Lamar’s message because he won multiple awards for “To Pimp a Butterfly.”

Lamar inspired many of the 25 million people watching this year’s Grammys with his powerful lyrics and visual performance. By using his influence on the millions of people who listen to his music, Lamar continues the fight toward racial equality, and uses it to his public image to inspire change.

With regard to Lamar’s performance, the ends justify the means. Just because the lyrics may not have been easy to hear, they share a valuable message.

Well-spoken people use their gifts to create shocking performances like Lamar’s. Oppression must not be chiseled away slowly through small actions. Moving toward racial equality requires massive and controlled blows from people striving to make an impact.