ASL Club Hosts Super Bowl Halftime Performer Matt Maxey

A virtual meeting with a Super Bowl halftime performer gave Pine-Richland High School’s American Sign Language (ASL) Club a new perspective on accessibility in music at their April 29 club meeting. 

The club hosted Matt Maxey, founder of Deafinitely Dope, which focuses on making music and live events accessible for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The conversation was led by club officers Preet Saini, Sarah Puthenpurayil, and Lexi Alexander, all juniors at Pine-Richland High School.

Mr. Maxey shared his journey from Decatur, Georgia, to interpreting at Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show in 2025, along with how his background and experiences shaped his passion for accessibility. Born with profound hearing loss, he described the culture shock he experienced when he began attending Gallaudet University and learning ASL.

His rise to prominence began with YouTube videos that combined sign language and hip hop to introduce Deaf audiences to the genre and elements of Black Atlanta culture. These videos led to opportunities such as performing at Bonnaroo with Chance the Rapper and joining his tour, partnering with corporations, and interpreting in commercials.

When selected to interpret Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance, Mr. Maxey had just one week to prepare for the 13-minute show and had to handle Mr. Lamar’s ad-libs on the fly.

Mr. Maxey concluded the session by teaching students how to sign a few popular slang terms and, when asked what advice he’d offer high school students, encouraged them to consider how they can give back to their communities.

“Building a club that creates lasting impact is something we prioritize, so Matt Maxey helped remind us that we're not only learning a language, but stepping into someone's community that has fought hard to be seen, heard, and included,” said Preet. “I'm so grateful that he took the time to share his journey with us. When someone as accomplished as him says ‘keep doing what you're doing,’ it inspires our club to keep spreading awareness and working hard every day.”