Should Lil Wayne have been tapped for the Super Bowl halftime show?
Kendrick Lamar’s beef with Drake led to one of the biggest songs of the summer, now the Compton, California native will headline the biggest show of the year.
On Sunday it was announced that the “Not Like Us” rapper will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show.
In a statement, Lamar said, “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date and I’ll be there to remind the world why.”
“Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer,” Jay-Z, the founder of Roc Nation, said in a statement. “His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
Jay-Z’s Roc Nation currently has a partnership with the league as the NFL’s official Live Music Entertainment Strategist.
However, not everyone thinks he was the correct choice.
Considering Super Bowl LIX will be taking place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana many felt that rapper Lil Wayne, who was born and raised in the Big Easy, should’ve been chosen instead.
Rapper and entrepreneur Master P, who also hails from New Orleans, weighed in on the matter in a post to Instagram on Sunday.
The No Limit Records founder congratulated Lamar on the announcement and called it “well deserved” as he’s “one of the hottest music artists in the world and has one of the biggest songs right now.”
“As Ambassador of Entertainment in the City of New Orleans I have to agree with the fans that Lil Wayne should be a part of this celebration as well,” he wrote. “He’s one of the greatest hip-hop artists alive, still relevant and he’s a New Orleans native. Let’s not miss this cultural moment in the South. Life is too short! We have to give our legends their flowers while they are here.”
He then tagged the NFL, Jay-Z and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
Also weighing in is Wayne’s longtime engineer and friend, Fabian Marasciullo. On his since-expired Instagram story, he wrote that he was “confused” and “disappointed, angry, but most of all, inspired,” according to Complex.
“Will never again be in a position or have the GOAT in a position where we are at the mercy of someone else’s decision,” he wrote. “We will make the decisions.”
Rapper Juvenile, who is a New Orleans native and Wayne’s former Hot Boys bandmate, asked his followers on X, formerly Twitter how they felt about the halftime show decision.
“Honestly it should’ve been you , Lil Wayne , Mannie Fresh, Hot Boyz and the Rebirth Brass Band,” commented one user pointing out that the show doesn’t appear to include any New Orleans talent.
“To be honest it’s the Super Bowl if I’m looking at from an entertainment perspective the right decision was made, morally no,” commented another.
“I feel we should proud that the NFL halftime shows have been our people performing these last years! That’s an honor! They could have Garth Brooks or Lady Gaga up there. And nobody would say a word! Let Kendrick Work!!!” another commented.
Wayne’s former protégé, rapper Nicki Minaj, took to X on Monday morning and engaged in a multi-post tirade about him not being chosen.
“Denying a young Black man what he rightfully put into this game for no other reason but your ego. Your hatred for Birdman, Drake and Nicki got you punishing Lil Wayne?!?!!! LIL WAYNE!!!!!!!!!! THE GOAT?!!!!!!!!!!!” she wrote. “NOLA what’s good?!!!!!! Eminem stood firm on having 50 Cent come out.”
The “Pink Friday” rapper explained how Wayne helped her and fellow rapper Drake come up in the business before anyone even knew their names.
“This man has literally changed the FACE of hip-hop. The hair too,” she continued. “He inspired so many to (tattoo) their faces and get (dreadlocks). Inspired your faves to wanna be a great MC.”
In 2022, Lamar performed alongside Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Snoop Dogg for the Super Bowl LVI halftime show at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. 50 Cent was included as a surprise guest. West Coast natives Dre, Snoop and Lamar paid homage to their hometown and that specific West Coast hip-hop sound.
Many feel Wayne should be able to do the same in New Orleans.
The “A Milli” rapper can still make an appearance. He and Kendrick have a song together, 2018’s “Mona Lisa.”
Super Bowl LIX takes place on Feb. 9, 2025.
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