Lil Wayne’s dream to headline the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans was dashed when it was announced that Kendrick Lamar would take the stage instead.
Lil Wayne had publicly expressed his desire to perform at the Super Bowl, calling it an achievement for any artist, regardless of the teams playing or the city hosting the event. Even Deion Sanders backed him up, promising to make some calls to help.
But when the announcement came that Kendrick Lamar would be the headliner, fans and fellow rappers were left stunned and upset. Kendrick will be the first rapper to headline the halftime show solo, following a star-studded performance by Dr. Dre two years ago.
Nicki Minaj did not hold back her disappointment, accusing JAY-Z of denying Lil Wayne the opportunity due to personal issues with their camp. She questioned why Kendrick was chosen over Wayne, calling it an act driven by ego and spite. She emphasized that Wayne has contributed immensely to the rap game and deserves recognition.
Birdman joined the conversation, backing Nicki’s sentiments and calling out the disrespect shown towards Wayne. He reminded everyone of past issues between him and JAY-Z but highlighted that there was also mutual respect.
Cam’ron voiced his frustrations on his talk show, praising Kendrick but labeling the selection as wrong. He believed Wayne, a New Orleans native, deserved the spot and hinted at lingering issues between Wayne and someone influential in the halftime show selection process.
Juvenile, another New Orleans rap legend, directed his anger at the NFL. He argued that the league has hosted numerous Super Bowls in New Orleans without featuring a local hip-hop artist, and Wayne’s exclusion this time was a significant oversight.
Master P, the recently appointed entertainment ambassador for the 2025 Super Bowl, expressed his mixed feelings. While congratulating Kendrick, he urged him to bring Weezy on stage, stressing the importance of honoring local legends.
Boosie Badazz took to social media to slam the decision, calling it a slap in the face to every hip-hop legend from Louisiana. He pointed out the inconsistency in allowing local artists to perform at the California Super Bowl while neglecting Louisiana’s legends.
Hurricane Chris went a step further, warning outsiders to show more respect. He referenced previous disrespect towards Louisiana artists and demanded that when people come to the South, they should honor the local culture accordingly.
Despite the heated reactions, neither Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, nor JAY-Z have commented publicly on the issue. The decision has sparked a broader conversation about how local legends are honored and who gets to decide which artists receive such prestigious opportunities.
While Kendrick Lamar’s selection is historic, the exclusion of Lil Wayne has left a bitter taste among his fans and peers. The debate continues, highlighting the deep connections between artists, their cities, and the platforms that celebrate them.
