On September 8, JAY-Z’s Roc Nation, Apple Music, and the NFL shocked fans by announcing Kendrick Lamar as the headliner for Super Bowl LIX, scheduled for February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome, with the event set to air on Fox. Lamar, excited about the opportunity, declared, “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”
Roc Nation founder JAY-Z praised Lamar as a “once-in-a-generation artist,” emphasizing his significant influence on global culture. However, the announcement did not sit well with everyone. Many fans and industry figures expressed their discontent, especially Lil Wayne’s manager and longtime engineer, Fabian Marasciullo, who expressed his frustration online, stating he was “confused, disappointed, angry, but most of all, inspired.”
Adding to the controversy, Punch, founder of Kendrick Lamar’s former label TDE, and several other prominent figures, including rapper Pusha T and rap legends Master P, voiced their concerns. Lil Wayne’s daughter, Reginae Carter, also joined the conversation.
In response to the backlash, Lil Wayne’s mentor and Cash Money Records founder, Birdman, and Young Money artist Nicki Minaj have publicly defended Wayne. Birdman took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disapproval, writing, “Smfh. These naz Pi. @NickiMinaj @Drake @LilTunechi YMCMB. I’m[ma] make these n**az respell us, on Gladys. Hatin’ sht 4real.”
Nicki Minaj also chimed in with a series of passionate tweets. She criticized the decision to overlook Wayne, stating, “I love watching the whole industry play dumb time after time. The truth is the truth no matter who tells it.” She further criticized the lack of recognition for Wayne, calling out industry figures and expressing her disappointment.
Minaj emphasized Lil Wayne’s contributions to hip-hop, stating, “Wayne had Drake & I on his tour w/no papers signed. He was on all of my mixtapes w/no papers signed. This man has literally changed the FACE of Hip-Hop.” She urged fans and industry insiders to appreciate Wayne’s legacy and contributions.
As the debate continues, Minaj concluded by affirming that respect for both Kendrick Lamar and Lil Wayne is possible. “You can love & respect Kendrick and still love & respect Wayne. Even Kendrick loves & respects Wayne. Every real rapper loves & respects Wayne.”
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