Rapper Lil Wayne expressed deep disappointment on Friday after being overlooked for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show in favor of Kendrick Lamar, despite widespread support from fellow artists. In an Instagram video, Lil Wayne, a New Orleans native, shared his reaction to the announcement, admitting that the snub “broke” him.
In the video, posted Friday, Lil Wayne reflected on the news that Kendrick Lamar would headline the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, scheduled for February in his hometown of New Orleans. He admitted to being emotionally devastated, saying he had mentally placed himself in that spot. “It hurt,” he confessed, explaining that performing on that stage in his city would have been a career-defining moment.
Following the announcement, several music artists, including Nicki Minaj, Master P, and Cam’ron, voiced their frustration over the decision. They argued that Lil Wayne, as a New Orleans native, deserved to be the headliner. Many fans and artists also pointed fingers at Jay-Z, co-producer of the Super Bowl halftime show, suggesting his alleged past tensions with Lil Wayne played a role in the snub.
Nicki Minaj took to social media to seemingly call out Jay-Z, hinting that his “issues” with Birdman, Drake, and herself may have influenced the decision. Jay-Z, who has been involved in the Super Bowl halftime selection process since 2019 through his company Roc Nation, has had a rocky history with Lil Wayne, although the two publicly reconciled years ago.
Despite the disappointment, Lil Wayne expressed gratitude to his supporters. “It broke me, but y’all helped me,” he said, thanking his friends, fans, and peers for rallying behind him. He remains hopeful, hinting at his interest in headlining future Super Bowl halftime shows.
Kendrick Lamar’s selection comes amidst his ongoing feud with Drake, a key figure in Lil Wayne’s record label. Their public rivalry escalated earlier this year with diss tracks that gained massive attention, further fueling fan debates.
The Super Bowl halftime show remains one of the most coveted platforms in entertainment, and this year’s selection process has only added fuel to the fire of rap industry drama.
