Jay-Z and Roc Nation played a big role in the decision to select Kendrick Lamar as the halftime performer for Super Bowl LIX in February. He is being accused of snubbing Lil Wayne to settle his own personal rap beefs.
There might be some truth to the theory…
This upcoming Super Bowl will be played in New Orleans. Weezy is the king of the Big Easy. It seemed like a no-brainer decision to tap the 41-year-old as the halftime entertainer in his home city.
Jay-Z, Roc Nation and the NFL went with K-Dot instead. Lamar’s ties to New Orleans are not just limited, but practically nonexistent. He played at the Super Bowl in 2022. Next year’s game is being played in Los Angeles so there was a chance to have him perform in his home city.
Nope!
Lamar will be the performer in 2025. Lil Wayne was passed over.
Even though the former absolutely deserves the honor just as much as the latter, logistics of the decision create some confusing optics. Tunechi’s engineer did not understand. He was not alone
Confused. Disappointed. Angry. But most of all. Inspired.
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. We will make the decisions.
— Fabian Marasciullo
Cam’ron and Ma$e have a theory about what went down. They believe Jay-Z chose Lamar because of his (lack of) relationship with Wayne.
Sean Carter and Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. have a very complicated history. There is a mutual respect between them. There is also some tension that goes back years, through a rollercoaster ride of diss tracks, mutual praise, collaborations and insults during interviews.
In addition, Lil Wayne has close ties to Drake and Nicki Minaj. He might’ve brought them out as guests. Jay-Z also has separate gripes with Drake and Minaj. Kendrick Lamar is going to bury Drake on the biggest stage in sports. He won’t bring out Minaj, who is furious with the decision.
Denying a young black man what he rightfully put into this game for no other reason but your ego. Your hatred for BIRDMAN, Drake & Nicki got you punishing Lil Wayne?!?!!! LIL WAYNE!!!!!!!!!! THE GOAT?!!!!!!!!!!! Nola what’s good?!!!!!! Eminem stood firm on having 50Cent come out. A white man. S— sad. House N—– TINGZ. but it’s GOOD FI DEM!!!!!!! No loyalty ? Welp. then n—– will keep son’ing you!!!!! #DTLR #GagCityDC LMFAOOOOOOOOOO GOODAZ FI DEL GAL U AH GOODAZ FI DEM.
— @NickiMinaj on X
Did Jay-Z pick Kendrick Lamar over Lil Wayne on purpose?
Cam’ron thinks the past plays a role in the present. The 48-year-old rapper-turned-podcaster floated a theory during the latest episode of ‘It Is What It Is.’
There’s no reason why Little Wayne should not be performing the Super Bowl. It’s one person who’s stopping this. You know, it’s not really a secret…
Lil Wayne had a problem with somebody before who’s kinda part of the organization running it. This is payback.
— Cam’Ron
He continued on to say that the decision is “egregious” and implied that it has everything to do with Drake’s ties to Lil Wayne. Ma$e said “hating at this age is crazy.”
Cam’Ron proceeded to dive further into his hypothesis.
If anybody deserve it, Kendrick deserve it. But there’s some backstory s– going on why Lil Wayne is not performing the Super Bowl.
— Cam’Ron
Ma$e doubled down.
That’s really sad, like come on my n—-. You’re that insecure, man?
— Ma$e
D.J. Akademiks offered a similar perspective with a series of posts on X.
He sees right through Jay-Z.
“The NFL just gave Kendrick Lamar a global “Pop Out” show… Jay Z I see u… u ain’t low…”
“Jay Z and rock nation responsible for curating the Super Bowl half time show… remember that.”
“Jay Z set up the play. Drake … jay ain’t forget bout that charged up verse n—-. He the higher ups! 😂
— @akademiks on X
Needless to say, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes. There is no end in sight.
Jay-Z’s decision is a huge deal. It is going to be an incredible half time show. It is an extremely well-deserved for one of the best to ever do it.
The question remains… why send Kendrick Lamar to New Orleans when Lil Wane is from NOLA?!