The anticipation for Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance is at an all-time high. Set to take place at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, the California rapper will grace the stage on Sunday, February 9.
While fans eagerly speculate about his song selection—especially whether he will perform the Grammy-winning diss track "Not Like Us"—one thing is certain: SZA, his former labelmate, will be joining him on the field.
Kendrick Lamar Promises Storytelling in Halftime Show
During an interview with Apple Music on Thursday, February 6, Lamar gave insight into what fans can expect from his performance.
"I've always been very open about storytelling through all my catalog and my history of music," he said. "And I've always had a passion about bringing that on whatever stage I'm on."
Super Bowl Halftime Show Controversy: Lil Wayne Speaks Out
Despite the excitement surrounding Lamar’s performance, his selection sparked debate, particularly among hip-hop fans and industry figures. Many believed that Lil Wayne, a New Orleans native and rap icon, should have been chosen for the halftime show instead.
Rappers Cam’ron and Mase also weighed in on their podcast, It Is What It Is. Cam’ron expressed his disappointment, saying, “I love Kendrick Lamar. I think he’s one of the top artists of this generation, period. Hate this selection. It’s in New Orleans. You don’t get Lil Wayne? That’s what we doing?”
Lil Wayne himself addressed the situation, admitting his disappointment. “I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown and for just automatically mentally putting myself in that position,” he shared in an Instagram Live video. “I thought there was nothing better than that spot, that stage, that platform, in my city. So it hurt, it hurt a whole lot.”
During his Lil Weezyana Fest in 2024, he reinforced his feelings, saying, “It was ripped away from me.”
Kendrick Lamar Addresses the Controversy on ‘GNX’
In response to the discourse, Kendrick Lamar seemingly addressed the situation in his surprise 12-track album GNX, released on November 22, 2024. On the intro track, "wacced out murals," he rapped:
"Used to bump 'Tha Carter III,' I held my Rollie chain proud/ Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down."
He also called out critics who questioned his halftime selection: "Won the Super Bowl and Nas the only one congratulate me/ All these (expletive) agitated/ I’m just glad it’s on their faces/ Quite frankly, plenty artists but they outdated/ Old (expletive) flows trying to convince me that you they favorite."
Following the album’s release, Lil Wayne responded cryptically via social media: “Let this giant sleep. I beg u all. No one really wants destruction, not even me, but I shall destroy if disturbed. On me. Love.”\
Lil Wayne’s Perspective on Kendrick Lamar’s Selection
Despite the controversy, Lil Wayne revealed during an appearance on The Skip Bayless Show in December that he had spoken to Lamar and wished him success.
“I’ve spoken to him, and I wished him all the best, and I told him he better kill it,” Wayne said. He reiterated his encouragement, saying, “You better kill it. You got to kill it.”
When asked about Lamar’s lyrics on GNX, Wayne claimed he hadn’t heard them but didn’t expect an explanation. “I think he just means... his hard work is the reason why he made it there and obviously 'let me down' is me just being upset.”
Lil Wayne Opts Out of Attending the Super Bowl
Earlier this week, Lil Wayne took to Instagram to confirm that he would not be attending the Super Bowl. While fans speculated that he might make a surprise appearance during Lamar’s set, Wayne made it clear that he had other plans.
"Y'all know I'm not going to be there this week, which means guess there's a seat to fill," he said in an online clip. "Shout out to New Orleans. I've been working on something very special. I got something exciting coming for you Thursday, the 6th."
He concluded, "Until then, I'm just chilling."
Looking Ahead to Super Bowl LIX
With the countdown to Super Bowl LIX underway, fans are eager to witness Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance and whether he addresses the ongoing controversy on stage. While Lil Wayne’s absence may be felt by New Orleans fans, the event promises to be a historic moment in both sports and music culture.