Lil Wayne’s omission from the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show lineup has sparked an outcry from his fans and fellow hip-hop artists, who are criticizing the NFL and Jay-Z for the decision. The February 2025 event will be held in New Orleans, Wayne’s hometown, but Kendrick Lamar has been announced as the headliner—a move that many feel disregards Wayne’s legacy and contribution to hip-hop.
Nicki Minaj, Birdman, Master P, and others have publicly voiced their frustrations, with several suggesting that Jay-Z, who has co-produced the Super Bowl Halftime Show since 2019, played a role in the decision. Nicki Minaj took to X (formerly Twitter) to accuse Jay-Z of sidelining Lil Wayne due to personal grudges. “Denying Lil Wayne, the GOAT, what he deserves in his own city? This is about ego, not talent,” she posted, referencing past tensions between the two rap icons.
Birdman, Wayne’s longtime mentor, also took to social media, expressing his disappointment. “Smfh… These niggas pussi @NickiMinaj @Drake @LilTunechi YMCMB. I’ll make these niggaz respek us,” Birdman posted, joining the growing chorus of voices calling for respect for Wayne.
Master P, a New Orleans native, echoed the sentiment in an Instagram post, praising Kendrick Lamar but calling the exclusion of Wayne a missed opportunity. “As Ambassador of Entertainment in the City of New Orleans, I have to agree with the fans. Lil Wayne should be part of this celebration as well. He’s one of the greatest hip-hop artists alive, still relevant, and he’s a New Orleans native.”
Cam’ron and Mase, during their web series It Is What It Is, also weighed in, criticizing Jay-Z and the NFL for ignoring Wayne. Cam’ron speculated that past rivalries between Wayne and Jay-Z might be at play, calling Wayne’s exclusion from the show “egregious.” He added, “There’s no reason why Lil Wayne shouldn’t be performing in the Super Bowl, especially in his hometown.”
While some celebrated Lamar’s selection, the broader hip-hop community, particularly those from Louisiana, feel it’s a missed cultural moment to not have Lil Wayne at the forefront of such a high-profile event in his own city. Despite the controversy, Lamar remains the confirmed performer, with the NFL offering no further comment on the backlash.
Fans and artists alike continue to voice their support for Wayne, hoping he may still have a role in the event. However, as of now, the February 9, 2025, halftime show will proceed without Wayne on the main stage.
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