Longtime champion and New Orleans icon Lil Wayne has released a video sharing his frustration at leaving Kendrick Lamar to perform at the city's 2025 Super Bowl halftime show. “That hurt, it hurt a lot,” said the Wayne in an Instagram video. “I thought there was nothing better at that point, on that stage, on that platform. It broke me, but I'm just trying to get back up.”
As New Orleans' homecoming year approaches, Wayne has repeatedly expressed his desire to play the halftime show. “I'm not going to lie to you,” he said in February. “I haven't gotten a call or anything. We pray. We're keeping our fingers crossed. I work hard. I'm sure this next album and everything I'm doing is killer.” He also said last December that if he got the gig, he wouldn't have any guests. “I won right now, so I'm not going to bring anybody” — except Beyoncé, Taylor Swift or a “great New Orleans jazz,” he said.
Since Lamar was announced as the halftime headliner, a number of artists have sympathized with Wayne, including New Orleans greats Birdman and Master P. None were more vocal than Wayne's one-time protégé Nicki Minaj, who seemingly took aim Jay-Z because his company Roc Nation oversees the Super Bowl. entertainment. “Denying a young black man what he rightfully put into this game for no other reason than your ego,” Minaj posted. “Your hate for BIRDMAN, Drake and Nicki made you punish Lil Wayne?”
Announcing his selection last week, Jay-Z said: “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once in a generation artist and performer. His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. It has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture worldwide. Kendrick's work transcends music and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
The match will be played at Caesars Stadium on February 9.
