In a video posted to Instagram, Lil Wayne expressed his disappointment at not being chosen as the headliner for the Super Bowl Halftime show, admitting that the decision “broke” him. Despite his desire to play the show multiple times over the years, the spot ultimately went to Kendrick Lamar, causing uproar online. Wayne, a New Orleans native, has a deep connection to the city and felt hurt by not being chosen. Lamar, who hails from Los Angeles, is considered one of the greatest and most influential rappers in the world, with a recent beef with Drake adding to his supremacy.
The decision to choose Lamar over Wayne was made by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation company, with involvement from the NFL and the city of New Orleans. Jay-Z has faced criticism for his role in the decision, with rappers like Fat Joe and Fabolous coming to his defense. Wayne thanked his fans for their support and acknowledged his struggle to cope with the letdown. Despite not being chosen, Wayne and Jay-Z are considered elder statesmen of hip-hop, while Lamar and Drake lead the following generation.
Jay-Z praised Lamar as a once-in-a-generation artist with a deep love for hip-hop and culture, predicting that his impact will be felt for years to come. The decision to select Lamar over Wayne has sparked discussions about mentorship in the hip-hop community and the evolving dynamics within the genre.
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