It’s a major decision that was recently taken by the NFL: for the first time in the history of the Super Bowl, a rapper will perform alone at the famous halftime show of the game on February 9, 2025. While the announcement may have delighted fans of Kendick Lamar, selected for this anthology show, a controversy is currently raging on social networks… We explain.
The NFL announced its decision on September 8: Kendrick Lamar will provide the show during the Super Bowl halftime show, succeeding Usher (2024) and Rihanna (2023). If K.Dot had already participated in the incredible 2022 edition alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Eminem and Mary J. Blige, it is important to specify that for the first time, a rapper will perform alone at halftime of the most important American football game of the season.
Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show Causes Controversy
But then, what is this controversy that has been raging on the Web for a few days? The story is (relatively) simple: this edition, called Super Bowl LIX (or Super Bowl 59), will be held at the Caesars Superdome, a gigantic stadium, which can accommodate more than 78,000 spectators, located in New Orleans. If the capital of Louisiana and jazz is also known for its Creole culture and its unique festivals, it is also the hometown of Lil Wayne, one of the most influential rappers of the 21st century.
Requested for many months by the New Orleans public, and more generally by its millions of listeners, the one who was once nicknamed Weezy will probably not be the part. A hard blow, not to say a real scandal for a part of the public. Questioned last March about the idea of ensuring the halftime show of the Super Bowl in his hometown, Lil Wayne explained very clearly:
”I’m not going to lie to you. I haven’t gotten a call. But we’re praying, crossing our fingers and working hard that there’s a next album, so it’s going to be hard for them not to contact me.”
Jay-Z’s strategy due to the clash between Kendrick Lamar and Drake?
Rumor has it on social media that Kendrick Lamar’s presence is partly due to Jay-Z’s influence within the American football league. Let’s quickly put things into context: in 2019, Jay-Z and his group Roc Nation signed a contract to co-produce the Super Bowl halftime shows with the NFL. So far, let’s admit that the legendary Brooklyn rapper’s lineup has not disappointed: Shakira and Jennifer Lopez in 2020, The Weeknd in 2021, Dr. Dre, Eminem, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar in 2022, Rihanna in 2023, and then Usher in 2024.
In a “cold war” with Drake for several years, Jay-Z would have hypothetically chosen Kendrick Lamar to the detriment of Lil Wayne, friend and historical mentor of the Toronto rapper. It should also be remembered that in recent months, Drake and Kendrick Lamar have insulted each other with interposed songs – a true classic in the rap game. Invited to speak on the podcast It Is What It IsCam’Ron, another legendary New York rapper, seems to corroborate this conjecture:
”I love Kendrick Lamar, I loved the pop-out, I think he’s one of the best artists of this generation, period. But I hate this choice. It’s in New Orleans and there’s no Lil Wayne? There’s no reason why Lil Wayne shouldn’t perform at the Super Bowl. It’s not really a secret. Lil Wayne already had a problem with someone in the organization. This is payback. Who is Lil Wayne’s artist? Drake. Lil Wayne is not performing in New Orleans for the Super Bowl, it’s outrageous, and it needs to stop.”
As a true businessman, Jay-Z took the lead, anticipating the hypotheses of a cold war with Drake or of taking sides in the beef Drake-Kendrick Lamar. Selon Hovthe decision, purely artistic, is mainly linked to the talent and impact of the rapper from Compton:
”Kendrick is truly a one-of-a-kind artist and performer. He has an unmatched ability to define and influence culture on a global scale. His work transcends music and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
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One thing is for sure: as historic as it may be, this future performance at the halftime show of the Super Bowl 2025 should not go unnoticed! While waiting to see what Kendrick Lamar has concocted for us on February 9, 2025, brush up on your classics by listening to his entire discography on Deezer.
Source : Independent
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