With the beginning of the National Football League (NFL) season, teams look forward to winning the coveted Vincent Lombardi trophy. Since 1967, the Super Bowl halftime show has provided entertainment for spectators and television viewers alike, featuring a star-studded list of artists yearly. September 8, Kendrick Lamar unveiled his selection as the headlining artist for Super Bowl LIX’s halftime show in New Orleans February 9, 2025. His reveal surprised the entire internet following his heated back-and-forth diss tracks against Toronto’s Aubrey Graham, better known as Drake.
“Yes, Kendrick was the right choice for the Super Bowl. Kendrick Lamar has set numerous historic records. He’s beaten all of Drake’s records, leaving only himself at the top. I don’t get why people think otherwise as if any other artists could compare,” junior Bryce Wardlaw said.
Thousands of X users expressed discontent with their favorite artists’ failing to receive the selection for the halftime show. Lil Wayne’s name arose frequently in conversations regarding snubbed artists. Due to the Super Bowl occurring in Wayne’s hometown, fans argued he deserved the headlining spot to give his hometown a show for the ages.
“That [not being selected] hurt, that hurt a lot for me. I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown and automatically putting myself in that position as if someone already told me I would perform. It made me feel like trash, not getting the opportunity. It broke me and I’m just trying to put myself back together, thank you to all of my peers, my family and everybody supporting me,” Wayne said.
Lamar’s selection not only came from the NFL board’s orders but also from 24-time Grammy-winning artist Jay-Z. Jay-Z’s selection of Lamar over Wayne caught the interest of several artists. Rapper Nicki Minaj stood out above the rest, expressing her discontent with the committee and supporting Wayne. Minaj took to X to speak on Wayne’s influence on the rap genre and black culture as a whole and expressed how disrespectful it seemed for the NFL committee to not choose him to perform.
“Denying a young Black man what he rightfully put into this game for no other reason but your ego. And by the way, you don’t know half of what Lil Wayne has done for me and others. Wayne had Drake and me on his tour with no papers signed. He was on all of my mixtapes with no papers. This man has changed the face of hip-hop. He inspired so many to tattoo their faces and get locks, and inspired your favorites to want to be a great master of ceremony. He never was in this for the money, it’s always been for the love of music,” Minaj said.
Lamar came out with a video announcing his appearance and stating how a person only receives one chance to win a championship with no opportunity for a second round; ultimately becoming the prominent moment after announcing his headline of the Super Bowl. The jab clearly targeted Drake’s new release Circadian Rhythms, an attempt to disrespect Lamar. The light jab did not conclude Lamar’s disrespect, as he released a single on Instagram titled “Let the Party Die” September 11, 2024, targeting both Drake and his loyal follower DJ Akademiks, who claimed Drake wrote numerous songs in preparation for another back and forth argument with Lamar.
Despite the hate comments on the selection, Kendrick Lamar’s performance will likely leave a historic impact on the Super Bowl’s halftime show. Alongside Aerosmith, Usher and Travis Scott, Lamar promises to bring New Orleans a show like no other. Although the halftime show currently lacks specific details, Super Bowl ticket sales ensure luster in Lamar’s prepossessing discography.
