Lil Wayne, the longtime champion and icon of New Orleans, has released a video sharing his disappointment about performing for Kendrick Lamar at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. “It hurt, it hurt a lot,” Wayne said In the Instagram video: “I thought there was nothing better than that point, on that stage, on that platform. It broke me, but I’m just trying to put myself back together.”
As New Orleans’ hosting 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 didn’t receive a call or anything. We pray. We are keeping our fingers crossed. I’m working hard. I’m sure this next album and everything I’m doing is killer.” so ain’t gonna bring no one,” says Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, or “New Orleans jazz greats.”
Since Lamar was announced as a semi-finalist, several artists have lined up for Wayne, including New Orleans greats Birdman and Master P: Bowl Entertainment; “To deny a young black man what he has rightfully put into this game for no other reason than your ego,” Minaj tweeted. “Your hate for BIRDMAN, Drake and Nicki got you punished To Lil Wayne.”
Announcing his choice last week, Jay-Z said: “Kendrick Lamar is truly a generational artist and performer. His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence global culture. Kendrick’s work will be felt for years to come “.
The game will take place on February 9 at “Caesar” stadium.