Kendrick and Lil Wayne - the real Super Bowl showdown

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest events in American sports, and this year it is taking place in New Orleans, the hometown of the famous rapper Lil Wayne. Many fans and fellow artists believe that Lil Wayne should have been chosen to perform during the halftime show instead of Kendrick Lamar, who has been announced as the headliner. This decision has sparked a lot of discussions among hip-hop artists and fans alike. Lil Wayne is considered one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history, and many believe that his roots in New Orleans make him a perfect fit for this year's Super Bowl. Notable artists like Nicki Minaj, Birdman, and Master P have publicly expressed their disappointment over the choice of Kendrick Lamar, suggesting that Lil Wayne's absence from the show is a missed opportunity to honor a local legend. The involvement of Jay-Z, who has been co-producing the Super Bowl halftime show since 2019, has also raised eyebrows. Jay-Z and Lil Wayne have a complicated relationship, with a history of rivalry that dates back to when Jay-Z released his album 'Kingdom Come' in 2006. Lil Wayne reportedly took issue with Jay-Z's comments about making a comeback in hip-hop, claiming that 'hip-hop was dead. ' Lil Wayne responded by asserting that he was better than Jay-Z and that the hip-hop scene had changed. Recently, rapper Cam'ron commented on the situation, suggesting that Lil Wayne's exclusion from the halftime show is a form of payback related to their past conflicts. Nicki Minaj also took to social media to voice her concerns, stating that it is unfair to deny a talented artist like Lil Wayne the opportunity to perform simply due to personal egos. This situation is particularly surprising because it seemed that Lil Wayne and Jay-Z had reconciled their differences in recent years. In 2015, Lil Wayne collaborated with Jay-Z on the music platform Tidal, and in 2018, he praised Jay-Z for his contributions to the industry. Jay-Z's role in the Super Bowl halftime show is significant, as he leads Roc Nation, the entertainment company that aims to enhance live game experiences and promote social justice initiatives. He is responsible for selecting the artists who perform during the halftime show, which attracts an audience of over 100 million viewers each year. Nicki Minaj pointed out that Jay-Z's partnership with the NFL coincided with the controversy surrounding former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who faced backlash for kneeling during the national anthem in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. She criticized Jay-Z for seemingly prioritizing financial gain over social justice, suggesting that while one person took a stand, the other was more focused on profit. Additionally, Nicki referenced Jay-Z's comments at the 2024 Grammys, where he expressed disappointment over Beyoncé not winning album of the year, hinting that he may use this narrative to gain sympathy from fans. Despite the controversy surrounding the halftime show, Kendrick Lamar is a highly respected artist in the music industry. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and is known for his innovative lyrics and powerful performances. Many artists, including Nicki Minaj, have expressed their admiration for Kendrick while also advocating for Lil Wayne's recognition. Nicki emphasized that it is possible to appreciate both artists, stating that every real rapper respects Lil Wayne for his impact on hip-hop. Master P also praised Kendrick but insisted that Lil Wayne should be included in the celebration, highlighting his status as a New Orleans native and a legendary figure in the genre. He urged fans to recognize and appreciate their legends while they are still alive. Nicki Minaj further acknowledged Lil Wayne's influence on the music industry, noting how he has inspired countless artists with his unique style and contributions. She emphasized that Lil Wayne has always been motivated by his love for music rather than financial gain. However, when comparing their streaming numbers, Kendrick Lamar has a significantly larger following on platforms like Spotify, with 68. 1 million monthly listeners compared to Lil Wayne's 36. 5 million. Kendrick's innovative approach to hip-hop has earned him numerous accolades, including being the first hip-hop artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for music. The BBC has reached out to Jay-Z, Roc Nation, and Lil Wayne for comments regarding the halftime show but has not yet received any responses.