Lil Wayne Disappointed Not to Perform at Super Bowl 2025.
Days after Kendrick Lamar was announced as the headliner for the upcoming 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, Lil Wayne expressed disappointment on Instagram.
The game, which was scheduled to take place at the Caesars Superdome in Wayne’s hometown of New Orleans, appeared like a perfect fit for the rapper. But in a touching post, he shared his disappointment at not being chosen for this prestigious opportunity.
The 41-year-old rapper began his Instagram video with an apology for the delay in responding to the news. I had to get strength enough to do this without breaking,” he said on September 13th. Wayne extended gratitude to his fans for their support during this difficult time, stating, “Your words turned into arms and held me up when I tried to fall back.”
Wayne voiced his disappointment at being overlooked for the halftime show. “It hurt a whole lot,” he admitted. “I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown and for automatically mentally putting myself in that position like somebody told me that was my position.”
The “A Milli” rapper went on to explain the importance of performing on such a large platform, particularly in his hometown. “I thought there was nothing better than that spot and that stage and that platform in my city, so it hurt,” he continued.
Despite his sadness, Wayne thanked his supporters, calling them “f—ing amazing.” He admitted that missing out on this opportunity made him feel “not enough,” but that his fans reminded him of his worth. When I felt like s—, you guys reminded me that I ain’t s— without y’all, and that’s an amazing reality,” he said.
In his closing phrases, Wayne also went on to thank his peers, friends, and family for their support. “Thanks to all of my peers, my friends, my family, my homies on the sports television, and everybody repping me. I really appreciate that, I really do,” he expressed. “I feel like I let all of y’all down by not getting that opportunity, but I’m working on me, and I’m working, so thank you.”
View this post on InstagramAdvertisement · Scroll to continue
Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar, who was named as the Super Bowl halftime show performer on September 7th, embraced the opportunity. In a video published to his YouTube channel, Lamar stood on a football field, excitedly promoting his performance. “My name’s Kendrick Lamar, and I’ll be performing at Super Bowl LIX,” he declared, inviting fans to join him on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans.
JAY-Z, whose Roc Nation company collaborates with the NFL to select halftime performers, praised Lamar’s artistry. “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer. His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision,” he commented. “He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
Kendrick’s announcement brought on outrage from Hip-Hop and more, the likes of Nicki Minaj also shared their views on the matter, taking to social media she indirectly called out Jay-Z on X for “Denying a young black man what he rightfully put into this game for no other reason but your ego.”
Mentioning her YMCMB crew she continued, “Your hatred for BIRDMAN, Drake & Nicki got you punishing Lil Wayne?!?!!! LIL WAYNE!!!!!!!!!! THE GOAT?!!!!!!!!!!! Nola what’s good?!!!!!! Eminem stood firm on having 50Cent come out. A white man. Sh*t sad. House NI**ER TINGZ. but it’s GOOD FI DEM!!!!!!! No loyalty? Welp. then ni**az will keep son’ing you!!!!! #DTLR #GagCityDC LMFAOOOOOOOOOO GOODAZ FI DEL GAL U AH GOODAZ FI DEM.”
