The NFL kicked off the first football Sunday of the season with a huge announcement—none other than rapper, icon, and legend ... Kendrick Lamar. He will headline the Super Bowl 59 Halftime Show in 2025, held in New Orleans. This choice has sparked quite the conversation, especially given that 2023 was a quieter year for hip-hop. But Kendrick made a strong comeback this year (2024), revitalizing the genre and triumphing over Drake in one of the biggest rap battles of all time. His latest track in that beef, "Not Like Us" , has dominated the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 10 all summer.
But with all the buzz surrounding Kendrick’s performance, many fans feel that New Orleans' own Lil Wayne was snubbed. Let’s dive into why I think Wayne will still make an appearance and why Kendrick Lamar was the right pick for Super Bowl 59.
Roc Nation's Influence and Kendrick’s Affiliation
First, it's crucial to note that Roc Nation (founded in 2008 by Jay-Z and Live Nation) is responsible for coordinating the Super Bowl Halftime performances. As a major force in the music industry, Roc Nation has been pivotal in reshaping entertainment by booking some of the biggest Black artists in the world. And yes, Kendrick Lamar is affiliated with Roc Nation on the management side. While he releases his music through Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), Roc Nation handles his business interests, helping to elevate his career and craft his public image. That partnership has played a major role in this opportunity.
Will Lil Wayne Still Make an Appearance?
It’s hard to imagine a Super Bowl in New Orleans without Lil Wayne making some kind of appearance. Wayne is one of the most influential artists to come from the city, and his legacy in hip-hop is undeniable. While Kendrick Lamar is headlining, I wouldn’t be surprised if Wayne joins him on stage for a collaboration, paying homage to New Orleans and Wayne’s immense impact on the genre.
The Impact of Roc Nation’s NFL Partnership
Hip-hop has been the one of the best-selling genre for seven consecutive years, and Jay-Z’s partnership with the NFL has helped the league stay relevant in pop culture. This wasn’t always the case.
In recent years, major artists like Rihanna, Cardi B, and even Jay-Z himself declined invitations to perform, largely due to the NFL’s mishandling of the Colin Kaepernick controversy. Kaepernick, a former 49ers quarterback, protested police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem in 2016, igniting a firestorm of backlash that left the NFL’s relationship with Black America on shaky ground.
In response, Roc Nation’s involvement has brought some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B to the halftime stage, from Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre to Usher and Rihanna. It’s safe to say this partnership has shifted the cultural landscape of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, making it more inclusive and reflective of the current music scene.
Kendrick’s Challenge: Balancing Entertainment with Activism
Not everyone is thrilled about Kendrick Lamar’s selection. His music often highlights Black empowerment, critiques authority, and challenges American institutions, which can make some conservative viewers uncomfortable. Kendrick’s raw, often politically charged lyrics and imagery might not align with the "family-friendly" nature many expect from the Super Bowl. This will be a test for Kendrick, as he navigates how to deliver a powerful performance that pleases mainstream audiences while staying true to his message.
On the flip side, his socially conscious art is exactly what makes him stand out. Kendrick has proven he can balance mainstream appeal with thought-provoking commentary, and that’s likely why I believe he was chosen over Lil Wayne. His live performances are known for their emotional depth and visual intensity—qualities that will bring something unique to the Super Bowl stage.
The Pressure is On for Kendrick
Kendrick Lamar has more than a few challenges ahead of him. He needs to win over hip-hop fans, Lil Wayne loyalists, and those who are skeptical of the NFL’s efforts to repair its image. But if anyone can thread the needle, it’s Kendrick. He’s on a winning streak, and with his talent, vision, and the cultural momentum behind him, he’s poised to deliver one of the most unforgettable Super Bowl Halftime shows yet.
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