Kendrick Lamar Announced as Super Bowl Halftime Show Headliner— New Orleans Asks, “What About Lil Wayne?”
Earlier today, the NFL, Roc Nation, and Apple Music announced Kendrick Lamar will be headlining the Super Bowl LIX halftime show in New Orleans next February. Now, New Orleans has entered the chat.
Following the news, legendary rapper, entrepreneur, and New Orleans native Percy Miller, better known as Master P, who was recently named Entertainment Ambassador for the City of New Orleans, took to Instagram with a message about the NFL’s musical selection.
"Salute to @kendricklamar for performing at the halftime show at Super Bowl LIX.. well deserved, he's one of the hottest music artists in the world and has one of the biggest songs right now," Master P began.
"As Ambassador of Entertainment in the City of New Orleans I have to agree with the fans that @liltunechi #LilWayne should be a part of this celebration as well," he continued. "He's one of the greatest [hip-hop] artists alive, still relevant and he's a New Orleans native."
Lil Wayne is arguably one of the most famous rappers to come out of New Orleans. Born and raised in the Crescent City, Weezy signed with Cash Money Records at the young age of eleven, where he joined the rap group the Hot Boys, alongside “Back That Azz Up” rapper Juvenile, Turk, and B.G.
Lil Wayne eventually went solo and put out several hit albums such as Tha Block is Hot (1999), Lights Out in (2000), 500 Degreez (2003), Tha Carter Carter (2004), Tha Carter II (2005), all in the first few years of his solo career alone.
Lil Wayne has continued to put out acclaimed albums ever since. He has won a slew of awards, including 5 Grammys and 16 BET Hip-Hop Awards. In 2005 the rapper founded Young Money Entertainment. He also owns a successful line of sneakers, a cigar brand, and clothing company.
It’s not surprising that Master P, who founded iconic New Orleans record label No Limit, would push for Lil Wayne to be included in the halftime festivities. In his new role as Entertainment Ambassador, Master P will be integral in bolstering business and tourism for New Orleans ahead of and during the Super Bowl on February 9th.
"Let’s not miss this cultural moment in the South. Life is too short! We have to give our legends their flowers while they are here,” insisted Master P.
He added, "Change starts with us.” In the post, Master P tagged Roc Nation owner and fellow iconic rapper Jay Z, the NFL, and the Mayor of New Orleans Latoya Cantrell.
Master P isn’t the only one who believes Lil Wayne should be included in the halftime show. Lil Wayne’s longtime engineer Fabian Marasciullo posted on his Instagram stories, “Disappointed. Angry. But most of all, inspired.”
Marasciullo continued, “Will never again be in a position or have the GOAT [Lil Wayne] in a position where we are at the mercy of someone else’s decision. We will make the decisions.”
As for Kendrick Lamar, he appears excited and honored to take on the halftime show challenge. “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one,” said Lamar. The acclaimed performer has won 17 Grammy Awards, 29 BET Awards, and was the first non-classic, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize in music.
“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 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,” insisted fellow iconic rapper and Roc Nation owner Jay Z.
Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city catapulted him into fame in 2012, and he kept the hits coming with To Pimp a Butterfly in 2015, DAMN in 2017, and Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers in 2022. Most recently his Drake diss track “Not Like Us” has spent two weeks as the #1 song on Billboard Hot 100.
Kendrick Lamar has not yet discussed who he will be inviting to be part of the halftime show. Would you like to see Lil Wayne on stage as well?