Lil Wayne Drops a Bombshell About Kendrick Lamar and the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show

Lil Wayne’s Reaction to the Halftime Snub

During an interview on Skip Bayless’ show on December 16, Wayne opened up about his feelings regarding the decision. “For whatever reason, I believe it’s over my head,” the rapper admitted, referring to the general politics surrounding such high-profile selections. “I don’t know why, period. Obviously, I believe that it’s perfect… I do not know why.”

Wayne, now 42, reflected on the emotional toll the news took on him. “It hurts. It hurt a lot. You know what I’m talking about. It hurt a whole lot,” he said in an earlier Instagram post. He attributed part of the disappointment to mentally preparing himself for the gig without any guarantees.

“I thought there was nothing better than that spot, that stage, and that platform in my city. It hurt a whole lot,” Wayne shared. His frustration wasn’t just about being overlooked—it was about missing an opportunity to shine in his hometown, the Caesars Superdome, a venue deeply tied to his identity.

Support for Kendrick Lamar

Despite his initial disappointment, Wayne revealed that he reached out to Kendrick Lamar after the announcement. “I’ve spoken to him, and I wish him all the best. I told him he better kill it,” Wayne said during the interview.

Lamar’s upcoming halftime show will mark a major milestone in his career, and Wayne acknowledged this, emphasizing that the opportunity was well-earned. He noted that their conversation was heartfelt, with no hard feelings. “He [Kendrick] didn’t need to explain the lyrics to me,” Wayne said, referencing a line from Lamar’s song “wacced out murals”:

“Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down.”

Wayne interpreted the lyrics as a nod to Lamar’s admiration for his music and an acknowledgment of the emotional weight of the situation. “I think he means his hard work got him there, and obviously, me being upset and disappointed is what he meant by letting me down. He didn’t let me down—it’s not like he could control it.”

Wayne’s Determination to Be “Undeniable”

Wayne expressed his desire to reach a level where being chosen for such high-profile gigs is inevitable. “I want to get to the point where I’m undeniable,” he shared. “I want them to walk in there and have 10 other choices, and whoever’s in charge says, ‘No, you have to go with him!’”

This mindset aligns with Wayne’s work ethic and long-standing reputation as one of the greatest rappers of all time. His aim is to make it impossible for future decision-makers to overlook his contributions to music and culture.

Skip Bayless and Fans Share Their Thoughts

Skip Bayless, a known fan of Wayne, expressed his frustration over the decision during the show, calling the snub baffling. “It just makes no sense to me. I don’t get it… politics played, and I don’t know why,” Bayless said.

Fans on social media echoed similar sentiments, many expressing confusion over why Wayne, a New Orleans native with an undeniable legacy, wasn’t given the opportunity.

Lil Wayne’s Plans During the Halftime Show

When asked whether he might make a surprise appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s performance, Wayne quickly dismissed the idea. “No way,” he said, explaining that he would be out of the country on February 9, the day of the Super Bowl. This statement underscores Wayne’s resolve to move forward, even as he continues to process the disappointment.

While the Super Bowl Halftime Show snub remains a sore point, Lil Wayne’s response highlights his resilience and dedication to his craft. By speaking with Kendrick Lamar and offering his support, Wayne demonstrated the maturity and camaraderie that have defined his long-standing career.

Wayne’s focus now lies on his future projects and ensuring that his next moves make him “undeniable.” As he continues to push boundaries in music, fans can expect him to remain a central figure in the industry, regardless of whether or not he headlines the Super Bowl stage.