50 Cent Supports Kendrick Lamar for 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show Amid Backlash Over Lil Wayne Snub

The selection of Kendrick Lamar as the headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show has sparked a heated debate among rap fans and artists. The announcement, made by Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation partners with the NFL to choose the halftime performer, drew criticism from the rap community, particularly from Nicki Minaj, Cam’ron, and New Orleans native Lil Wayne. Rap icon 50 Cent recently spoke out in support of Lamar, arguing that the “Not Like Us” rapper deserves the coveted spot.

Jay-Z’s decision to feature Kendrick Lamar at the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans has been met with mixed reactions. Fans and fellow artists expressed disappointment, especially as many believed that Lil Wayne, a hometown hero, was a more fitting choice. In a previous interview, Lil Wayne admitted that he had expected to receive the call from the NFL, making Jay-Z’s announcement all the more disheartening for him and his fans.

Speaking on CBS’s talk show The Talk, 50 Cent defended the decision to have Lamar headline the Super Bowl show. “I mean, it was a choice. I think Kendrick deserves [it],” said 50 Cent, emphasizing that Lamar is currently at the top of his game as a solo artist. The rapper, known for hits like “Candy Shop,” acknowledged that having the event in New Orleans would naturally lead to thoughts of featuring Lil Wayne but stood by Lamar’s selection.

Lil Wayne recently broke his silence on Instagram, sharing his deep disappointment over being passed over for the halftime show. “That hurt. It hurt a lot,” Wayne confessed. He took responsibility for mentally placing himself in the role before it was confirmed, expressing that it hurt even more knowing the Super Bowl would be held in his hometown of New Orleans.

50 Cent also suggested that Lamar should consider inviting other artists who have featured on his major tracks, similar to how the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show brought together a star-studded lineup including 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, and Snoop Dogg. This approach could make Lamar’s performance even more memorable and honor the collaborative spirit of hip-hop.

During the conversation, host Sheryl Wood asked 50 Cent about the ongoing rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. 50 Cent described the tension as “good for the culture,” arguing that the competition pushes both artists to produce better music at a faster pace. This rivalry has led to a series of diss tracks from both sides, fueling ongoing debates among fans.

The rivalry between Lamar and Drake has intensified recently, with Lamar dropping tracks like “euphoria” and “6:16 in LA,” directly targeting Drake. The songs address topics such as Drake’s racial identity, alleged use of ghostwriters, and accusations of misogyny. In response, Drake released “Family Matters,” a three-part track that criticizes Lamar’s activism and accuses him of hypocrisy and domestic violence.

With Lamar set to take the Super Bowl stage in 2025, fans are eagerly anticipating what’s to come. Jay-Z’s controversial choice has highlighted the complex dynamics within the music industry, especially regarding artist recognition and the balance between honoring local talent and showcasing global superstars. As the debate continues, all eyes will be on Lamar to see how he approaches this high-profile performance and whether he’ll extend the invitation to other artists to join him on stage.

The 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, headlined by Kendrick Lamar, is shaping up to be a significant moment not just for the artist but for the entire hip-hop community. With support from influential figures like 50 Cent and ongoing discussions about artist representation, the performance promises to be a defining chapter in Super Bowl history. Whether the show will meet the high expectations set by fans and critics alike remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the stage is set for a powerful display of talent and culture.