Tensions between hip-hop titans Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar reached a boiling point following the release of Lamar’s surprise album, GNX, which features a track that many believe disses Wayne directly. The opening track, “Waxed Out Murals,” sparked renewed debate over Lamar’s selection to headline the Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans, a choice that has been met with significant backlash from fans who feel Wayne, as the city’s most iconic artist, deserved the spot.
In the song, Kendrick references his admiration for Wayne, rapping, “I used to bump Tha Carter 3, I held my Raleigh chain proud. Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down.” This line reignited discussions online about Wayne’s exclusion from the show, which was announced in September, and quickly drew criticism towards the NFL and co-producer Jay-Z for overlooking the New Orleans native.
Early Saturday morning, Wayne responded via Twitter, expressing his frustration over the situation while maintaining a calm demeanor. “Man, what the FI do? I just be chilling and they still come for my head. Let’s not take kindness for weakness. Let this giant sleep, I beg you all. No one really wants destruction, not even me, but I shall destroy if disturbed,” he tweeted. His words resonated with fans, who praised his ability to handle the controversy with grace, all while asserting his legacy in the industry.
The controversy surrounding the halftime show selection had been brewing since the NFL’s announcement, with many fans taking to social media to voice their belief that Wayne, a legend in the New Orleans music scene, was the rightful choice. Critics called out Jay-Z’s Rock Nation for allegedly sidelining Wayne and favoring Kendrick, leading to an outpouring of support from fellow artists. High-profile names such as Nicki Minaj, Birdman, and Drake rallied behind Wayne, while local icons like Master P and Juvenile echoed sentiments that Wayne deserved to headline the show as a tribute to his contributions to the city’s culture. Even Louisiana native Boosie criticized the NFL for not spotlighting local talent.
On the other hand, supporters of Kendrick highlighted his national and global appeal, arguing that his work embodies themes of social justice and cultural pride. In the wake of the album release, Kendrick himself expressed disappointment over the lack of congratulations from peers, lamenting in his lyrics, “Got the Super Bowl and N is the only one to congratulate me.”
Previously, Wayne had opened up about the emotional toll the decision took on him during a heartfelt Instagram video, where he fought back tears while thanking fans for their support. “It hurt a lot. I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown,” he admitted. The emotional weight of the halftime show opportunity was palpable, as Wayne described it as a dream platform in his city.
As Kendrick’s GNX continues to make waves leading up to the Super Bowl halftime show, opinions among fans remain divided. While Wayne appears ready to move on from the drama, his pointed warning suggests he will not tolerate further disrespect. As the music world watches this unfolding narrative, both artists find themselves at a crossroads, with their legacies and futures intertwined in the high-stakes arena of hip-hop culture.
