JAY-Z has explained his reasoning behind selecting Kendrick Lamar as the headlining performer at the Apple Music Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show, a decision that was announced on Sunday (Sept. 8).

The Hip-Hop icon and NFL music strategist released a statement coinciding with news of Lamar being tapped to take the stage during the halftime show, which will take place during Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, LA, in February 2025.

“Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer,” JAY-Z said of the 17-time Grammy Award winner. “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.”

News of Kendrick being named the performer for the Apple Music Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show received mixed-reactions from the public, as some critics felt other artists may have been more deserving of the selection.

One name who fans and musical figures felt would be a more appropriate performer for the occasion is Lil Wayne, particularly since Super Bowl LIX will take place in New Orleans, the rap legend’s hometown. Being that Kendrick previously performed during the star-studded Super Bowl Halftime Show helmed by Dr. Dre in 2022, and that Lil Wayne has publicly campaigned for the opportunity, made the decision seemingly that much more polarizing.

Fellow Louisiana native Master P shared his thoughts on JAY-Z and the NFL potentially spoiling what could have been a special moment for southern culture by opting for Kendrick Lamar to perform over Lil Wayne. The mogul echoed many fans’ thoughts that Lil Wayne should be included as part of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, in some form or fashion.

“As Ambassador of Entertainment in the City of New Orleans I have to agree with the fans that Lil Wayne should be a part of this celebration as well,” the No Limit Records founder wrote.

“He’s one of the greatest hip-hop artists alive, still relevant and he’s a New Orleans native. 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.”

Earlier this year, Lil Wayne expressed his desire to perform during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, admitting that he was “praying” to be chosen as the headliner. However, he said that he had yet to receive any indication that he was up for consideration.

“I will not lie to you. I have not got a call or nothing, he said at the time. We praying. We keeping our fingers crossed. I’m working hard. I’mma make sure this next album and everything I do is 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁er,” he expressed. “I wanna just make it hard for them not to holler at the boy… I could be like [Rihanna]. RiRi came out there and just went from year to year to year to year to year.”

Lil Wayne performs onstage during the EA Sports Bowl at Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest on January 30, 2020 in Miami, Florida.