Super Bowl LIX is set to take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, with the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs facing off for the championship. While the game itself is a major attraction, the halftime show is generating just as much—if not more—buzz. This year’s headliner, Kendrick Lamar, is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, and his selection has sparked both excitement and controversy.
Mixed Reactions to the Halftime Show
Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance has divided fans. Many are thrilled to see him take center stage, especially after his memorable appearance in the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show alongside Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. However, some fans feel that Lamar is an underwhelming choice.
Critics argue that Lamar’s live performances lack energy and that his selection for a second Super Bowl appearance is unfair when many other artists have never had the opportunity. Some also take issue with the continued presence of hip-hop at the Super Bowl, with one fan stating, “Sick of rap at Super Bowl. It is the lowest denominator of music.”
For others, it’s not about Lamar himself but a general disinterest in football or the halftime show. One person commented, “I love Kendrick but never found him to be the most fun live performer. Seems like he can’t rap all his verses with that same passion live.”
Louisiana’s Musical Influence
To honor Louisiana’s deep musical roots, the NFL has included several local artists in the event. Jazz musician Jon Batiste will perform the national anthem, Christian singer Lauren Daigle and jazz artist Trombone Shorty will collaborate on America the Beautiful, and R&B powerhouse Ledisi will sing Lift Every Voice and Sing. These performances are expected to add a regional flair to the festivities, but for some, they are not enough to compensate for their dissatisfaction with the halftime headliner.
Lil Wayne’s Disappointment
One of the biggest controversies surrounding this year’s Super Bowl halftime show is the exclusion of Louisiana’s own Lil Wayne. Many fans assumed the NFL would choose Wayne to perform in his home state, given his legendary status in hip-hop. Wayne himself expressed deep disappointment, saying, “I thought there was nothing better than that spot and that stage and that platform in my city, so it hurt.”
Kendrick Lamar has not directly addressed Wayne’s comments, but his latest album, GNX, includes lyrics that appear to acknowledge the situation:
“Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down / Whatever though, call me crazy, everybody questionable.”
The Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake Feud
Adding fuel to the fire is Lamar’s ongoing feud with Drake. Reports suggest that Lamar may perform Not Like Us, a diss track aimed at Drake, during his Super Bowl set. The song includes lyrics that imply serious allegations against Drake, and legal experts say there is nothing stopping Lamar from performing it.
The feud dates back to 2013, when Lamar called out Drake in his verse on Control. Since then, tensions have only grown, with both artists taking subtle and not-so-subtle shots at each other. If Lamar does perform Not Like Us, it could make for one of the most controversial Super Bowl halftime shows in history.
Will Viewers Boycott?
Given the mixed reactions, some fans have vowed to skip the Super Bowl entirely. Whether it’s due to the halftime show, personal musical preferences, or football disinterest, a segment of the audience simply isn’t interested. However, with Lamar’s reputation for delivering powerful performances, and the potential for Super Bowl drama—including a possible shot at Drake—many others will be watching to see how it all unfolds.
