Rapper Nicki Minaj has publicly criticized Jay-Z following the announcement of Kendrick Lamar as the headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, taking to social media to express her frustration over the snub of Lil Wayne, her former label boss.
The National Football League (NFL), Apple Music, and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation recently revealed Lamar as the headliner for the event in New Orleans. However, Minaj and fans alike voiced disappointment, questioning why Lil Wayne, a New Orleans native and hip-hop legend, was overlooked.
In a series of posts on her X (formerly Twitter) account, Minaj appeared to take shots at Jay-Z, accusing him of letting personal biases affect his decision. She hinted that Jay-Z’s alleged issues with Birdman, Drake, and herself might have influenced the decision, which she viewed as unfair to Lil Wayne. Minaj highlighted Wayne’s contributions to hip-hop and his role in elevating major artists like Drake and herself.
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Minaj further compared the situation to Eminem’s insistence on including 50 Cent during his 2022 Super Bowl performance, pointing out what she perceives as a lack of loyalty in the hip-hop community.