Nicki Minaj and Birdman appeared to take digs at Jay-Z when Kendrick Lamar was chosen to host the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.
On Sunday, the National Football League, Roc Nation, and Apple Music announced that Lamar would headline the half-time festivities at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9.
Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation has co-produced the halftime performance since 2019, lauded Lamar as “truly a once-in-a-generation artiste and performer”.
Lamar’s decision for the Super Bowl halftime show has not gone down well with Minaj and Birdman, especially since the host city is Lil Wayne’s birthplace.
Although they did not specifically mention Jay-Z, who advises the NFL on entertainment, the rappers expressed their displeasure that Wayne was not selected.
In a lengthy rant via X, Minaj accused Jay-Z of punishing Wayne because of his purported animosity for Birdman, Drake, and herself, all of whom are associated with Wayne.
“Denying a young black man what he rightfully put into this game for no other reason but your ego. Your hatred for BIRDMAN, Drake & Nicki got you punishing Lil Wayne?!?!!! LIL WAYNE!!!!!!!!!! THE GOAT?!!!!!!!!!!! Nola what’s good?!!!!!!” she wrote.
“Eminem stood firm on having 50 Cent come out. A white man. Sh*t sad. House NI***R TINGZ. but it’s good fi dem!!!!!!! No loyalty? Welp. then ni**az will keep son’ing you!!!!!
On his part, Birdman wrote: “These n****z p***y @NICKIMpINAJ @Drake @LilTunechi YMCMB. I’m make these niggaz respek us on Gladys”.
Also addressing the alleged snub, DJ Akademiks wrote: “The Super Bowl in New Orleans and they let Lamar perform over Lil Wayne…. Jay Z a legendary hater for that”.
The Super Bowl in New Orleans and they let Kendrick Lamar perform over Lil Wayne…. Jay Z a legendary hater for that.
— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) September 8, 2024
Jay Z, Wayne, Lamar, and the NFL have yet to speak on the matter.