Anthony Bourdain once called New Orleans one of the most significant cities in American culinary history, and it’s also the birthplace of Dwayne Michael Carter II, better known as Lil Wayne. For nearly three decades, Lil Wayne has been a pivotal figure in hip-hop, cementing his place with unmatched creativity and lyrical prowess. Despite many trying to imitate his style, Wayne has consistently outshone them on their own tracks. His influence is undeniable, as seen with the commercial success of *Tha Carter III*, which sold over a million units in its first week.
However, despite Lil Wayne's legacy, Kendrick Lamar’s announcement as the headliner for the Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans has left some fans disappointed.
Wayne has expressed a desire to perform at the Super Bowl, and considering how Jay-Z and Roc Nation have showcased regional culture with previous halftime performances, many felt Wayne deserved the spotlight. As a hometown hero and an artist who’s uplifted New Orleans through projects like the Lil Weezyana Festival, his absence feels like a missed opportunity.
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But when you consider the recent momentum of artists selected for the Halftime Show, it becomes clear why Lil Wayne wasn’t chosen. Usher’s residency in Las Vegas and The Weeknd’s post-pandemic success gave them strong buildups to their performances. Even Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre celebrated a major milestone with the 30th anniversary of *The Chronic* when they headlined in Los Angeles.
Lil Wayne, on the other hand, hasn’t released major new music recently, and his last few projects haven’t performed well commercially.
According to Audiomack co-founder Brian Zisook, the NFL considers several factors when selecting a Halftime Show performer, including superstar status, global reach, and live performance ability.
While Wayne meets some of these criteria, his global pull and recent performance history don’t quite match up. Additionally, his controversial political endorsements and occasional missteps on stage, like using a teleprompter, could have factored into the decision. Despite his legendary status, these elements may explain why Wayne was overlooked for this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show.
