One aspect of the Super Bowl halftime show editions managed by Roc Nation includes a local angle. When the game was held in Miami, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira performed to appeal to the local Latino community. In 2022, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar performed in Inglewood, California, right in their respective backyards. Usher performed last year in Las Vegas, where he had just completed a residency.

When it was announced that the 2025 Super Bowl would be held in New Orleans, rapper Lil Wayne was at the top of the list of headliners. With the announcement that it would be another rapper, Lamar, the exclusion of Lil Wayne will be a point of controversy, speculation and debate for the next five months.

Let’s get this out of the way right now: Lil Wayne is a big enough artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. He’s one of the most recognizable artists in the game and can create a dynamic show. Songs like “Lollipop” and “A Milli” are crossover hits. Add to that cameos from his former Hot Boys members and a closer with “Back That Azz Up” and you have everything you need for an unforgettable show that appeals to a wider audience while paying homage to the 504.

Lil Wayne, for his part, is determined to be on the show. “I’m not going to lie to you, I didn’t get a call or anything,” he told YG on his 4HUNNID podcast in February. “We’re praying. We’re crossing our fingers. I’m working hard… I just want to make it hard for them not to shout at the boy.”

Still, Roc Nation and the NFL chose Lamar, sparking a debate on social media about who was more deserving of the spot. Fellow New Orleans legend Master P also joined the debate, leaving a comment on Instagram defending Lil Wayne’s position: “As an entertainment ambassador for the city of New Orleans, I have to agree with the fans that Lil Wayne should also be part of this celebration.”

Much of the confusion stems from who ultimately made the decision, as responsibility rests with Roc Nation, the NFL and the city of New Orleans itself. Jay Cicero, president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and member of the Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, clarified the matter in an email to Andscape: “The decision regarding all entertainment at the Super Bowl rests solely with the NFL. We found out last weekend at the same time as everyone else.”

The entire debate is complicated, and both sides have arguments. And two things may be true. First, Lil Wayne is one of the biggest rap artists from New Orleans who could carry a show like the Super Bowl. That’s not really up for debate. But the other truth is that Lamar is undeniably a bigger star and the biggest name in rap right now. And while the local aspect is a nice connection to Lil Wayne, it’s largely only in the last few years that an out-of-town artist has performed at the Super Bowl, and the connection was peripheral at best, as the Snoop/Dre/Lamar performance was the only one where the artists were in their hometowns. That’s not to say the league doesn’t pay tribute to local artists for the Super Bowl halftime show. For example, when Super Bowl LIII was played in Atlanta in 2019, Maroon 5 were the headliner and Atlanta native Big Boi of Outkast made a cameo appearance. So the door is still open for local representation, and I can only imagine that it would always be that way.

I fully expect a few New Orleans legends to hit the stage, from Juvenile to Master P. Seeing No Limit and Cash Money together would be a triumphant moment and a continuation of Lamar’s message of unity from his Pop Out concert earlier this year.

Then, of course, there is the possibility of a cameo appearance from Lil Wayne himself. Lamar has made no secret of his love and admiration for Lil Wayne. The two have a song together on Lil Wayne’s album, The Carter Vand Lamar has quoted and referenced Lil Wayne in songs throughout his career. The two have provided some dynamic moments. The crux of the matter here is Lil Wayne’s friendship/partnership with Lamar’s rival Drake. When Lil Wayne takes the stage with Lamar, it’s a declaration of loyalty to Lamar and another blow to Drake.

Perhaps that plays a role in Lamar’s chess match with Drake. TDE president Punch has already tweeted an opening pitch to Young Money Entertainment president Mack Maine, suggesting that unless it’s just a troll job, there’s potential for a collaboration. An official collaboration would only solidify Lamar’s stance against Drake. Much of Lamar’s point in the feud has revolved around the premise that Drake has no real friends and the people closest to him are untrustworthy. “Not Like Us” even includes a line about how Drake betrayed Lil Wayne a few years ago.

Now, Lamar could put Lil Wayne in a situation where he either has to perform with the rival of one of his closest friends in the industry or turn down a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl in his hometown out of loyalty to a guy. It’s quite a dilemma for Mr. Carter, who has yet to comment, even though rappers Birdman and Nicki Minaj have taken to Twitter to express their extreme displeasure that Lil Wayne was not asked to perform.

Still, I hope something comes together that allows Lil Wayne to be onstage in some form. Especially in a form that honors his legacy and role in New Orleans rap history. Fans who spent the last day discrediting his accomplishments to push Lamar are just as off base as people who act like Lil Wayne can’t put on a great show worthy of the halftime stage. The truth lies somewhere in the middle, with the biggest truth being that Lamar is objectively the hotter act. The show will be a sight to behold, and it would be an even bigger spectacle if Lil Wayne were performing with other New Orleans legends and a kid from Compton, California who has the world at his feet.