Nicki Minaj is making headlines after publicly criticizing JAY-Z and Roc Nation for not selecting Lil Wayne as the headliner for Super Bowl LIX’s halftime show. On September 9, she took to Twitter to express her discontent, referencing Colin Kaepernick’s protest by stating, “One nga took a knee,” while implying that JAY-Z, who has a partnership with the NFL, has prioritized financial gain over social justice: “The other nga took the bag. He gon’ get you ‘ngers’ in line every fkng time.”
Minaj accused JAY-Z of being “spiteful and evil,” urging him to find happiness despite his success. She further criticized the decision to overlook Lil Wayne, a native of New Orleans, questioning whether JAY-Z’s personal grudges against Birdman, Drake, and her were influencing his choices. “Denying a young Black man what he rightfully put into this game for no other reason but your ego,” she tweeted, emphasizing Lil Wayne’s significant contributions to hip-hop.
Her comments also referenced Eminem’s Super Bowl LVI performance, where he insisted on having 50 Cent join him on stage, highlighting the disparity in treatment for artists based on their backgrounds. The backlash against the selection of Kendrick Lamar as the headliner for the upcoming Super Bowl, scheduled for February 9, 2025, has sparked conversations about representation and recognition for local talent like Lil Wayne.
Minaj’s remarks come as she prepares for the release of her new project, Pink Friday 2: Gag City Reloaded, set to drop on September 13. The situation has ignited discussions among fans and fellow artists, many of whom feel that Lil Wayne deserves a prominent role in the Super Bowl lineup given his influence and legacy in the music industry.