In a recent episode of his Big Shaq podcast, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal proposed an intriguing idea: Lil Wayne could potentially steal the spotlight from Kendrick Lamar during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show. Scheduled for February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, this year’s event has already generated significant buzz, particularly following the announcement that Kendrick Lamar will be headlining the performance.
The Proposal
O’Neal suggested that Lil Wayne could hold a concert in New Orleans simultaneously with Kendrick’s halftime show. This would give fans a choice between attending the Super Bowl’s official halftime performance or enjoying a live concert from one of the city’s most iconic artists. Shaq framed his idea as a hypothetical scenario, asking,
Should Lil Wayne do a concert in New Orleans at the same time and televise it? He concluded, “I would do that… Stream it and then give people a choice.
This proposal comes in light of Lil Wayne’s disappointment at not being selected to perform at the halftime show in his hometown. The rapper expressed his feelings about being overlooked in an emotional Instagram video, stating, “That hurt. It hurt a lot.” He emphasized how much performing at the Super Bowl would mean to him, especially given its significance in New Orleans.
Lil Wayne’s reaction
Lil Wayne has been vocal about his feelings regarding the Super Bowl LIX halftime show. In multiple interviews and social media posts, he conveyed his disappointment at being passed over for Kendrick Lamar. He described the snub as “breaking” him and acknowledged that he felt unprepared for such a letdown.
I thought there was nothing better than that spot and that stage and that platform in my city, he lamented.
Despite his disappointment, Lil Wayne has received overwhelming support from fans, friends, and fellow artists who believe he deserved the opportunity to perform. Notable figures such as Nicki Minaj have publicly defended him, emphasizing his contributions to hip-hop and his influence on other artists.
The context of Super Bowl LIX
Super Bowl LIX marks the 11th time the championship game will be held in New Orleans, a city rich in musical heritage. While Kendrick Lamar is undoubtedly a major artist with significant acclaim—having enjoyed a banner year with hits like “Not Like Us”—the decision to choose him over local talent has sparked controversy among fans and fellow musicians.
The backlash against the selection process has been palpable, with many calling for greater representation of Louisiana artists during such high-profile events. Lil Wayne’s absence from the lineup has led to discussions about the need for local artists to be recognized on national platforms.
Conclusion
Shaquille O’Neal’s suggestion that Lil Wayne could upstage Kendrick Lamar at Super Bowl LIX adds an interesting layer to the ongoing conversation about representation and opportunity within the music industry.
As fans eagerly await both performances, it remains to be seen how this dynamic will unfold on one of the biggest stages in entertainment. With both artists having strong ties to New Orleans, this year’s Super Bowl promises to be an unforgettable event filled with rich cultural significance.
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