Lil Wayne has addressed his feelings about being passed over for the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show in his hometown of New Orleans in favor of Kendrick Lamar, offering both candor and support for his fellow rapper.
Speaking on Skip Bayless’ show on Monday (Dec. 16), Wayne revealed that he has spoken to Lamar and wished him success. “I’ve spoken to him, and I told him he better kill it,” Wayne said, expressing genuine encouragement despite his initial disappointment.
Bayless, visibly frustrated on Wayne’s behalf, called the decision “baffling,” especially given that the game will take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Wayne admitted he doesn’t fully understand why he wasn’t chosen, saying, “For whatever reason, I believe it’s over my head. I don’t know why. Obviously, I think it’s perfect, but I don’t know.”
Reflecting on the situation, the 42-year-old rapper said he views it as motivation to reach a point where he’s undeniable. “I want them to walk in there with 10 other choices, and whoever’s in charge says, ‘No, you have to go with him,’” Wayne explained. Despite his disappointment, he remains focused on personal growth and achieving even greater success.
Bayless also brought up a lyric from Lamar’s recent song “wacced out murals,” where Lamar raps, “Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down.” Wayne, hearing the line for the first time during the show, interpreted it as Lamar expressing admiration and understanding of Wayne’s disappointment. “He didn’t let me down. He can’t control that,” Wayne said, emphasizing his respect for Lamar. “If anything, it shows he has a heart and cares about the situation.”
Wayne also shared his emotional reaction when the news first broke in September. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he admitted the decision hurt deeply. “It hurt a lot. I blame myself for mentally putting myself in that position without anyone confirming it,” he said. Despite the setback, Wayne vowed to continue working hard and making himself impossible to overlook in the future.
When asked if he might make a surprise cameo during Lamar’s performance to show solidarity, Wayne said it wouldn’t happen, noting that he will be out of the country on February 9. For now, Wayne is focused on his next moves and rooting for Kendrick to deliver a memorable show.
