Nicki Minaj Criticizes Jay-Z for Choosing Kendrick Lamar Over Lil Wayne for 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show

Rapper Nicki Minaj has publicly criticized Jay-Z for selecting Kendrick Lamar to headline the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show instead of Lil Wayne, who is not only Minaj's former boss and mentor but also a renowned figure in hip-hop.

The announcement, made by the National Football League, Apple Music, and Jay-Z's Roc Nation, revealed that Kendrick Lamar will be the main performer at the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans, Lil Wayne's hometown. This decision sparked backlash from fans who believe Lil Wayne's significance in the rap industry and his local ties to New Orleans should have made him the preferred choice.

In response, Minaj took to her X account on Monday night, September 9, expressing her frustration. She wrote, “Denying a young black man what he rightfully put into this game for no other reason but your ego. Your hatred for Birdman, Drake & Nicki got you punishing Lil Wayne?! Lil Wayne! The GOAT! Nola, what’s good?!”

Minaj further criticized the selection process, comparing it to Eminem's decision to feature 50 Cent despite his own success. She expressed disappointment over what she perceives as a lack of loyalty and fairness, questioning Jay-Z's motivations. “Eminem stood firm on having 50 Cent come out. A white man. Sht sad. House ngger timz. but it’s good fi dem! No loyalty? Welp. then n*ggaz will keep son’ing you!” she wrote.

Minaj highlighted Lil Wayne’s profound impact on the hip-hop world and questioned why Jay-Z, despite his success, would act with what she described as spitefulness and negativity.