Imagine the Super Bowl halftime show in 2025.
The grand stage, the packed crowd, the lights, the energy—now ask yourself, who’s gonna kill it more? Kendrick Lamar or Lil Wayne? Both are legends, no doubt. But my answer is Kendrick Lamar and here’s why.
artistry.
Kendrick Lamar isn’t just a rapper—he’s a storyteller and a poet! From the Compton streets to mainstream culture, Kendrick has transcended hip-hop into a space that’s not only meaningful but powerful, thought-provoking and embedded with pride. And let’s be real, the Super Bowl halftime show is more than just a performance; it’s an event. We want someone who can deliver in said event—giving us a visually stunning experience, while making us think, and Kendrick checks all the boxes. He gave us a TASTE of what could be when he performed with Snoop Dogg and them.
Lil Wayne Had His Time
I’ve been seeing a lot of reasons why folks, particularly hardcore fans of Lil Wayne, express their disappointment with why he isn’t headlining the 2025 Superbowl halftime show in his hometown. While Lil Wayne puts on an amazing show, it’s just not his time, POINT BLANK PERIODT! In fact, Lil Wayne HAD his time. Wayne is an icon, no doubt. No one is taking that away from him. He’s shaped hip-hop in ways we will always appreciate. Kendrick Lamar is the artist of NOW and his voice AND MESSAGE is who we need to hear from and experience on the grandest stage in 2025. Lil Wayne definitely has the catalog, but can he give us the visual experience that hip hop fans yearn for?
The diversity factor.
Now, imagine Kendrick dropping a surprise feature mid-show. Think about it. He could bring out a jazz band to connect with the roots of New Orleans where the Super Bowl will take place, have a surprise feature which might be Lil Wayne (that would be dope), or drop in some of his more radio-friendly tracks to keep everyone vibing in the stadium and the families at home watching. He’s got the versatility and depth to give us a halftime show BY HIMSELF that’ll be legendary, but with layers. Something that will have the people talking about for years.
New Orleans, meet Compton.
Yes, Lil Wayne is from New Orleans. Yes, it would be epic to have NOLA’s very own hit the Super Bowl stage in his hometown. But Kendrick’s message has resonated from coast to coast, transcending local pride. New Orleans is a city that’s rich in culture, resilience, and history. Kendrick is that artist who can tap into the depth of what the city stands for, even without being born and raised there. His music reflects the same soul, spirit, and fight that New Orleans embodies.
The timing is just right.
We’ve already seen Lil Wayne dominate the scene for years—he’s a certified GOAT. But Kendrick? He’s at the peak of his career, and if we’re being honest, his social commentary and artistry hit differently in today’s climate. People need the introspection, the energy, and the empowerment that Kendrick brings. When you think about the current state of the world and hip-hop’s role in culture, it’s clear: Kendrick Lamar’s energy is exactly what super bowl stage need. Yeah…we can rock off to Lil Wayne’s “A Milli” or “Lollipop”, but how would he make us feel good about being black during these crazy times, and remind of us to turn our struggle into strength? Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance would be a cultural moment, not just a halftime show.
So yeah, Lil Wayne is the hometown hero, but when it comes to the Super Bowl halftime show? The job was given to the right man. Let’s celebrate Kendrick Lamar as the artist who was chosen as the first hip hop artist to headline a Super Bowl. Let’s not take away this moment from him, because he’s from Compton, instead of New Orleans. He was chosen because it was well-deserved.
He’s quiet now…he’s definitely gonna show us why the job was given to him.
