50 Cent reveals why Kendrick deserves the Super Bowl spotlight [VIDEO]
50 Cent reveals why Kendrick deserves the Super Bowl spotlight
During a recent interview on CBS’ The Talk, 50 Cent shared his thoughts on Kendrick Lamar’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime show performance. He expressed why he believes Kendrick is the perfect artist to take center stage at such a massive event, citing his success as a solo artist and his ability to captivate large audiences with meaningful music. 50 Cent’s praise for Kendrick comes in the wake of growing excitement over the 2025 Super Bowl, which will take place in New Orleans, a city known for its rich cultural legacy.
But what makes this moment particularly interesting is 50 Cent’s shifting perspective on Jay-Z’s involvement in organizing Super Bowl performances—especially in light of past and recent accusations regarding artist exclusions.
50 Cent’s History with the Super Bowl and Jay-Z
Back in 2022, 50 Cent performed alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige at the Super Bowl halftime show in Los Angeles. Although the performance was widely praised and became iconic, 50 Cent later revealed that he believed Jay-Z had initially tried to exclude him from the lineup. In an interview following the event, 50 Cent alleged that Jay-Z was the driving force behind a decision to keep him out of the show, despite his long-standing contributions to hip-hop.
According to 50 Cent, he felt that Jay-Z’s influence as a curator of the event—through his role with Roc Nation and its partnership with the NFL—was used to sideline him. He went so far as to suggest that Jay-Z’s business interests and personal biases may have played a role in the decision. However, after discussions with Eminem, 50 Cent eventually joined the halftime performance, where his appearance generated immense buzz, particularly with his upside-down entrance—a nod to his famous “In Da Club” music video.
Lil Wayne and the 2025 Super Bowl Controversy
Fast forward to 2025, and a new controversy has emerged surrounding the potential exclusion of Lil Wayne from the Super Bowl halftime show, which will feature Kendrick Lamar as the headliner. Many fans believe Lil Wayne, who has deep ties to New Orleans, should be part of the performance, given his status as a legendary figure in hip-hop. The city’s strong cultural connection to Wayne, his influence on the music scene, and his mainstream success have led to criticism of the decision to overlook him.
Rumors have circulated that Jay-Z, who continues to curate the Super Bowl halftime shows through Roc Nation, may be behind the choice to exclude Lil Wayne. Some fans and industry insiders have suggested that this exclusion is similar to what 50 Cent experienced in 2022. However, this time, 50 Cent has taken a different approach to the situation.
50 Cent Defends Jay-Z’s Decision
In a surprising turn, 50 Cent has publicly defended Jay-Z’s decision regarding the 2025 Super Bowl lineup, even as fans express disappointment about Lil Wayne’s exclusion. During his CBS interview, 50 Cent acknowledged that Kendrick Lamar deserves to shine on the Super Bowl stage as a solo artist. He pointed out that Kendrick’s lyrical prowess, cultural impact, and ability to connect with diverse audiences make him an excellent choice for the halftime show, particularly in a city with such rich history and deep musical roots.
50 Cent emphasized that the focus should be on the artistry and the significance of the moment, rather than on perceived slights. His comments suggest a shift in his perspective on Jay-Z’s role in these decisions, as he now seems to appreciate the complexities of curating an event as massive as the Super Bowl halftime show.
Comparing 50 Cent’s Perspective: Then and Now
The evolution of 50 Cent’s viewpoint on Super Bowl performances and Jay-Z’s influence speaks to his growth as both an artist and a businessman. While he previously felt left out of the 2022 halftime show and attributed this to personal dynamics, his current support for Kendrick Lamar and Jay-Z’s decision shows a more nuanced understanding of the industry.
50 Cent’s ability to set aside past grievances and recognize the value of Kendrick’s platform at the 2025 Super Bowl reflects a broader trend within hip-hop—one where competition and collaboration often go hand in hand. His change of heart may also signal a deeper respect for the weight of these decisions and the impact of curating diverse lineups for such monumental cultural events.
Kendrick Lamar’s Cultural Relevance and Super Bowl Spotlight
As for Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent’s praise comes at a pivotal moment. Known for his storytelling, complex lyricism, and social commentary, Kendrick’s music resonates across a wide spectrum of listeners. His work has transcended hip-hop to become a cultural touchstone, and his ability to bring people together through his music aligns perfectly with the ethos of a Super Bowl performance.
Kendrick’s inclusion in the 2022 halftime show alongside Dr. Dre and other legends of the genre was a defining moment for hip-hop on a global stage. Now, as a solo headliner, he has the opportunity to elevate his impact even further. In 50 Cent’s words, “Kendrick deserves as a solo artist—he’s the guy.”
The Legacy of Super Bowl Halftime Shows in Hip-Hop
Super Bowl halftime shows have increasingly become showcases for hip-hop, with artists like Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Dr. Dre pushing the genre to the forefront of mainstream culture. The inclusion of hip-hop at such a major event reflects the genre’s influence and its ability to cross cultural boundaries.
While tensions and disagreements often arise when curating these performances, as seen with 50 Cent and Lil Wayne’s exclusions, the underlying goal remains to showcase the best of the genre to a global audience. The balance between honoring legends and promoting new stars is delicate, but it highlights hip-hop’s dynamism and enduring legacy.
50 Cent’s Support for Kendrick and the Future of Hip-Hop at the Super Bowl
50 Cent’s shift from being sidelined in 2022 to defending Jay-Z’s decision for the 2025 show marks an important moment in his career. His support for Kendrick Lamar as a deserving Super Bowl headliner underscores the respect that Kendrick has earned within the industry. As hip-hop continues to play a key role in Super Bowl halftime shows, the genre’s ability to bring people together and spark cultural conversations remains undeniable.
The 2025 Super Bowl is shaping up to be another defining moment for both Kendrick Lamar and the hip-hop genre, and with the backing of industry veterans like 50 Cent, it’s clear that this performance will be one for the history books.