Kendrick Lamar speaks on Lil Wayne not supporting him being chosen for Super Bowl Halftime Show, on “GNX” album

Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album GNX dropped earlier today, sending shockwaves through the hip-hop world. The album, which came without warning after months of speculation, has already sparked intense reactions from fans and critics alike. One track, in particular, is getting a lot of attention for its bold lyrics and surprising references—”wacced out murals.” In this track, Kendrick Lamar seemingly addresses tensions in his complicated relationship with Lil Wayne.

While the entire album is brimming with lyricism that fans are diving into, it’s the second verse of “wacced out murals” that’s drawing the most interest. In it, Kendrick appears to express his frustration with Lil Wayne, particularly in the wake of Kendrick securing the headlining slot for Super Bowl LIX’s halftime show, and Wayne not supporting him.

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Controversy

Back in September, Kendrick Lamar was announced as the headliner for the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, set to take place in New Orleans. Therefore, the announcement quickly sparked outrage among many hip-hop fans and artists. The biggest point of contention was that many believed the slot should have gone to Lil Wayne, a New Orleans native and one of the most influential figures in rap. As the event approached, the conversation around the Super Bowl performance was dominated by debates about who truly deserved the opportunity.

Kendrick, known for his lyrical depth and his often confrontational style, didn’t shy away from addressing these feelings in his music. On “wacced out murals,” he seems to take aim at the situation, referencing how his success has led to unexpected challenges. This track, like much of his body of work, isn’t just about personal experience; it’s about dissecting the complicated nature of success, loyalty, and recognition in the world of hip-hop.

“I Used to Bump Tha Carter 3” — Kendrick and Lil Wayne

In the second verse of “wacced out murals,” Kendrick raps:
“I used to bump Tha Carter 3, I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down.”

These lines speak volumes. Kendrick openly acknowledges his admiration for Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter 3, a project that cemented Wayne as a hip-hop icon. The mention of his “Rollie chain” is a clear symbol of Kendrick’s success, yet there’s an underlying tension in how his rise has affected his relationship with others in the rap game. The irony Kendrick references here isn’t lost on listeners—he’s worked hard to get where he is, but now that he’s reached major milestones, it feels like his success has distanced him from the very people he used to look up to.

Furthermore, the reference to Tha Carter 3 also draws attention to Kendrick’s deep roots in the culture. He’s not just a newcomer to the industry—he’s someone who grew up on the music of artists like Lil Wayne. His evolution as an artist, from a fan of Wayne’s work to a peer in the industry, only adds complexity to the tension in these lines.

A Super Bowl Performance That Divided Hip-Hop

Kendrick’s headlining spot at the Super Bowl Halftime Show was a defining moment in his career. For some, it was a long-awaited validation of his status as one of hip-hop’s biggest stars. For others, it felt like an oversight. Many fans, particularly those from New Orleans, felt that Lil Wayne—who has deep ties to the city—was the more deserving choice. The city of New Orleans, after all, has a rich history in hip-hop, and Lil Wayne’s influence on the genre is immeasurable.

This disagreement is what Kendrick seems to be addressing in his verse. While he’s proud of his accomplishments, he can’t help but feel slighted by the lack of support from some corners of the industry. In the line, “Got the Super Bowl and Nas the only one congratulate me”, Kendrick seems to suggest that, despite his triumph, he hasn’t received the kind of recognition he might have expected from some of his peers.

Nas: The Only One Who Congratulated Kendrick?

Kendrick’s line about Nas being the “only one” to congratulate him also carries weight. Nas, a legendary figure in hip-hop, has long been a mentor figure for Kendrick. The fact that Nas publicly supported Kendrick at this moment speaks to a deeper bond between the two artists. But the line also highlights Kendrick’s isolation in an industry that can sometimes be more about competition than camaraderie. In his lyrics, Kendrick paints a picture of feeling isolated despite his monumental success—something many fans and fellow artists may relate to.

What’s particularly striking here is the contrast between the public praise Kendrick received (or didn’t receive) and his internal experience of success. Public applause, as we see in this verse, doesn’t always translate to genuine support or connection. This is a theme that Kendrick has explored before—how fame and success can sometimes lead to alienation rather than celebration.

Industry Rivalries and Hip-Hop’s Competitive Nature

At its core, Kendrick Lamar’s GNX is a reflection of the competitive nature of the hip-hop industry. In the world of rap, success doesn’t always mean unanimous praise; rather, it often comes with envy, rivalry, and the weight of expectation. Kendrick has always been outspoken about the pressures of fame, and GNX only deepens that exploration.

On “wacced out murals,” Kendrick’s disappointment is palpable. He isn’t just rapping about a single moment in time—he’s unpacking the complex web of emotions that come with being a trailblazer in an industry that often feels like it’s built on competition. While Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance was a crowning achievement for his career, it also stirred up underlying tensions about who truly deserves the spotlight.

The Bigger Picture: Loyalty and Recognition in Hip-Hop

What makes Kendrick’s verse so powerful is how it taps into a broader theme: loyalty and recognition in hip-hop. The genre is full of artists who have helped pave the way for one another, but those contributions are not always acknowledged. Kendrick’s frustration comes not just from the specific situation with Lil Wayne but from the larger issue of how the industry often forgets or undervalues those who laid the groundwork for others.

In this sense, GNX is a commentary not only on Kendrick’s own journey but on the state of the hip-hop industry as a whole. The track exposes the friction between artistry, success, and the complicated dynamics of acknowledgment in a highly competitive field. For Kendrick, the Super Bowl slot was more than just a performance—it was a moment to reflect on how far he’s come and the mixed emotions that success can bring.

Fans React: Mixed Emotions and Surprises

Since the album’s surprise release, fans have flooded social media with their reactions. Some are in awe of Kendrick’s lyrical complexity, while others are focused on dissecting the deeper meanings behind his lyrics. The inclusion of these personal reflections on industry dynamics has led to debates about whether Kendrick is right to feel slighted. There’s also discussion about whether the public’s reaction to his Super Bowl performance was unfair, especially given the history of New Orleans and Lil Wayne’s contributions to hip-hop.

What’s clear, however, is that Kendrick Lamar continues to push boundaries. GNX is more than just an album—it’s an exploration of the complexities of fame, loyalty, and success. As always, Kendrick uses his platform to voice his thoughts, frustrations, and reflections, creating a moment of introspection for both himself and his listeners.

Kendrick’s Legacy Continues to Evolve

Kendrick Lamar has always been an artist who pushes the envelope. From good kid, m.A.A.d city to DAMN., and now GNX, his ability to use music as a platform for social commentary and personal reflection has solidified his place as one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time. His latest album offers fans another window into his world, one that is marked by both triumph and disappointment. As reactions to the album continue to pour in, one thing is certain: Kendrick Lamar remains a voice that challenges the status quo and keeps the conversation around hip-hop and success alive.

The conversation about his Super Bowl performance and his lyrical nod to Lil Wayne is just the beginning. GNX proves once again that Kendrick Lamar is never afraid to speak his truth, even when it ruffles feathers. Whether you agree with him or not, one thing’s for sure—Kendrick is always in the conversation, and GNX is proof of his unyielding relevance in the world of hip-hop.