Lil Wayne helped usher in a new era of hip-hop with the rise of Young Money, which also launched Drake alongside Nicki Minaj. Picture: X
It’s been a wild ride in the hip hop world this year and things just got spicier! The latest drama? Kendrick Lamar snagging the popular Super Bowl LIX half-time slot, and not everyone is thrilled about it.
As expected, Jay-Z, who co-produces the Super Bowl show, is right in the middle of the storm, and fans and fellow rappers aren’t holding back.
Jay-Z’s decision to crown Lamar as the half-time king at the Super Bowl, happening in Wayne’s hometown of New Orleans, has caused quite the stir.
Nicki Minaj and other artists are questioning why Wayne didn’t get the spotlight, blaming long-standing rap feuds for what they see as a major snub.
Rapper Cam’ron hinted that Jay-Z’s decision could be revenge, calling out a past beef between Wayne and Jay-Z.
But there’s more to this story. It’s no secret that Jay-Z has a rocky history with Wayne’s mentor Birdman, going back to 2009 when Birdman declared Wayne the superior rapper. Could this be the real reason behind the so-called snub?
Minaj certainly thinks so. She’s been fanning the flames, pointing out Jay-Z’s long-running feud with Birdman and even dragging Desiree Perez, the CEO of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, into the mix.
Minaj’s beef with Roc Nation goes way back, and she’s made it clear that she’s not over it, especially after Roc Nation’s dealings with Megan Thee Stallion.
She even took to social media to praise Wayne, acknowledging his immense contribution to hip hop. Minaj shared how Wayne had her and Drake on tour without any contracts, appearing on her mixtapes freely.
Wayne and Minaj’s history runs deep. As part of the Young Money crew, Wayne took Minaj under his wing, helping her rise to become one of the biggest female rappers of all time.
Their collaboration on hits like "High School" and "Roman’s Revenge" remains iconic, cementing their bond in hip hop history.
The “Black Barbie” took to X: “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?!!!!!! Eminem stood firm on having 50Cent come out. A white man. Shit sad. House NIGGER TINGZ. but it’s GOOD FI DEM!!!!!!! No loyalty ? Welp. then niggaz will keep son’ing you!!!!!”
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?!!!!!! Eminem stood firm on having 50Cent come out.…
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) September 9, 2024
Minaj further praised Wayne for his immense impact on her career and the hip hop industry, highlighting his generosity and influence.
“And btw, you don’t know the half of what lil Wayne has done for me & others. Wayne had drake & I on his tour w/no papers signed. He was on all of my mixtapes w/no papers signed. This man has literally changed the FACE of hip hop.
“The hair too. IYKYK. He inspired so many to tat their faces & get locks. Inspired your faves to wanna be a great MC. he never was in this for the money. It’s always been for the love of music.”
And btw, you don’t know the half of what lil Wayne has done for me & others. Wayne had drake & I on his tour w/no papers signed. He was on all of my mixtapes w/no papers signed. This man has literally changed the FACE of hip hop. The hair too. IYKYK. He inspired so many to tat…
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) September 9, 2024
Even internet personality DJ Akademiks chimed in on X throwing some serious shade at Jay-Z for allegedly sidelining Wayne, tweeting: “The Super Bowl in New Orleans and they let Lamar perform over Lil Wayne… Jay-Z a legendary hater for that.”
The Super Bowl in New Orleans and they let Kendrick Lamar perform over Lil Wayne…. Jay Z a legendary hater for that.
— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) September 8, 2024
Despite the backlash, Jay-Z is standing firm on his choice. In a statement, he praised Kendrick Lamar, calling him a “once-in-a-generation artist” whose influence goes beyond music.