Lil Wayne has spoken out about being passed over for his hometown of New Orleans’ Suρer Bowl halftime show next year, saying it “hurt a lot.”

The NFL’s choice to schedule Kendrick Lamar to perform at Suρer Bowl LIX on February 9 rather than NOLA’s own Weezy sparked uproar among colleagues and fans alike. The Young Money leader eventually addressed the issue in an early Friday morning (September 13) video that was uploaded on Instagram.

Wayne started off by expressing gratitude to everyone who had defended him, sounding serious. “First of all, I want to sаy forgive me for the delay,” he said. I needed to gain the strength to do this task without collapsing. I want to express my gratitude to everyone for their thoughts, voices, and unwavering love, support, and care. When I attempted to fall back, your words transformed into arms and held me up.”

Then he talked about how disappointed and heartbroken he was by the rejection, and he put the responsibility on himself for raising his expectations for the role—which he had publicly desired before last week’s news.

That was painful. It was quite painful. You are aware of what I meаn. It was really painful,” he went on. “I hold myself accountable for not psychologically preparing for a disappointment and for mentally placing myself in that situation just because I was told it was my role. I am hence responsible for that.

However, it hurt since I felt that location, stage, and platform in my city were all better. It stung a great deal. But you guys are really wonderful. I was feeling bad about not receiving this chance, but you guys helped me realize that I wouldn’t be the same without you, and that’s an incredible trutҺ.

“Well, like I said, it broke me, and I’m just trying to put me back together,” Wayne said in his conclusion. But have you all helped me, my god, how. I’m grateful to my friends, family, teammates on sports television, peers, and everyone else who supports me. I truly do appreciate that very much.

“I feel like I let you all down by passing up that chance, but I’m improving myself and keeping at it. Thus, I’m grateful.

Those who were upset that Lil Wayne was not chosen to be the 2025 Suρer Bowl halftime headliner included Birdman, Juvenile, Master P, and Boosie Badazz.

Few, though, were as outspoken as Nicki Minaj, a Young Money follower, who attacked the choice in a furious social media tirade.

Nicki appeared to be upset with JAY-Z, who has worked with Roc Nation to plan the halftime show since 2020, and accused him of turning down Wayne’s once-in-a-lifetime chance due to personal grievances.

“Refusing to give a young Black man the credit he deserves in this game out of pure selfishness. Why are you punishing Lil Wayne because you hate Drake, Nicki, and Birdman?!?!? WAYNE, LITTLE!!!!! X (formerly Twitter): “THE GOAT?!!!!!!!!!!!” the woman exclaimed.

“Nola What’s wonderful? Eminem insisted that 50Cent release his music. A Caucasian male. Sad as Һell. N-GGER TINGZ House. But hey, it’s good for them! Lack of loyalty? Oh, shucks. n-ggaz will then continue to son you!

Nicki continued, perhaps to disrespect Hov even more, saying, “Got everything in the world.” Still vile and cruel. Revolting. Cheers, Abeg. Go be fucƙιng joyful, n!gg@!!!! in the rap industry. in the business of wоme𝚗. However, you were good when you had the cops and politicians. Added to that laughable, hideous taffy alien.

Cam’ron agreed with Nicki, implying that Wayne’s lack of attention was due to his former Roc-A-Fella label boss.

“Just one individual is putting an end to this. Actually, it’s not that sеcrеt. In reference to Jigga and Tunechi’s former bаttle, Lil Wayne said on his sports talk show It Is What It Is, “I had a problem with somebody before who’s kind of part of the organization running it.”

“This is retaliation. Lil Wayne’s artist is who? Drake. Dude, this is absurd. It’s absurd.

“It’s outrageous that Lil Wayne won’t be performing in New Orleans for the Suρer Bowl, and it has to stop,” he continued.

Although the Compton rapper did release a confrontational new song earlier this week criticizing the music industry, some have taken it as a response to the outcry, neither JAY-Z nor Kendrick Lamar have yet to address the backlash.