Lil Wayne‘s absence from the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, replaced by Kendrick Lamar, ignited a lively debate in the hip-hop community. Wayne’s expressed feeling “hurt” by the NFL’s choice to exclude him from performing in his hometown, prompting support from fellow artists like Nicki Minaj, Cam’ron, and Master P, who rallied to defend the New Orleans rap icon.
In a recent episode of Fat Joe Talks on Friday (Oct. 18), LL Cool J engaged in a conversation with Fat Joe, discussing a range of subjects, including Wayne’s omission from the Super Bowl’s headlining lineup in favor of K. Dot, according to Complex.
The “Going Back to Cali” rapper praised Wayne’s contributions but is supportive of Kendrick’s current success, given his impressive stats this year. LL is confident that Wayne will also have his opportunity in the spotlight. He said to Joe, “Yo, Lil Wayne is one of the most talented dudes on the planet. Period. He’s one of our great artists. He’s an unbelievable writer.” “He’ll have his day. Let Kendrick get that. Let’s keep it moving.”
LL continued, “First of all, the people of New Orleans are amazing, and Wayne comes from a very proud state, Louisiana, and a very proud city, New Orleans, so we’ve got to put some respect on that.” “Your time will come. You’ll have your day. You will. You were a little kid — 14 years old — you became one of the great rappers in the culture. One of the most influencial…you put things in the dictionary. You’ll have your time. You can’t let that break you.” “And the only reason it makes me laugh is because I know how blessed he is. I know how successful he is.”
LL Cool J Reminds Wayne of His Impact
The 56-year-old emphasized that Wayne shouldn’t be concerned about that moment, likening it to his own experiences of being overlooked for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before finally being inducted in 2021. He went on, “To put it in perspective, I’m in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.” “They voted on me, it felt like 999,000 times before I got in. It didn’t break me, bro. I didn’t even make a comment. As a matter of fact, I laughed just like I just laughed just now. Because these are champagne problems. There’s guys who can’t get their demo listened to!”
Kendrick was named the Super Bowl LIX headliner by the NFL and Roc Nation in September, leaving a heartbroken Wayne to reflect before sharing his thoughts days later. Wayne stated in an Instagram video, “That hurt. It hurt a lot. You know what I’m talking about. It hurt a whole lot.” “I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown. … But I thought that was nothing better than that spot and that stage and that platform in my city, so it hurt.”
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