Nicki Minaj is not holding back her opinions. On Monday, September 9, she took to social media to express her discontent with JAY-Z and Roc Nation for not selecting Lil Wayne as the headliner for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show.
Minaj voiced her frustration on Twitter, making a pointed reference to Colin Kaepernick’s protest during the national anthem: “One man took a knee,” she wrote, alluding to Kaepernick’s activism against racial injustice. She then shifted her attention to JAY-Z, highlighting the controversial partnership between Roc Nation and the NFL.
“The other man took the money. He’s going to get you all in line every single time,”
she asserted, criticizing the perceived compromises made by JAY-Z in his role with the league.
Minaj didn’t stop there. She continued her rant, condemning the power dynamics and control within the music industry. “[You] have everything in the world and yet remain spiteful and evil. Disgusting. Be happy, for goodness’ sake. Go find your happiness,” she declared, addressing what she saw as unnecessary interference and manipulation within the rap and entertainment business. She also seemed to take aim at Roc Nation’s CEO, Desiree Perez, accusing the label of denying Lil Wayne his rightful recognition due to personal vendettas.
“Denying a young Black man what he has rightfully contributed to this industry, for no other reason but ego,” Minaj tweeted in a separate message.
“Your hatred for Birdman, Drake, and Nicki has led you to punish Lil Wayne?”
She then passionately defended Lil Wayne, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, especially in New Orleans. “The GOAT?! NOLA, what’s up?! Eminem stood his ground and demanded 50 Cent appear with him. A white man. That’s what’s sad,” she added, referring to Eminem’s insistence on having 50 Cent perform during his Super Bowl LVI set in 2022.
Minaj’s comments also brought to light the dynamics behind the selection of the Super Bowl halftime performers. During Super Bowl LVI, Eminem shared the stage with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and his “You Don’t Know” collaborator 50 Cent at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The decision to feature 50 Cent was reportedly a non-negotiable demand from Eminem, which Minaj used to emphasize her point about Lil Wayne’s exclusion from the upcoming Super Bowl lineup.
Super Bowl LIX’s halftime show, scheduled for February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, will be headlined by Kendrick Lamar. This announcement stirred some controversy among fans, who argued that Lil Wayne, a native of New Orleans, would have been a more fitting choice for the event, given his deep-rooted connection to the city and its music culture.
Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj is also gearing up for her musical comeback. Her highly anticipated album, “Pink Friday 2: Gag City Reloaded,” is set to be released on streaming platforms this Friday, September 13. Minaj has been building excitement for the album, unveiling its official artwork in August and hinting at a return to her early rap roots.
As Minaj continues to dominate headlines with her unapologetic stance, her latest comments have sparked a broader conversation about representation, respect, and recognition in the music industry, particularly concerning Black artists and their rightful places on the biggest stages. The debate about the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show has only intensified, with fans waiting to see if Lil Wayne will eventually get the spotlight many believe he deserves.
