The controversial Super Bowl LIX halftime show, which saw Kendrick Lamar replace Lil Wayne in the headlines, is still being debated within and outside the hip-hop community. No matter how you feel about the issue, this disaster could play out in a number of different ways before New Orleans hosts this game on February 9, 2025. Additionally, NOLA native Big Freedia recently spoke with TMZ about the matter, sharing what he sees as the city’s general reaction to Tunage native not getting the primary seat. Click on the “Via” link below to view excerpts from the interview.
First, Big Freedia smiled and said he should headline the Super Bowl halftime show. “I should be there for them to bounce,” he said. “But really, I don’t think it’s just, you know… I guess, people don’t really know who decides to make headlines or whatever. And I think, you know, I’m coming from the outside Look, I think the reason Apple was able to make headlines was because Apple had a place in the halftime show, and a lot of people blamed Jay-Z, a lot of people blamed this or that.
Kendrick Lamar at Super Bowl LVI
INGLEWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 13: Kendrick Lamar during the NFL Super Bowl between the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California Performing during the Pepsi half-time show at the LVI Cup football game. (Photo by Cooper Neil/Getty Images)
“I think this could be a collaboration between Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar performing together,” Big Freedia continued. “Who knows, you know, where this show might end up? New Orleans will definitely be sad that Lil Wayne isn’t the headliner. I think they should definitely have some Southern artists on the ticket. You know, I think Cash Money and Unlimited Family should definitely be involved, but who knows what’s going to happen in the days ahead?”
Big Freedia then elaborated on the chance that Kendrick Lamar might invite (or has already invited) Lil Wayne to perform with him at the Super Bowl halftime show. “I think it would be a great move,” he shared. “I think it’s a good thing for Kendrick Lamar. If he’s going to make it happen, I think he’s definitely going to get some love from Louisiana and the South.”
About the author
Gabriel Bras Nevares is HotNewHipHop’s music and pop culture news writer. He started as a weekend writer in 2022 and has gained a wealth of knowledge in hip-hop news and publishing since joining the team full-time. Whether reporting regularly or giving occasional interviews and album reviews, he continues to seek out the most relevant news for his audience and find the best new albums in the genre. What excites him most is finding pop culture stories of interest and a deeper passion for the hip-hop art form and its contemporary work. Specifically, Gabriel loves the fringes of rap music: experimental, boundary-pushing, original alternatives to mainstream music. While he is proud to be a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, he is also knowledgeable about the archipelago’s local scene and the latest happenings in reggaeton, salsa, indie and other music scenes. Prior to joining HotNewHipHop, Gabriel produced multiple short documentaries, artist interviews, venue spotlights, and audio podcasts about various genres and musical figures. While attending George Washington University, hardcore punk and go-go music defined much of his coverage.
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