Amid ongoing legal tensions involving Kendrick Lamar and Drake, the National Football League (NFL) is reportedly considering replacing Kendrick Lamar with Lil Wayne for the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in New Orleans on February 9, 2025.
According to Media Take Out, the NFL has reached out to Lil Wayne’s team to explore this possibility, following a cease-and-desist letter sent by Drake’s lawyers warning the league to prevent Kendrick from defaming him during the performance.
The issue stems from Drake’s legal concerns that Kendrick Lamar might perform 'Not Like Us' at the Super Bowl, a song that could exacerbate tensions between the two. Sources close to the NFL have revealed that the league is scrambling to manage the situation, with its legal department reportedly in disarray over the matter. As a result, the NFL is said to be working on contingency plans, with Lil Wayne emerging as a potential replacement for Kendrick, although no official confirmation has been made.
This development has sparked a public dispute between the two rappers. Kendrick, frustrated by assumptions that his performance would focus on Drake, is reportedly rethinking his Super Bowl set. While he initially considered including Drake and Lil Wayne as surprise guests, he is now contemplating a performance centered entirely on his own material, with no references to the ongoing conflict.
The controversy is further fueled by the fact that the Super Bowl is set to take place in New Orleans, Lil Wayne’s hometown. Fans have noticed Wayne’s absence from the official lineup, with some speculating that tensions between the two rappers may be at the root of the situation. Kendrick addressed the issue directly in his opening track 'Wacced Out Murals', where he taunted Lil Wayne, referencing their rivalry and the competition for the Halftime Show slot.
Lil Wayne (42) has since responded to Kendrick’s jab by taking to X (formerly Twitter), calling for peace while warning Kendrick to avoid further conflict. In a message shared with his followers, Wayne urged others not to disturb him, promising he would defend himself if necessary.
The rapper also expressed his disappointment at being overlooked for the Halftime Show in a heartfelt Instagram video posted on September 13, where he explained how much it hurt to be excluded from such a high-profile performance in his own city.
Kendrick Lamar (37), for his part, has yet to directly respond to Wayne’s comments, but tensions between the two remain high. As the NFL navigates these complex dynamics, fans and industry insiders continue to watch closely, eager to see how the situation will unfold in the lead-up to Super Bowl LIX.
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