Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance, which included his controversial Drake diss track Not Like Us, left many viewers disappointed, leading to widespread criticism on social media. While Lamar’s set featured some of his biggest hits, the performance failed to meet the expectations of many fans, with several expressing their dissatisfaction online.
As the show drew mixed reactions, one figure emerged as the focal point of the blame: Jay-Z. The 55-year-old rap icon, who has overseen the selection of Super Bowl halftime performers since Roc Nation entered its partnership with the NFL in 2019, found himself under scrutiny. Fans pointed to Jay-Z’s role as the head of the talent agency and record label behind the show, questioning whether his influence contributed to the underwhelming performance. Many argued that Lamar’s set could have been better curated to match the scale and spectacle typically associated with the Super Bowl halftime stage.
Under the agreement that began in 2019, Jay-Z was appointed as the “live music entertainment strategist” for the Super Bowl, giving him the final say on the performers, a role he took on after Roc Nation entered into its partnership with the NFL. In a September interview with Variety, halftime show producer Jesse Collins confirmed that the ultimate decision on who takes the stage lies with Jay-Z, cementing his significant influence over the show’s direction.
While much of the social media backlash was aimed at Kendrick Lamar’s performance, many fans were equally critical of Jay-Z and Roc Nation for their role in shaping the halftime show. “Time for the NFL to fire Roc Nation/Jay-Z. Make the halftime show great again!” wrote one frustrated viewer, reflecting a growing sentiment that Jay-Z’s vision for the show missed the mark. The criticism highlighted a broader dissatisfaction with how the halftime shows have been curated in recent years under his guidance.
One particularly heated tweet, addressed directly to Roc Nation, read, “NO MORE RAPPERS AT THE SUPER BOWL!!” The user continued, “It’s been 6 years since Jay-Z has taken control of picking artists, and we are tired of the Atlanta conventions. The Super Bowl is supposed to be a SPECTACLE, and nobody does spectacles like POP STARS! FIX UP NEXT YEAR!”
The backlash against Jay-Z seemed to come from a mix of fans, with some voicing their preference for rock, pop, or country artists over hip hop and R&B, while others, particularly from conservative circles, took aim at the rapper’s influence on the show. A few rap fans also joined in the criticism, notably one who suggested Jay-Z should be fired for passing over Lil Wayne for the halftime performance. In September, Wayne admitted it “broke him” to be overlooked for the opportunity.
While it remains unclear whether Lil Wayne was ever seriously considered for the spot, one fan lamented, “It’s time to fire Jay-Z #NFL, Lil Wayne should’ve been performing at the halftime show. I’ll give Kendrick’s performance a -100.”
Another irate viewer complained that this was the “2nd time Jay-Z missed the mark,” though they did not specify who they considered his first poor performer choice to be, fueling further debate on whether Jay-Z’s vision for the halftime shows has truly resonated with the broader audience.#newsafro_
