On his surprise album 'GNX', Kendrick Lamar speaks out about the controversy surrounding his selection as the headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, especially touching on the hip-hop community's reactions.
- November 23, 2024
AceShowbiz - Grammy award-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar has surprised fans with the unexpected release of his sixth studio album, "GNX." The album opens with the provocative track "Wacced Out Murals," where Lamar directly addresses the heated debate that erupted following his announcement as the headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans.
Lil Wayne, a New Orleans native, was widely anticipated to headline the performance due to his deep ties with the city. His fans and many in the music industry felt he was the natural choice for the occasion, which led to widespread outrage when Lamar was chosen instead. In response, Kendrick raps, "Used to bump 'Tha Carter III,' I held my Rollie chain proud/ Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down."
The NFL's decision did not sit well with Wayne himself. On social media, he expressed his profound disappointment. His emotional reaction highlights the personal impact this decision had on him, especially given the event's significance in his hometown, as he said, "I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown and for just automatically mentally putting myself in that position... It hurt, it hurt a whole lot."
Lamar doesn't just stop at Wayne; he also throws shade at other veteran rappers. "Won the Super Bowl and Nas the only one congratulate me/ All these (expletive) agitated/ I'm just glad it's on their faces," he sings, revealing a sense of isolation despite his success.
Adding layers to the drama, Lamar references Snoop Dogg's repost of Drake's controversial "Taylor Made Freestyle," which features AI-generated verses from Snoop and Tupac Shakur aimed at Lamar. However, Kendrick maintains his integrity, saying he "let it go" but was visibly affected by the incident.
Beyond the lyrical content, "GNX" boasts an impressive lineup of collaborations, featuring artists like SZA, AZ Chike, and Sam Dew, with production from notable names such as Mustard, Sounwave, and Jack Antonoff.
Kendrick Lamar's "GNX" is not just an album but a statement piece that captures the friction within the industry and his stance amidst it all. As the Super Bowl performance approaches, eyes will be on both Lamar's execution and Lil Wayne's next moves.
