Lil Wayne Speaks On Super Bowl Halftime Show Decision: “It Hurt A Whole Lot” 

Lil Wayne has broken his silence on not being chosen as the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime performer with a heartfelt Instagram video.

On Thursday (Sept. 12), Wayne expressed to his fans that it took him a while to even explain how he felt, as he was “broken.” He also blamed himself for having expectations, but thanked everyone who came to his defense.

“First of all, I want to say forgive me for the delay. I had to get strength enough to do this without breaking,” he began. “I’ma say thank you to every voice, every opinion, all the care, love and support out there. Your words turned into arms and held me up when I tried to fall back.”

Speaking to his initial feelings on the decision, he continued, “That hurt. It hurt a lot. You know what I’m talking about. It hurt a whole lot. I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown, and for automatically mentally putting myself in that position like somebody told me that was my position. So I blame myself for that.”

Wayne also went on to thank his support system, reminding his fans that he wouldn’t be who he is today without them.

“But I thought that was nothing better than that spot and that stage and that platform in my city, so it hurt,” he added. “It hurt a whole lot. But y’all are f**king amazing. It made me feel like sh*t not getting this opportunity and when I felt like sh*t, you guys reminded me that I ain’t sh*t without y’all… and that’s an amazing reality.”

Through it all, the Hip-Hop living legend assured fans that he’s “tryna put me back together.” He went on, “I feel like I let all of y’all down by not getting that opportunity. But I’m working on me, and I’m working. So, thank you.” 

Earlier this week, Kendrick Lamar was announced as the performing act for NFL’s biggest night, which brought on outrage from Hip-Hop and more.

Nicki Minaj was one of the most outspoken supporters — indirectly calling out JAY-Z on X for “Denying a young black man what he rightfully put into this game for no other reason but your ego.”

Mentioning her YMCMB crew she continued, “Your hatred for BIRDMAN, Drake & Nicki got you punishing Lil Wayne?!?!!! LIL WAYNE!!!!!!!!!! THE GOAT?!!!!!!!!!!! Nola what’s good?!!!!!! Eminem stood firm on having 50Cent come out. A white man. Sh*t sad. House NI**ER TINGZ. but it’s GOOD FI DEM!!!!!!! No loyalty? Welp. then ni**az will keep son’ing you!!!!! #DTLR #GagCityDC LMFAOOOOOOOOOO GOODAZ FI DEL GAL U AH GOODAZ FI DEM.”