Lil Wayne’s venture into sports is paying off in more than one way. While the “Presha” rapper continues to show off his commentary skills, his agency demonstrates his business acumen behi’snd-the-scenes.
According to Front Office Sports, Lil Wayne’s Young Money APAA Sports agency has signed Travis Hunter. The outlet claims Weezy bet out several other high profile companies including Rich Paul’s Klutch Sports Group.
Although the report has not been confirmed by either a rep for Young Money APAA Sports or the University of Colorado-Boulder star, their public interactions show they have a tight-knit bond.
During Hunter’s Heisman Trophy acceptance speech he gave Lil Wayne a sentimental shoutout. “Wayne, you don’t know how you came into my life, man,” he said. “My fiancée loves you. I didn’t know none of your songs until she let me know because I don’t listen to music.”
Analyst predict Hunter will be the upcoming NFL Draft’s No. 1 pick due to his impressive offensive and defensive skills. But this isn’t Lil Wayne’s Young Money APAA Sports agency first superstar athlete. At one point it represented the Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts. Both Duke quarterback Darian Mensah and Colorado’s defensive end Jehiem Oatis are on its current collegiate roster.
Travis Hunter, the standout football star and recent Heisman Trophy winner, is set to sign with Lil Wayne’s Young Money APAA Sports agency for his NFL career representation. According to a report by Front Office Sports, Hunter has chosen Wayne’s agency over other prominent firms such as WME, CAA, Klutch Sports Group, and Athletes First. This decision highlights Hunter’s close connection with the legendary rapper.
During his heartfelt Heisman acceptance speech, Hunter gave special recognition to Lil Wayne, crediting him as an unexpected influence in his life. “Wayne, you don’t know how you came into my life, man. My fiancée loves you. I didn’t know any of your songs until she introduced me to them because I don’t usually listen to music,” Hunter revealed. “She told me, ‘If you’re going to listen to music, listen to Wayne.’ From that day on, Wayne’s music has been my go-to. Pregame, postgame, anytime I’m driving my [Dodge Ram] TRX—it’s all Wayne.”
Following the speech, Lil Wayne responded with enthusiasm on X (formerly Twitter), celebrating Hunter’s achievement. “Congratulations 2my brudda Travis mfkn Hunter!!! Heisman Trophy winner! Great speech King & Moms speech was just as amazing! She need 2b on TV somewhere!” he wrote. “Congrats 2 Ashton, Cam, Dillon & all of their families! Honored 2be amongst the greatness. Luv u Unk! Perfect timing! Go Buffs.”
Hunter’s partnership with Young Money APAA Sports is a testament to his admiration for Wayne, blending his rise in sports with the influence of one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures.
In the 2000s era, there weren’t many bigger rappers in the world than Lil Wayne. His mixtape and album catalog during that time is something that will never be wiped from history. Timeless songs were put out in those nine years, including “A Milli,” Dr. Carter,” “Best Rapper Alive,” and of course, “Lollipop.” Speaking of the latter, the club anthem achieved diamond status right around this time two years ago. During its peak, Tha Carter III lead single helped the project sell over one million units in its first week. Moreover, the track managed to hold onto the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks.
It even won the 2009 GRAMMY for Best Rap Song as well. But as we said, the massive record is still doing well over a decade and a half later and there’s a few folks to give credit to. Of course, we have to mention the late Static Major, the smash hit’s guest, who tragically lost his life just before it dropped. Then, you have the songwriters and producers, which includes Jim Jonsin, Deezle, and Pleasure P. That is at least according to the R&B singer himself in a recent video he shared to social media.
However, on the Genius page for “Lollipop,” the former Pretty Ricky singer is nowhere to be found. So, what’s going on here? Well, apparently, Pleasure P claims that he helped write this song before his before his first album with Static Major. But for some reason, he hasn’t gotten his “just due.” He didn’t go ballistic, but you can tell that Pleasure P is frustrated and tired of waiting for his plaques, writing credit, and a supposed $28 million he should’ve received by now.
Pleasure P asked Wayne, Jonsin (who also had an issue back in 2010 with receiving money for the song), and others involved to help him out. However, he claims that “nobody care about me no more.” P claims to not want to spark any violence. In that same breath though, he feels it’s been long enough.
The comet has officially landed. After 13 years, countless singles and mixtapes, and a legend that grew exponentially in his physical absence, Vybz Kartelwalked out of prison a free man in July. It was a surreal moment in a year filled with twists and turns, especially since it felt like the life sentence he received marked a dead end in his career. However, that wasn’t the case. Even while incarcerated, Vybz Kartel maintained a prolific output (which earned him a nomination at the 2025 Grammy Awards) and kept his fanbase well-fed with plenty of music while his influence expanded across the globe. A new crop of superstars emerged during this time–both in dancehall and beyond–that he directly inspired.
As we approach the new year, Vybz Kartel is back on the road and enjoying every minute of it. On December 31st, he’ll ring in the new year with the highly-anticipated Freedom Street Concert, produced by Downsound Entertainment–the team behind Jamaica’s largest annual musical festival, Sumfest. It will mark his first performance in 13 years, a moment he says he’s been prepared for well before his release.
“I’ve always been ready, mentally, because that’s the determination that Vybz Kartel has,” he tells HotNewHipHop over a Zoom call from the bank. “I mean, I’ve been in prison [for] 13 years fighting for my freedom, fighting for my health, fighting for my children, fighting to reclaim the spot that I left. So mentally, I’m prepared. Physically, we’re ready, as well. 99% there. It’s going to be amazing. Like, it’s literally a three-hour performance.”
He likens the upcoming concert to something you’d see from Taylor Swift or Madonna. It will be equipped with a stage in the center of the Jamaica National Stadium and a host of special guests, including Popcaan, Shatta Wale, Masicka, Spice, Skillibeng, Tommy Lee Sparta, Chronic Law, Shawn Storm, Lisa Hype, Sheba, Gaza Indu, Likkle Addi, and Likkle Vybz.
“I mean, this is Vybz Kartel, the epitome of what I represent,” he says of the line-up. “Not just me being at the table, but bringing everyone with me, as I’ve always done, you know what I mean? Because we learned it from the great Bounty Killer. We learned that when you’re eating, others have to eat, as well.”
However, it wouldn’t be complete without some surprise guests, one of which includes Busta Rhymes, as well as, “someone special from Canada to represent and we also want to bring someone special from New York as well, from the Bronx.” We recently caught up with Vybz Kartel to discuss his release from prison, his everlasting influence on artists like Drake and Cardi B, and reclaiming his throne in dancehall.
Tickets for the Freedom Street Concert are available at www.freedomstreetconcert.com and at retail outlets across Jamaica. For those who won’t be able to attend in person, you could also access the global livestream for $29.75, then it’s$39.75 starting Saturday, December 29. Livestream begins at 9:30 pm ET on Dec 31, 2024.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
HotNewHipHop: You’re the king of dancehall and maintained that position throughout incarceration. How does it feel to physically reclaim your throne?
Vybz Kartel: I mean, how does it feel to physically reclaim the throne as King of Dancehall? I mean, it’s an amazing feeling. I mean, just to be free after 13 years is an amazing feeling, but to come back and sit on the throne and get that reception from the fans, it’s an amazing feeling. It’s very humbling, as well. Because come on, it’s been 13 years, and people’s attention span is not that long, so it’s an amazing feeling, and I feel great.
The Freedom Concert on NYE will mark your first official live concert in over a decade. What should be expected?
I mean, what I want people to expect from me on the Freedom Street Concert is what Vybz Kartel has always been giving the people: the unexpected. I mean, not to give too much away, but this concert is going to be amazing. Not only will the people be able to celebrate with Vybz Kartel, but there will be a host of high-end, top-level entertainers on the stage with me.
And, also the stage itself–trust me, people are going to witness something they’ve never witnessed before. This stage alone is like… the setup is what a Madonna would use, a Taylor Swift. It’s like that level. So just the stage, the performance, the amount of hit songs that are going to be delivered on that night–trust me, it’s going to be amazing. The fans are in for a treat that they’ll never forget.
You’ve described the Freedom Street Concert line-up as dancehall’s Avengers. Spice, Popcaan, Skillibeng, Tommy Lee, Chronic Law, Shawn Storm, Lisa Hyper, Sheba, Gaza Indu, your sons, Likkle Vybz and Likkle Addi. How does this line-up reflect what you envisioned for the future of dancehall music?
I mean, this is Vybz Kartel, the epitome of what I represent. Not just me being at the table, but bringing everyone with me, as I’ve always done, you know what I mean? Because we learned it from the Great Bounty Killer. We learned that when you’re eating, others have to eat, as well. So that’s what this means to me. And I mean, I brought Popcaan. Remember, he’s originally from the Gaza. Tommy Lee, Sheba, Gaza Indu, my kids–they’re all from the Gaza. Skillibeng, influenced by Kartel. La Boss, influenced by Kartel. So it’s a culmination of what Vybz Kartel has always envisioned: the unity, the love, and that’s what we’re bringing to the people at Freedom Street.
As for any special guests, can you give us a hint of who it might be?
I mean, as it relates to special guests on the night, obviously, you know there’s going to be Busta Rhymes from New York; Shatta Wale. And we definitely want to bring someone special from Canada to represent and we also want to bring someone special from New York as well, from the Bronx. So without giving too much away, just know it’s going to be craaazy. Trust me.
Photo Credit: ADDI LENS film crew
One of your final performances, if not your final performance, before your arrest was in Trinidad. With how long you’ve been away from the stage, how have you been mentally and physically preparing for the Freedom Street Concert?
I’ve been mentally and physically preparing for the Freedom Street Concert in more ways than one. I mean, I’m in the gymnasium, working out. I do yoga as well, and I do my nutrition program. I’m on a nutrition program as well, so it’s plant-based. The only exception is we do the protein shake. So the physical training is on point. Like I said, the yoga is there, and just mentally, I’m ready. I’ve always been ready, mentally, because that’s the determination that Vybz Kartel has. I mean, I’ve been in prison [for] 13 years fighting for my freedom, fighting for my health, fighting for my children, fighting to reclaim the spot that I left. So mentally, I’m prepared. Physically, we’re ready, as well. 99% there. It’s going to be amazing. Like, it’s literally a three-hour performance.
You weren’t lying when you said it was going to be Taylor Swift-level.
Exactly [laughs], exactly. It’s definitely Taylor Swift-level, I’m telling you. Like high energy, big stage in the center of the stadium. I don’t even want to give too much away but trust me, people are going to love it. It’s a memorable moment.
What’s your reaction when you see the success of artists like Popcaan, Spice, and Skillibeng?
It’s an amazing feeling. I could never be prouder. It’s an amazing feeling to see the Popcaan, to see Skillibeng, to see Spice take dancehall to that super international level, knowing that I had a hand in these artists’ careers, especially as it relates to Popcaan, because he came around me as a kid, you know? So I feel so proud, not just for myself but for what he’s doing for Jamaica, for dancehall music, taking it to that next level. Spice, you know, she’s my sister. We grew up together in Portmore so that’s a different feeling on its own.
Skillibeng, I mean, he admits Vybz Kartel is his biggest influence, and to be honest, before I even knew that, the first time I heard Skillibeng, I was like, “Who the f*ck is this guy? Like, how does he rhyme like that?” In other words, when I came out, how people used to think about me, that’s how I think about Skillibeng. Like bro, how does he do that? So the feeling is an amazing feeling. I feel proud, I feel overwhelmed, and it’s great for the culture, it’s great for the country. So, yeah, it is what it is.
Your sons are also artists now. What’s the feeling like, just being in the studio with your kids and seeing them carry your legacy and the influence you have through their music?
I mean, seeing my sons elevate to a level where they can financially take care of themselves through music–because they have always loved music since they were children–it’s an amazing feeling. And to be in the studio with them when I came home… bro, I literally broke down, like literal tears came out my face. So, for me to watch them, knowing that when I went to prison, they were kids, and by the time I come out, these guys are getting booked for shows and having their own music videos. Trust me, it’s an amazing feeling. A father could not be prouder, you know? So, yeah, big up to Likkle Vybz and Likkle Addi, fully.
You recently revealed the secret behind recording in prison but now that you’re back home, I’m wondering how that creative process has changed for you.
Yes, I revealed the secret to my studio recordings in prison the other day, and now I’m out, and the creative process is basically the same. I mean, I just sit there with my thoughts, with the riddim playing, and I just spit, you know what I mean? No pen, no paper, you just flow from the top, from the dome, and that’s how I’ve done it for like the past… since about 2006, 2007, I’ve been doing that. So the creative process hasn’t changed but what has changed [is] now I’m more comfortable. I don’t have to be looking out if the officers are coming while I’m recording. While I was in the cell, I had to be like, you know, “Tick Tock, Tick Tock,” and then I got to be looking like, “What the f*ck?” So now I can just flow without interruption. So yes, that’s the only thing that has changed. The creative process is the same.
What has been inspiring your music?
What has been inspiring my music? That’s a great question. I mean, life, people. Before I got released, I did a song, I think it was about 2016 when I said, “The comet is coming.” And then when I came out, I did the song, “I thought I told you that the comet is coming.” You know, it’s actually at 10 million views now. So, I mean, I guess just life is my inspiration. People, my day-to-day, life, people around me, supporters, haters, friends, families, enemies. So I would just say life. My inspiration, I get it from just living.
Drake has been a massive supporter of yours and even named you one of his biggest influences. What have those initial conversations with him been like since you came home?
Yes, Drake. He said I’m his influence, but he’s also one of my influences. And funny enough, since I came out, we haven’t spoken, but while I was in prison, we spoke, and it was always an energy and a vibe, you know? I mean, always good energy, always good vibes. But since I came out, we haven’t spoken, because I’ve been all over the place, and obviously, he’s doing his stuff. But yeah, man, ‘nuff respect to Drake, trust me, man. Drizzy, yes. One Champagne Papi. So yes, it’s a great feeling.
Cardi B, as well. You know, she’s one of my biggest influences. I’m one of hers. So the energy is reciprocated on both sides. That’s a good look and a great look, not just for me personally, but for both genres, for hip hop and dancehall. So it’s a good look. So I appreciate those guys, trust me.
You’ve previously stated Lil Wayne is one of your favorite musical artists. Have there been any updates on a potential collaboration between you two?
Yes, Lil Wayne is one of my favorite artists. In my opinion, the best lyricist alive in hip-hop. And don’t come at me, don’t come for me. That’s my opinion. And no, I’ve never spoken to Lil Wayne, but like I said, I’m an artist, and look, one of the reasons why Vybz Kartel is such a dominant persona and a dominant artist in dancehall is because, first and foremost, I am a fan of music. I’m a student of music. So with that being said, Lil Wayne, in my opinion, is the best lyricist, bar none. No pun unintended. But I’ve never spoken to it before. But yeah, big up Weezy.
I read somewhere that Mick Jagger called you one of his favorite rappers at one point. Why do you think that your music transcends age, background, and genre?
I mean, I think my music transcends age, background, genres because it’s done in its purest form. Even yesterday, I was doing an interview and someone asked me a similar question, like, “How do you sit down and write a song?” I’m like, I don’t sit down and write a song. I just speak from the heart, from the mind, and it resonates with people regardless of age, regardless of background, regardless of ethnicity because it’s real.
It’s the same with [what] Bob Marley used to do back in the 70s, back in the 60s, and that’s why his music is still that amazing music to this day. Because he speaks from the heart. Don’t get me wrong, Bob Marley’s content, Vybz Kartel’s content, two different contents but once it’s spoken from the heart, it’s going to resonate and it’s going to last forever so I think that’s why. I speak from the heart and I just speak my truth. I don’t try to pretty it up, I don’t try to water it down. I just speak my truth, and that’s it.
When all is said and done, how do you want your legacy to be remembered?
How do I want my legacy to be remembered? I want to be remembered as someone who just lived their lives and spoke the truth. What you see is what you get: unadulterated, unfiltered, just the truth. And once people look at my legacy in that way, then my work is done. I’m good. I can rest in peace, literally.
Lil Wayne and Chris Brown headline a list of celebrities who misused funds from the Shuttered Venue Operations Grant, designed to help venues and arts groups during the pandemic.
According to The Business Insider, they went on expensive trips, shopping sprees, lavish parties, and self-pay at the cost of everyday taxpayers. Celebrities who received grants include Rae Sreummurd, Steve Aoki, and Marshmello.
The law was enacted by Donald Trump in 2020, allowing artists to obtain up to $10 million for “ordinary and necessary” expenses. Still, it required a good-faith statement from the Small Business Administration, highlighting a 25% loss in revenue between matching quarters in 2019 and 2020.
The report notes Lil Wayne received $8.9 million, which he used to buy $460,000 in designer clothes, $2.14 million to pay off the debt owed to his former manager Cortez Bryant, and $1.3 million for personal private jet use. During a $8,000 shopping trip at Dover Street Market, Wayne purchased a Balenciaga sweater, Rick Owens sneakers, and more. There was also a near $15,000 fee to a mystery woman.
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government issued the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant law to help keep the recording industry afloat after performing live — one of the industry’s main sources of income — became impossible due to live venues being shut down. However, in a new report from Business Insider, several entertainers, including Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, and Marshmello, are being accused of abusing those funds, using them to fund travel, parties, and luxury shopping sprees instead of paying employees and keeping the lights on.
Brown, who received a $10 million grant, reportedly spent $80,000 on his birthday party, which included models in body paint, an LED dance floor, and $29,000 worth of hookahs, bottle service, and fees incurred by damages to couches rented for the occasion. More than double that was spent on a celebrity basketball tournament broadcast on YouTube. Meanwhile, Lil Wayne, who received $8.9 million, allegedly spent the funds on private-jet flights ($1.3 million), luxury clothing ($460,000), and accommodations for female companions ($15,000) whose connections with Wayne are “unclear,” per BI.
Marshmello’s manager told the publication, however, that the DJ paid himself out of the $9.9 million grant he received. He “expensed the entire Grant balance to Payroll” via a loophole that allowed the SVOG funds to go to the artists’ business entities as “owner compensation” provided it was less than their income in 2019. They also had to show that their companies made 25% less in 2020 than in 2019 — which was more or less a given, considering how much of their income is made up of touring and live performances. This is how Steve Aoki paid himself $1.9 million out of a $2.4 million grant, Rae Sremmurd gave themselves $7.7 million, and Alice in Chains members Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney received $1.4 million each (Mike Inez took $682,000).
Meanwhile, the report says that while stars like Lil Wayne did use funds to pay their managers, attorneys, and agents, it was more than 13 times what sound techs and other contractors received. The Small Business Administration says it has recovered some misappropriated funds, but is still investigating open claims.
Lil Wayne was devastated when Kendrick Lamar, and therefore not himself, was chosen to perform the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. It seemed like maybe there was a bit of beef between the two, and now Wayne has addressed it.
Speaking about his general feelings on the situation on The Skip Bayless Show, Wayne said:
“For whatever reason, I believe that it’s over my head, meaning I don’t know why, period. Personally, the person I am, I straight look at it like, ‘You ain’t there, you ain’t there, you gotta get there.’ […] It is what it is. […] I want to get to the point where I’m undeniable. I want them to walk in there and have ten other choices and whoever’s in charge says, ‘No, you have to go with him.’”
Wayne then talked about his interpretation of Lamar’s lyrics about him on GNX‘s “Wacced Out Murals” (“I used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down”). Wayne also revealed he’s spoken to Lamar about the situation, saying, “He saw how much it meant to me, I think that’s all he means. Obviously, he can’t control that, you know? So he didn’t let me down. It ain’t like he can control it or nothing. And also, I’ve spoken to him and I wished him all the best and told him he better kill it.”
The Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar conflict has been a fascinating addendum to the Drake and Lamar battle. Lamar has made it clear that he does not respect the 6 God in any regard. Lil Wayne, on the other hand, is someone he grew up listening to. He even rapped about the irony of letting Weezy down on the first song of his new album, GNX. Fans have gone back and forth as to whether the reference was meant to be a diss towards Wayne or a tacit acknowledgment of the fact that he will be playing the Super Bowl Halftime Show in Lil Wayne’s hometown. Well, Weezy has finally given his two cents on the matter.
Lil Wayne went on The Skip Bayless Show to explain what transpired between him and Kendrick Lamar. He absolved the Compton rapper of any fault in the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show. He did not feel slighted by the fact that Dot referenced him by name on “wacced out murals.” “Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud,” Lamar spits. “Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down.” Lil Wayne clarified that he had not actually heard the song prior to the Bayless interview. Upon having the lyrics read to him, however, he took it as a sign of mutual respect.
“He’s a fan like I’m a fan,” the rapper stated. “He saw like everybody else, he saw how much it meant to me. I think that’s all he mean.” Lil Wayne went to say that he understood what Lamar meant, especially with regard to his hard work. “I understand those words,” Weezy assured the host. “He made it there… His hard work is the reason he made it there.” Wayne’s good faith read of the song makes a lot of sense given that Kendrick Lamar dubbed him the “greatest” in a 2022 interview with The Coveteur.
The Compton rapper, who worked with Wayne on 2018’s “Mona Lisa,” told the outlet that Weezy’s impact on hip hop culture is immeasurable. “We was just huge, still to this day, huge Lil Wayne fans,” he explained. “Lil Wayne is the greatest. Not only because of his music but also because of the culture he put behind it. It was a big part of what he was talking about, so we always hold Wayne in high regards.” Wayne responded to the interview by calling Lamar a “real one” on Twitter.
Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar have always had respect for one another. Lamar grew up idolizing and emulating Weezy. The latter, meanwhile, tapped Lamar for a guest verse on his 2018 song “Mona Lisa.” Tensions arose, however, when Lamar was announced as the performer at the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show in Lil Wayne’s hometown of New Orleans. The Young Money titan voiced his frustration with the situation repeatedly via social media. In a new interview, however, Wayne confirms that he’s on good terms with Kendrick Lamar following a phone conversation.
Lil Wayne discussed the Halftime Show controversy on The Skip Bayless Show. He acknowledged that Lamar had no control of the situation, and that he does not hold the rapper accountable for his anger. “Obviously, he can’t control that,” Weezy stated. “He didn’t let me down, it ain’t like he can control it.” Weezy then revealed that he recently made a call to Kendrick Lamar to smooth things out. “I spoken to him, and I wished him all the best,” the rapper noted. “[I] told him he better kill it.” Skip Bayless went on to inquire about the reference Lamar made on his new song “wacced out murals.”
On the GNX opener, K. Dot addressed the tension between him and Lil Wayne. “Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud,” he rapped. “Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down.” Skip Bayless asked whether Weezy had gotten a chance to discuss the intentionally behind these lyrics. The rapper felt no explanation was needed. He also, surprisingly, claimed that he had never heard the lyrics to “wacced out murals” before the host brought them to his intention. “That was my first time hearing,” he claimed. “I understand those words.”
Lil Wayne has changed his tune drastically in a month. The rapper said that he was tired of the criticism that he’d gotten regarding the Super Bowl drama. Weezy warned people to not mistake his kindness for weakness, and “let this giant sleep.” He also claimed that he’d “destroy” if disturbed. We’re happy to see this potential conflict between Wayne and Lamar come to a peaceful conclusion. We didn’t need a repeat of the Drake and Lamar situation.
Snoop Dogg is a keeper of the flame in hip hop. He’s still active, of course, but he has graduated to legend status. His opinion matters, which is why he’s been so involved in the Kendrick Lamar saga. Snoop Dogg, a fellow West Coaster, has been riding with Lamar throughout his 2024 Young Money feuds. He picked Dot over Drake, and now he’s picking Dot over another legend, Lil Wayne. Snoop went as far as to criticize Weezy during a recent podcast appearance.
Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre went on Drink Champs to promote their upcoming album, Missionary. They talked about their friendship and legacy as a duo. They also, of course, talked about Kendrick Lamar. Both men have served as mentors to Lamar, and they promptly stuck up for him in the current feud between Kenny and Weezy. The whole thing stemmed from the fact that Lamar was chosen to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show in Wayne’s hometown of New Orleans. Lil Wayne has expressed his disappointment with the decision, but Snoop Dogg believes he’s being too sensitive.
“This is a big event,” Snoop Dogg asserted. “You should just be honored that hip hop is being able to be seen on that platform, for all of us, and not hate on the next man, but be happy.” Snoop, who performed alongside Dre (and Lamar) at the 2022 Super Bowl, was confused by Lil Wayne’s sense of entitlement. He didn’t believe any artist should be “guaranteed” a spot, regardless of where the Halftime Show is set. “I didn’t feel like I was supposed to be there or in demand to be there,” he said about his Halftime appearance. “People look at everything when they pick the person to perform.”
Snoop Dogg did not reference Lil Wayne by name. He did, however, praise JAY-Z for giving hip hop artists an opportunity to shine on a huge stage. “Before JAY-Z got control of the Super Bowl, wasn’t no n**gas performing,” he asserted. “He’s creating a wave of artists that have an opportunity to perform.” Snoop Dogg then addressed Weezy indirectly. He told the veteran rapper that his time will come, if not in 2025 then in the future. For two men who were referenced on Kendrick Lamar’s “wacced out murals,” Snoop and Wayne could not be further apart on the Super Bowl issue.
