Lil Wayne is one of the most legendary artists in the history of hip-hop. Overall, he has an extensive catalog of music and fans believe he may be one of the GOATs. However, many were disappointed over the weekend when it was revealed that Kendrick Lamarwould be headlining the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl is taking place in New Orleans, which is where Wayne is from. Many felt like it was a guarantee that Wayne would end up getting the nod, but he was snubbed.
This has subsequently led to a lot of discourse. Stan wars on Twitter have gotten out of hand, and it is hard to discern what really went behind the decision to pick K. Dot over Wayne. Either way, there is no doubt that Wayne is disappointed right now. We know this because he took to Instagram Live last night where he offered his true feelings on the situation. As you will hear, this whole situation has left him broken and it was hard for him to speak at first.
“That hurt, it hurt a lot… I thought there was nothing better that spot, on that stage, on that platform,” Wayne said. The legendary artist also noted how he thought it was a given that he would get the gig. However, he believes he should have mentally prepared himself for the rejection. “It broke me, but I’m just trying to put myself back together,” Wayne concluded. These are heartbreaking words, especially from a legend of Wayne’s caliber.
Let us know your thoughts on all of this, in the comments section down below. Do you believe that Lil Wayne was snubbed by the NFL and Jay-Z? Or do you think it was smart to give Kendrick Lamar the platform after the year he has had? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Usher will be performing at the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show on February 11, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. The event will take place close to where the legendary singer held his Las Vegas residency from 2021 to late last year. So far, there have been no reports regarding any special guests joining Usher on stage. However, he did tell Good Morning America that “it’s gonna be a great show” when asked about the possibility of surprise performers.
Usher’s headlining performance coincides with the release of his ninth studio album, Coming Home, which arrives just two days before he takes the Super Bowl stage. It has been a long time since he last performed at a halftime show. The R&B and pop icon previously performed at the Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show in 2011 as a guest of The Black Eyed Peas. That’s not to say that he hasn’t been actively performing throughout the past few years. In addition to a successful residency at Las Vegas’s Colosseum at Caesars Palace, he has played major festivals like Lovers and Friends and Roots Picnic.
The Super Bowl Halftime Show has always been reserved for “legacy artists” with sizable catalogs filled and classic hits. It is a spectacle that often sees musical giants creating an epic show out of their timeless discographies. Usher certainly fits that bill with plenty of multi-platinum and number-one hit singles. Many Super Bowl performances have managed to cram plenty of hits into a 13-minute performance, but there are certain songs that fans are expecting to see live. Here are seven hit songs that we need to see Usher perform at his Super Bowl halftime show. Listed in no particular order, take a look at the selections below.
One might not picture the Super Bowl when they hear a downbeat R&B song like “U Got It Bad,” but its iconic status makes sense for a performance meant for hit singles. Many of the best Super Bowl halftime shows balance both energetic moments of excitement with slow and intimate songs. “U Got It Bad” is a massive number-one single and fan favorite, and would fit nicely within Usher’s set of R&B classics. As an early hit and the biggest single from 8701, “U Got It Bad” helps capture the span of Usher’s illustrious career, not to mention the fans love it.
One can confidentially assume that Usher will perform “Yeah!” at the Super Bowl. The chart-topping throwback is significant in the singer’s discography, with its notoriety and upbeat nostalgia perfectly fit for the halftime show setting. As arguably Usher’s most recognizable hit, fans can expect to see him perform “Yeah!” with his famous dancing skills. Additionally, it creates the right opportunity for Lil Jon and Ludacris to possibly make a surprise appearance. “Yeah!” is an essential hit that we need to hear at this year’s Super Bowl.
“Confessions Part II” (2004)
Easily Usher’s biggest album is his diamond-certified third album, Confessions. As his best-selling work, one can expect the R&B legend to perform many songs from the album, including “Confessions Part II.” Rolling Stone recently ranked it as the greatest R&B song of the 21st century, not to mention that Usher’s performance of the record during his NPR Tiny Desk sparked the viral “Watch This” meme. With these recent celebrations of the song, fans can anticipate “Confessions Part II” to be included in Usher’s set. It is one of the most upbeat and catchy songs on his biggest album, and would certainly make for a thrilling halftime show moment.
Also on Confessions is “My Boo,” which is Usher’s highest-selling single to date. The song is an integral part of Usher’s discography. With its slow groove and catchy lyrics, it warrants a spot in his 13-minute performance. “My Boo” lends itself to a crowd sing-along, which one can picture when considering its position in Usher’s performance. Additionally, Alicia Keys’ contributions to the song opens the possibility of a live duet between the two.
“Love In This Club” Ft. Jeezy (2008)
Out of all the songs in Usher’s catalog, few are as right for the Super Bowl Halftime Show as “Love In This Club.” It contains the right characteristics for the big-budget performance spectacle. The upbeat and catchy song allows Usher to showcase his vocal range and his dance moves. Additionally, its irresistible chorus can create engagement with the audience. A staple in most of Usher’s live performances, we need to hear “Love In This Club” at the Super Bowl.
“OMG” Ft. will.i.am (2010)
Usher’s last performance at the halftime show took place over a decade ago as he joined The Black Eyed Peas to perform “OMG.” It was the biggest single from his Raymond V. Raymond album and is his last song to top the Billboard Hot 100. Performing “OMG” at the Super Bowl Halftime Show would restore the feeling of the early 2010’s era. It would also be a full circle moment in Usher’s headlining halftime show after performing the song as a guest 13 years ago. “OMG” is one of Usher’s most lively singles that fans need to hear at his upcoming performance.
Usher may be known as an R&B icon, but he made numerous classic EDM bangers during the early 2010’s. The biggest of these club-ready hits is “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love.” Not many Usher songs encourage people to dance quite like this one. It is practically made for the stadium setting with its bouncy pop beat and dynamic vocals. Many fans may favor Usher’s older R&B ballads, but he captured young audiences with contemporary dance records that appeal almost universally. The fun spirit of “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love” is certainly necessary for Usher’s Super Bowl Halftime Show performance.
JAY-Z won the award for Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special for co-directing Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime show at the 2023 Primetime Creative Arts Emmys, on Sunday night. In the category, the legendary rapper beat out Joel Gallen with Chris Rock: Selective Outrage, Linda Mendoza with Wanda Sykes: I’m an Entertainer, Paul Miller with Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love, and Glenn Weiss with The Oscars. Hov split the honor with his co-director, Hamish Hamilton, who had helmed every Super Bowl Halftime Show since 2010, when The Who performed. The halftime show also took home the award for Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special.
JAY-Z praised Rihanna when the NFL first announced she would be performing at the game in 2022. “Rihanna is a generational talent, a woman of humble beginnings who has surpassed expectations at every turn,” he said at the time. “A person born on the small island of Barbados who became one of the most prominent artists ever. Self-made in business and entertainment.”
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 12: Rihanna performs during Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
JAY-Z previously won an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) for his work on the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2022. That performance featured Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar, with guest appearances from 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak.
Next month, Usher will be headlining the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show, following the release of his upcoming album, Coming Home. The game will kick off on Sunday, February 11. Be on the lookout for further updates on JAY-Z and Rihanna as well as the Super Bowl Halftime Show on HotNewHipHop.
Lil Wayne has expressed his desire to headline the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime show in New Orleans. Going to the Super Bowl and watching the Halftime Show and wishing, when you see the artist, you be like, ‘They could’ve sung the song that I was featured on!”. I’m featured on everybody’s song — you could’ve brought me out! Please do not feel disrespected if you’re an artist from New Orleans. Or an artist tied to me any kind of way in the music [industry], but know that’s my moment and I earned that moment. So no, I’m not bringing no one!” Wayne told Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report.
There has just been one other rapper to headline the Super Bowl Halftime show. That was the Dre-led show in 2022 that featured the creme de la creme of West Coast rap (as well as Eminem). To give an artist like Wayne a solo show (although the did say there would be an exception to his guest rule for Beyonce), would be a major step for the NFL.
Elsewhere in the interview, Wayne also revealed that he had an unreleased track featuring Kevin Durant. The track was at one time considered for inclusion on ColleGrove 2. Instead, Wayne decided to save it for a later project. However, Wayne was caught off-guard after Rooks revealed that she knew about the track. “I just want you to know you messed up. That song was being considered to be on Carter VI and now since you’re saying something, it’s not goin’ on Carter VI,” Wayne joked, directing his response at Durant himself.
Furthermore, Wayne had a lot to say about Durant’s skills as a rapper. “KD’s a jewel. He’s a backpack rapper. I can imagine he probably could call a timeout in a game, and probably ask him to rap and he probably got a verse for you,” Wayne mused. The content of Durant’s song with Wayne is as yet unknown. However, KD does have some experience in the music industry. He has a song with LeBron James and was recently credited as A&R on Drake‘s For All The Dogs.
Usher is making the absolute most of his Las Vegas residency. Earlier this year it became the inciting point for one of the biggest dramas of the summer. The R&B star sang to Keke Palmer who had showed up in a bit of a revealing dress. Her boyfriend Darius Jackson took issue with what she wore and posted about it publicly. The massive discussion that followed enveloped dozens of other celebs who shared their opinions.
Now, Usher is once again under a spotlight in Las Vegas. This time though there’s much less drama. With his residency still ongoing until December, he was presented with the key to the city yesterday. “I just want to continue to be an amazing contribution to your amazing city. I do see opportunity here, and the belief that everything that’s in my mind and that I’ve dreamed of is coming to life as a result of the city. So thank you,” the singer said in a statement. He’s also contributed to the city by hosting multiple renditions of his Lovers & Friends music festival. Check out the city’s full announcement post below.
On top of a key to the city, the singer also got a holiday names after him. October 17 was proclaimed Usher Raymond day in Las Vegas. The same day on the other side of the country another city also named October 17 after a musician. That came when Atlanta officially declared it Gucci Mane day. The two declarations don’t seem to necessarily have much to do with each other, but the pair have collaborated on music twice before.
Usher also has another pretty big performance coming up. The singer will be taking the stage as the star of next year’s Super Bowl halftime show following Rihanna’s performance last year. What do you think of Las Vegas awarding Usher the key to the city? Let us know in the comment section below.
Not long after his spectacular Super Bowl halftime show earlier this year, it was revealed that The Weeknd’s performance would be the subject of a Showtime documentary called The Show. Now, we’ve gotten our first look at the film via a new trailer.
The minute-long video includes footage of and soundbites from people, who are mostly not The Weeknd, working behind the scenes of the production. The Show is set to premiere on September 24.
Todd Kaplan, VP of marketing at Pepsi, previously said of The Show, “The Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show is undoubtedly the world’s biggest stage, producing the most viewed and talked about moment in music every single year. The pressure to deliver an iconic, memorable and entertaining performance is felt well beyond the artist, as there are a number of people — behind the scenes — who are vital to its success. With our new documentary coming to Showtime, we are taking fans on the emotional and thrilling journey of what it takes to make the biggest show of the year — with the added complexity of doing so amidst a global pandemic. With Jesse Collins and a number of super-talented creatives at the helm, The Show chronicles all the drama and hard work that goes into successfully pulling off a show of this magnitude.”
