An emotional Lil Wayne finally spoke out on Kendrick Lamar being chosen over him as the 2025 Super Bowl LIX halftime show headliner, which is set to take place in his home city of New Orleans.
The Louisiana-born rapper, 41, admitted via Instagram Friday while speaking in a somber tone, “[Not being picked] hurt — it hurt a lot. You know what I’m talking about. It hurt a whole lot.”
Wayne confessed that he had gotten his hopes up and put the “blame” on himself for “not being mentally prepared for a letdown” and “automatically” thinking he would get the gig.
“I thought there was nothing better than than spot on, on that platform, on that stage in my city, so it hurt,” the “A Milli” rapper added before reiterating, “It hurt a whole lot.”
Lamar, 37, was announced as the next Super Bowl halftime performer on Sept. 8.
The “Not Like Us” rapper said in a statement at the time that the NFL “got the right one” as he wanted to “remind the world” that rap is the “most impactful genre.”
The decision stirred a lot of controversy online, however, as many fans assumed that Wayne and members of Cash Money records would land the spot since they are New Orleans natives.
Jay-Z’s Roc Nation company has also caught flack since they oversee Super Bowl entertainment.
Wayne told fans via Instagram Friday to “forgive” him for the delay but that he had to muster the “strength enough” to speak on this topic “without breaking.”
“I’ma say thank you to every voice, every opinion, all the care, all the love and the support out there,” the “Lollipop” rapper added. “Your words turned into arms and held me up when I tried to fall back.”
He continued to praise his supporters, calling them “f-king amazing” and said it reminded him that he “ain’t s–t” without his fans.
“Like I said, it broke me and I’m just trying to put me back together,” Wayne then said before reiterating, “but my God have all y’all helped me.”
Wayne concluded his heartfelt message by saying part of the reason he felt defeated was because he thought he let down his fans.
The “Best Rapper Alive” emcee then said this setback is not stopping him, adding, “I’m working on me and I’m working, so thank you.”
The wave of support for Wayne continued in the comments section.
Chance the Rapper wrote underneath the post, “You are the greatest and I literally don’t know where I would be without you. Thank you.”
Machine Gun Kelly also chimed in, “love you tune. this the rebirth 🐐🫶🏻🔥.”
Page Six has reached out to the NFL for comment but did not immediately hear back.
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