Snoop Dogg Defends JAY-Z’s Choice of Kendrick Lamar for Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show

Snoop Dogg is stepping into the spotlight to defend JAY-Z’s choice of Kendrick Lamar as the headliner for the upcoming Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show.

During a live episode of Drink Champs at ComplexCon 2024, the rap legend didn’t mince words, praising JAY for giving hip-hop artists a chance on one of the world’s biggest stages.

“What we need to think about is that before JAY-Z got control of the Super Bowl wasn’t no n**gas performing,” Snoop said, making it clear that JAY has been pivotal in pushing the culture forward. “He’s creating a wave of artists to have an opportunity to perform. If you are a good artist and you are a great artist, your time will come.”

Snoop kept it real, recalling his own experience. “I was never crying about it or mad about it when Dr. Dre called me and asked me to get his back. I was there for him, but I didn’t feel like I was supposed to be there, I was in demand to be there,” he continued.

Snoop’s message was simple: be grateful that hip-hop now has a seat at the table. “This is a big event. People looking at everything when they picked the person to perform, 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.”

Snoop’s words come on the heels of Lil Wayne’s recent complaints about being snubbed. Wayne has not been shy about voicing his disappointment, even calling it out during his Lil Weezyana Fest and saying headlining the show was “ripped away” from him. While Wayne has since secured a weekly guest spot on NFL GameDay Morning, Snoop’s comments seem to be a reality check to everyone watching: hip-hop is winning, and that’s what matters.

At the end of the day, Snoop Dogg’s message is loud and clear: unity over rivalry. With JAY-Z making unprecedented moves to shine a spotlight on hip-hop at the Super Bowl, the culture is evolving, and everyone should recognize the progress. As Snoop would say, “it’s bigger than any one artist.” Now, we’re left wondering—will Lil Wayne’s discontent spark more debate, or will artists rally to celebrate the moment? Only time will tell.