50 Cent recently shared his thoughts on Kendrick Lamar being selected as the headliner for the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. Appearing on The Talk, the Queens rapper expressed his support for Lamar, acknowledging the controversy surrounding the decision.
“I mean, it was a choice,” 50 Cent stated. “I think Kendrick deserves [it]. As a solo artist right now, he’s the guy.”
Many have voiced opinions about Lamar’s selection, with some suggesting New Orleans native Lil Wayne should have headlined. However, 50 Cent sees merit in Lamar’s choice for the event, set to take place in New Orleans in February 2025.
A Balanced View
While some fans argue Lil Wayne would have been a more appropriate pick, 50 Cent offered a balanced view. He acknowledged the debate, saying, “Having the game be in New Orleans, I could see why they got the Wayne [idea].” Still, he defended Lamar’s credibility, calling him a deserving artist in his own right.
Discussing potential guest appearances during Lamar’s performance, 50 Cent suggested Lamar should bring out collaborators he has worked with over the years. “He should bring out the people he featured on big records with,” 50 said. Lamar’s discography includes major collaborations with artists like SZA, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z, making for a potentially star-studded performance.
Kendrick and Drake Rivalry
50 Cent also touched on the long-standing rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, describing their competition as healthy for hip-hop. “Both Drake and Kendrick produced quality music faster because they had to compete with each other,” he explained. “That competitive nature made them go work and have responses.”
The G-Unit mogul maintained that, while opinions may differ, Lamar’s inclusion in the Super Bowl lineup reflects his current standing as one of the most influential solo artists. “It was a choice,” he reiterated.