Snoop Dogg Shares Diplomatic Take On Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne Super Bowl Halftime Debate

“So I understand both sides of the coin and I understand how people feel.”

September 18, 2024 11:31am

Snoop Dogg attends the 2023 Milken Institute Global Conference at The Beverly Hilton on May 03, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California

Jerod Harris/Getty Images

Snoop Dogg has shared his thoughts on the recent debates sparked by Kendrick Lamar being selected as the headlining act for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show.

Speaking with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco on their Nightcap podcast, the rapper discussed his experience performing at the event and the argument for Lil Wayne to take the stage, as the upcoming championship is set for New Orleans.

“I don’t really have no opinion, but what I do wanna say is that, just remember where the NFL was 15 years ago when it comes to Hip-Hop. How many Hip-Hop artists was able to grace that stage 15 years ago? So I understand both sides of the coin, and I understand how people feel,” explained the 52-year-old.

“I have no answer, no opinion because I had the opportunity to get up there via Dr. Dre. I didn’t do any Snoop Dogg songs. I was up there helping Dr. Dre and it became a great moment for all of us. So any time anybody can get on that Super Bowl stage, remember this: it’s a 12-, 13-minute performance and you’re not getting paid!”

Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California.

Rob Carr/Getty Images

He continued to speak directly to the Lil Wayne versus Kendrick Lamar debate.

“Lil Wayne is the G.O.A.T. of New Orleans rap. Remember, I was at No Limit Records for three years and I watched his whole career come to life, and then I watched him get bigger than me — and I was gigantic at the time. And me and Wayne is family to this day, me and Kendrick is family to this day, and me and JAY-Z, and me and Roger Goodell. I don’t know who the decision maker is, all I know is that I’ll be at home watching the Super Bowl and when the halftime show comes on, I’ll be watching that as well.”

Kendrick Lamar headlines on the Pyramid Stage during day five of Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 26, 2022 in Glastonbury, England.

Leon Neal/Getty Images)

The likes of Nicki Minaj, Birdman, and Cam’Ron have spoken against Jay-Z’s choice of Kendrick Lamar over Lil Wayne for the big game while Fat Joe, Fabolous, and more have defended the decision. Lil Wayne himself has expressed his own “hurt” about being skipped over.

Jesse Collins, the Super Bowl’s halftime producer, confirmed that while the process is extensive, the Brooklyn rapper has had the final say since he partnered Roc Nation with the NFL in 2019.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 12: Jay-Z attends Super Bowl LVII between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

“It’s a decision that Jay makes,” he said. “Since we’ve been onboard with that show, he’s made it every year, and it’s been amazing. He’s always picked right!”

Watch the full conversation with Snoop Dogg, Shannon Sharpe, and Chad Ochocinco below.

Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox