When the NFL announced Kendrick Lamar as the 2025 Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show headliner, the internet was ablaze.
But here at Swisher Post, we dug deeper and found that Kendrick may have given fans a cryptic heads-up about this moment all the way back in May 2024 — during his Drake diss track, 6:16 in L.A.
Story Summary:
- Kendrick Lamar may have hinted at his 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show during his Drake diss track, 6:16 in L.A., which features subtle clues about his upcoming performance.
- Fans are upset over Lil Wayne being snubbed for the New Orleans-based event, with speculation about Jay-Z’s ROC Nation playing a role in the decision.
- The selection process for Super Bowl performers involves a shortlist from the host city, with Kendrick’s global appeal and ROC Nation ties ultimately securing him the gig.
Kendrick Lamar told us about his Halftime Show on this Drake diss
Upon close analysis, we uncovered something strange in the intro of 6:16 in L.A.
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The eerie sound in the first few seconds of the track, which had left fans puzzled, strongly resembles the sound of a passing machine — the very same type used in the teaser video for Lamar’s NFL announcement.
In the video, Kendrick is seen standing at the centre of an American flag, releasing gridiron balls from a passing machine, a motif we believe he slyly hinted at in 6:16 in L.A.
Why would Kendrick, known for his layered storytelling and deliberate artistry, leave this Easter egg in a diss track aimed at Drake?
We believe he may have been making a deeper statement about his growing stature — announcing not only his dominance in Hip-Hop but hinting at his eventual rise to the biggest stage in American entertainment: the Super Bowl.
Moreover, lest we forget, was it not Drake and J. Cole who taunted Kendrick Lamar about being as “big as the Super Bowl” on the catalyst to Hip-Hop’s greatest rap beef of all time, First Person Shooter?
This connection isn’t far-fetched when you consider Kendrick’s knack for meticulously planning every move.
His diss to Drake, while fiery, also carried this subtle nod to his future halftime performance, waiting for those sharp enough to catch it.
Was Lil Wayne snubbed? – Here’s what we uncovered
As soon as Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl announcement hit the internet, fans began questioning why New Orleans native Lil Wayne wasn’t chosen for this honour.
The Super Bowl is set to take place in New Orleans, and many believed it was Wayne’s moment, considering his deep-rooted influence on the city’s music scene.
The public quickly rallied behind him, with artists like Nicki Minaj and Birdman throwing their support in Wayne’s corner.
We dug into the controversy and found a growing sentiment that Wayne’s omission might be a result of industry politics.
Fans are pointing fingers at Jay-Z’s ROC Nation, which has been overseeing the Super Bowl Halftime Shows since 2019.
Some believe that Jay-Z may have opted to back Kendrick Lamar as a response to Drake — further fueling rumours of behind-the-scenes grudges between these powerhouses.
While Lil Wayne’s resume as a pioneer of New Orleans Hip-Hop and one of the most influential artists in the world speaks for itself, it appears that Lamar’s current momentum, coupled with his connection to ROC Nation, gave him the edge.
Our research suggests that while Wayne’s omission stings for his fans, it’s Kendrick’s calculated rise — and perhaps his feud with Drake — that positioned him for this prestigious opportunity.
How artists are selected to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show
To understand how Kendrick Lamar ended up headlining this year’s Halftime Show, we turned our attention to the selection process.
We discovered that the host city typically nominates a shortlist of artists they believe best represent their culture and interests.
This list is then reviewed by the NFL, sponsors, and key partners like ROC Nation, who have the final say on who takes the stage.
According to Professor Melvin Villaver:
“The Super Bowl Halftime performer is chosen based on how they align with the host city’s image and economic interests.”
So why didn’t New Orleans, a city synonymous with Lil Wayne, push for their hometown hero?
Our investigation suggests that while Wayne may have been considered, Kendrick Lamar’s undeniable global appeal and cultural influence, along with his ROC Nation ties, tipped the scales in his favour.
Super Bowl Halftime performers aren’t just about local pride — they’re about drawing in international audiences and maximising commercial impact.
Given Kendrick Lamar’s consistent cultural dominance in 2024, including his chart-topping hits and viral diss tracks, his selection makes sense when looking at the big picture.
In this high-stakes game of entertainment and cultural power, we’re left with this conclusion: Kendrick Lamar’s performance at the Super Bowl may have been decided long before the official announcement — possibly even hinted at in his infamous beef with Drake.
