In a dramatic turn of events in the hip-hop world, Lil Wayne has spoken out regarding the ongoing tensions following Kendrick Lamar’s announcement as the headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. Just hours after the news broke on September 9, 2024, Wayne’s longtime collaborator and mentor, Birdman, took to social media to air grievances that many believe are rooted in a complex history between Cash Money Records and hip-hop titan Jay-Z.
The feud, which many speculate has been reignited by Kendrick’s Super Bowl nod, has its roots tracing back over 15 years. It has long involved Jay-Z and the Cash Money camp, particularly Wayne and Birdman. Nicki Minaj also joined the fray, unleashing a series of terse tweets aimed at an unnamed but widely assumed target—Jay-Z. Describing the individual as “spiteful,” “evil,” and even “ugly,” her words added fuel to a fire that has been smoldering for years.
At the heart of the controversy is Jay-Z’s recent title of the number one MC by MTV, a designation that reignited debates about his status in hip-hop compared to that of Lil Wayne. Birdman, who staunchly defends Wayne’s lyrical prowess and financial successes, stated, “I don’t think no one in the business makes more money than us,” asserting that true greatness is measured by both earnings and lyrical impact. Jay-Z, when confronted with Birdman’s claims, adopted a diplomatic stance, suggesting that while lyrical ability is subjective, financial success is quantifiable—inviting Birdman to compare bank accounts.
The roots of this rivalry can be traced back to 2003 when Jay-Z announced his retirement from rap, declaring himself the “best rapper alive.” At that time, a young Dwayne Carter, known as Lil Wayne, was on the rise with his own burgeoning career at Cash Money. Despite Jay-Z being one of Wayne’s idols, the competitive nature of hip-hop soon had Wayne aiming for Jay’s throne. The tension between the two escalated over the years, characterized by subliminal jabs and competitive tracks.
In 2005, Jay-Z attempted to engage with Wayne directly but was met with a letter from Cash Money accusing him of tortious interference, which led Wayne to re-sign with Birdman. Despite moments of collaboration, such as their joint track “Hello Brooklyn 2,” the rivalry continued, with both artists exchanging barbs in their lyrics. By 2018, though, the narrative shifted when Jay-Z helped Wayne settle a significant tax debt, suggesting a temporary thaw in their long-standing feud.
However, the recent announcement of Kendrick Lamar as the Super Bowl performer has reignited old wounds. Many fans believe that Jay-Z’s decision to choose Kendrick over Wayne, particularly given the event’s location in New Orleans—Wayne’s hometown—could be seen as a personal slight, reinforcing the idea that tensions linger beneath the surface of hip-hop’s competitive landscape. Commentators like Cameron and Mase have weighed in, suggesting that Wayne’s exclusion from the Super Bowl lineup is a form of payback for past conflicts with Jay-Z.
Kendrick’s monumental success in 2024, characterized by chart-topping hits and critical acclaim, has made him a logical choice for the Super Bowl stage. Nevertheless, the optics of sidelining Wayne in favor of Kendrick—who is arguably the biggest rapper today—have raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about the motivations behind Jay-Z’s decision.
As the Super Bowl approaches, set for February 9, 2025, the hip-hop community remains on edge, wondering if this is merely a business decision or a manifestation of a long-standing grudge. With the potential for more twists in this ongoing saga, fans and observers alike are keenly watching how this complex narrative unfolds in the coming months.
