EAST HAMPTON, NY – AUGUST 9: Fat Joe attends the NYC Second Chance Rescue Concert For A Cause at Common Ground East on August 9, 2024. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
In the midst of the recent backlash against JAY-Z and Roc Nation’s decision to have Kendrick Lamar headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Fat Joe has stepped in to offer a defense. The choice to feature Lamar, given the Super Bowl’s location in New Orleans next year, has sparked criticism from fans who feel that local favorite Lil Wayne should have been selected. Despite the growing discontent, Fat Joe took to Instagram Live on September 10 to address the controversy and defend the Roc Nation founder.
During his livestream, Fat Joe praised JAY-Z and Roc Nation for their efforts over the past five years. He urged fans to shift their focus from the current criticism to the significant improvements seen in the Halftime Show since Roc Nation’s involvement began in 2019. “They brought out Dr. Dre, Eminem, everybody, number one ratings,” Fat Joe highlighted, emphasizing the increased visibility of hip hop and R&B artists.
Indeed, before Roc Nation’s influence, the Halftime Show primarily featured rock and pop acts. Since JAY-Z’s involvement, there has been a notable increase in hip hop and R&B performances, including Usher, The Weeknd, and the memorable Dr. Dre ensemble in 2022. Fat Joe acknowledged that while many hip hop enthusiasts are quick to criticize, they should also recognize the progress made.
Though sympathetic to Lil Wayne’s supporters, Fat Joe underscored the importance of celebrating the strides made under JAY-Z’s leadership. “How about [this], if he wasn’t doing shows, it’d be no hip hop,” Fat Joe remarked. He urged fans to appreciate the opportunities that Roc Nation has created for hip hop artists on one of the world’s biggest stages.
While Lil Wayne may not be headlining, Fat Joe’s defense of JAY-Z and Roc Nation serves as a reminder of the positive changes brought to the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
