Snoop Dogg has added his voice to the ongoing debate surrounding Kendrick Lamar’s upcoming Super Bowl LIX halftime show performance. The NFL’s decision to have Kendrick take center stage in New Orleans next February has sparked a divide within the Hip Hop community, with some arguing that hometown legend Lil Wayne should have been chosen instead.

Prominent figures such as Nicki Minaj, Birdman, and Cam’ron have expressed their belief that Lil Wayne was snubbed, directing their frustration toward JAY-Z, who has been instrumental in organizing the halftime shows since 2020. Despite the criticism, Snoop Dogg offered a more measured perspective during his appearance on Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco’s “Nightcap.”

Snoop urged fans to consider the progress Hip Hop has made at the Super Bowl over the past 15 years. He highlighted the fact that, prior to JAY-Z’s involvement, Hip Hop artists rarely had the opportunity to perform on such a global stage. “I understand both sides of the coin and how people feel,” Snoop remarked, choosing not to take sides in the debate.

Reflecting on his own Super Bowl experience, where he performed alongside Dr. Dre in 2022, Snoop acknowledged the significance of any Hip Hop artist being given the platform, especially when it’s a performance that comes with no paycheck. “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,” he noted.

Snoop Dogg didn’t hesitate to show love for both Kendrick Lamar and Lil Wayne. He referred to Wayne as the “G.O.A.T. of New Orleans rap,” recalling his own time at No Limit Records and watching Wayne’s career blossom. Snoop also expressed his family-like bond with both artists, emphasizing that regardless of the decision, he supports the Super Bowl halftime show. “I’ll be at home watching the Super Bowl and when the halftime show comes on, I’ll be watching that as well,” he stated.

Lil Wayne himself responded to the perceived snub in a heartfelt Instagram video. Admitting that not being chosen for the Super Bowl halftime show left him feeling “broken,” Wayne confessed that he had mentally prepared himself for the role. He expressed his gratitude toward his fans and peers for their support during this time, emphasizing his journey of self-healing.

Despite the debate, both Kendrick Lamar and Lil Wayne remain icons in the Hip Hop world. While some fans may have preferred to see Wayne take the stage in his hometown, others recognize Kendrick’s unique contributions to the genre. As Snoop Dogg and others have pointed out, the presence of Hip Hop at the Super Bowl is a testament to the genre’s growing influence.

The conversation around the Super Bowl halftime show highlights the passion and dedication within the Hip Hop community. While opinions may differ, the fact that artists like Kendrick Lamar and Lil Wayne are at the forefront of this discussion underscores the genre’s significance on a global scale. As Snoop Dogg wisely suggested, it’s important to celebrate every opportunity Hip Hop gets to shine on such a prestigious platform.