(KTLA) — Grammy award-winning rapper Lil Wayne is reacting to Kendrick Lamar headlining the Super Bowl LIX halftime show.
In a video posted on Instagram, the New Orleans native revealed he has been fighting for the coveted spot for years.
Wayne, born Dwayne Carter Jr., first apologized to fans for his delayed message. He said he had to muster the strength to post the message “without breaking.”
“I must say thank you to every voice, every opinion, all the care, all the love and support out there. Your words turned into arms and held me up when I tried to fall back,” he explained.
The “Mr. Carter” rapper revealed that it “hurt a lot” to learn he wasn’t chosen to headline the show.
“Talking about it hurt a whole lot,” he solemnly explained. “I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown and for just automatically, mentally putting myself in that position.”
Weezy sounded heartbroken as he explained how he had hoped to be on the Super Bowl stage in his hometown.
He went on to thank fans for speaking out on his behalf.
“Thanks to all my peers, my friends, my family, my homies on sports television, everybody repping me. I really appreciate that. I really do. I feel like I let all of y’all down by not getting that opportunity, but I’m working on me, and I’m working so thank you.”
On Sunday it was announced that the “Not Like Us” rapper will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show. Immediately after, supporters of Wayne felt that wasn’t the best choice. Big names like Nicki Minaj and Master P even weighed in.
Super Bowl LIX takes place on Feb. 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
