Lil Wayne Thanks Fans Amidst Super Bowl Heartbreak

Chris Allmeid, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

New Orleans native Lil Wayne has revealed his heartbreak after not being selected to headline the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, set to take place in his hometown at Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9.

"It broke me," he said in an emotional Instagram post. "That hurt. It hurt a lot. I thought there was nothing better than that spot, on that stage, in my city."

The NFL announced Kendrick Lamar as the headliner for Super Bowl LIX, leaving Wayne — who had hoped to represent his hometown — devastated.

Wayne's Message

In his message, Wayne expressed gratitude for the support he's received from fans and peers.

"First of all, I want to say forgive me for the delay," Wayne said. "I had to get the strength to do this without breaking. I want to thank every voice, every opinion, and all the care and love out there. Your words turned into arms that held me up when I tried to fall back.”

Wayne also acknowledged that he had mentally prepared himself to take the stage, leading to a greater sense of disappointment.

Always doing this for his fans @LilTunechi promises to only get better and is extremely appreciative of all the support 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/hNUIqlpp8Q

— Mula (@youngmoney) September 13, 2024

"I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown. I just automatically put myself in that position like somebody told me it was my spot,” he said.

Despite his heartbreak, Wayne shared how the outpouring of support has helped him cope.

“Y’all are amazing. It made me feel like I wasn’t getting this opportunity, but when I felt like shit, you reminded me that I ain’t shit without y’all. That’s an amazing reality.”

He concluded: “It broke me, and I’m just trying to put myself back together. But my God, y’all have helped me. Thank you to all my peers, my friends, my family, and my homies on sports television. I really appreciate it.”

Fan Outrage and Industry Reaction

Lil Wayne's Super Bowl snub has drawn vocal reactions from fans and his industry peers, including Nicki Minaj, Birdman and Boosie Badazz. Many have criticized the NFL's decision to overlook the Young Money founder, especially given his deep ties to New Orleans.

Nicki Minaj, in particular, vented her frustration on social media, directing her ire at JAY-Z, who has played a key role in organizing the halftime show since 2020 through his partnership with the NFL.

Minaj accused JAY-Z of allowing personal grievances to affect the decision, claiming, "Denying a young Black man what he rightfully put into this game... Lil Wayne? The GOAT?"

The controversy even prompted commentary from Cam’ron, who suggested Wayne’s past tensions with JAY-Z might be a factor.

“This is payback,” Cam’ron said on his sports talk show It Is What It Is. “Lil Wayne not performing in New Orleans for the Super Bowl is egregious.”

As of yet, neither Kendrick Lamar nor JAY-Z have addressed the backlash, though Lamar recently released a track that some believe alludes to the industry's drama surrounding the halftime show.

Maze's Frankie Beverly Dies at 77

Frankie Beverly, the legendary soul singer and songwriter best known as the frontman for the funk band Maze, has died. He was 77.

Beverly's family announced his death Wednesday in a Facebook post, sharing their deep sorrow and asking for privacy as they mourn. The post read, in part: "Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience. During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance, we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way."

Born Howard Stanley Beverly on Dec. 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, Frankie Beverly began his musical career in the 1960s, initially performing with local doo-wop groups. His big break came in the early 1970s when he formed Maze, a band that would go on to become a defining force in R&B and funk music.

Beverly's smooth, soulful voice and charismatic stage presence helped Maze produce several timeless hits, including "Joy and Pain," "Before I Let Go" and "Happy Feelin's." The band, known for its unique blend of soul, funk, and quiet storm, became a staple of the R&B genre, earning a devoted fan base and influencing countless artists.

Beverly's influence extended beyond his recordings. Maze's live performances were legendary, often lasting for hours and featuring extended improvisations. Their concerts became must-see events, particularly during the 1980s when the band was at its peak.

In their tribute, Beverly's family wrote: "He lived his life with pure soul, and for us, no one did it better. He lived for his music, family, and friends. Love one another, as he would want that for us all."

James Earl Jones, Iconic Voice of Darth Vader, Dies at 93

Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

James Earl Jones, the actor whose deep, resonant tones brought life to some of the most beloved characters in film and theater, has died at 93.

Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones overcame a childhood stutter to become one of the most recognizable voices in entertainment history. His early years in theater paved the way for a remarkable career, earning him his first Tony Award for his portrayal of boxer Jack Johnson in "The Great White Hope" in 1969.

Jones's deep, commanding voice reached an even broader audience when he was cast as the voice of Darth Vader in George Lucas's "Star Wars" franchise. His portrayal of the menacing Sith Lord became a cultural phenomenon, with the character's voice instantly recognizable to fans around the globe.

However, Jones's contributions to cinema extended far beyond the galaxy far, far away. He also voiced King Mufasa in Disney's "The Lion King" (1994), a role that added a layer of warmth and wisdom to the beloved animated film. In addition to his voice work, Jones took on significant roles portraying real-life figures, such as civil rights leader Vernon Johns in "The Vernon Johns Story" and Alex Haley, the celebrated author in "Roots: The Next Generations."

Jones's achievements were not confined to film. He was a dedicated stage actor who returned to Broadway
multiple times, earning two additional Tony Awards, including one for his powerful performance in August Wilson's "Fences" in 1987. Even in recent years, he continued to grace the stage, appearing in a 2015 Broadway revival of "The Gin Game." His contributions to American theater and film were further recognized in 2011 when he was honored with an Honorary Academy Award, celebrating his vast influence on the arts.

Throughout his career, Jones broke barriers as a Black actor in Hollywood, inspiring countless performers who followed in his footsteps. His distinctive voice, often described as the "voice of God," became a sought-after sound for narrations, commercials, and documentaries, further cementing his cultural legacy.

Despite his towering presence in the entertainment industry, Jones was known for his humility and often credited his success to the guidance he received from mentors and the unwavering support of his family. He is survived by his son, Flynn Earl Jones, who continues to uphold his father's artistic legacy.

James Earl Jones: Awards and Honors

Tony Awards

Best Actor in a Play (1969): The Great White Hope
Best Actor in a Play (1987): Fences
Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (2017)

Grammy Award

Best Spoken Word or Non-musical Album (1978): Great American Documents

Emmy Awards

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Special (1991): Heat Wave
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (1977): Roots

Academy Awards

Honorary Award (2011)

Other Notable Honors

National Medal of Arts (1992)
Kennedy Center Honors (2002)
Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award (2009)