Nicki Minaj Delivers Emotional, Faith-Filled Message to Lil Wayne Amid Super Bowl Halftime Controversy

New Orleans, LA — In a powerful display of loyalty and spiritual encouragement, rapper Nicki Minaj penned a heartfelt message to her mentor Lil Wayne following his emotional response to being passed over for the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show headliner spot. The message, posted in the comments section of Wayne’s Instagram video where he admitted the snub “hurt a whole lot,” has resonated widely among fans and highlighted the ongoing debate in hip-hop circles.

Lil Wayne, a New Orleans native and iconic figure in rap, shared a vulnerable video in September 2024 expressing deep disappointment after Kendrick Lamar was announced as the performer for Super Bowl LIX, set to take place on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in his hometown. “That hurt. It hurt a lot,” Wayne said, blaming himself for assuming the opportunity was his. “I thought that there was nothing better than that spot and that stage and that platform in my city.”

Minaj, who rose to fame under Wayne’s Young Money label, responded directly with words of solace, emphasizing his enduring legacy and framing the situation through a lens of faith and divine justice.

“This too, shall pass—but what you have done for the Hip Hop culture will remain,” Minaj wrote. “It will stand the TEST of time. Many times our greatest & most dehumanizing TEST is just a way for God to get the glory. You were simply used in a war of egos. To ppl who are empty inside, all they have is their temporary power.

“Now every day, these wicked ppl are spending money to circulate the worst of you. But the Lord will nullify each & every single attempt & not only will it return to sender, it will be replaced with the best of you. You are human. They are not & never will be perfect.

“And when they go out of their way to circulate the worst of human beings, the worst of them shall be circulated & magnified, TOO!!!!!! It will be their demise. The Lord has warned them time & time & time again. Their stone cold hearts believe they are above reproach but this time they’ll regret it.”

The message underscores Minaj’s unwavering support for Wayne, whom she credits with shaping her career and influencing generations of rappers. Earlier in the controversy, Minaj had publicly criticized the decision, appearing to target Jay-Z—whose Roc Nation partners with the NFL on halftime entertainment—accusing him of letting personal grudges influence the selection. “Denying a young black man what he rightfully put into this game for no other reason but your ego,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the announcement.

The Super Bowl halftime selection sparked widespread debate in the hip-hop community. Many, including Birdman (co-founder of Cash Money Records), Master P, Boosie Badazz, and Cam’ron, argued that Wayne’s ties to New Orleans and his monumental contributions to rap made him the ideal choice. Wayne’s catalog, including classics like “Lollipop” and albums such as Tha Carter III, has defined modern hip-hop, inspiring artists across genres.

Kendrick Lamar, the chosen headliner, delivered a critically acclaimed performance praised for its energy and symbolism. However, the initial backlash highlighted tensions, with some viewing Wayne’s exclusion as a personal slight amid rumored industry rivalries.

Minaj’s latest words shift focus from anger to resilience and spirituality, portraying the snub as a temporary trial that ultimately glorifies Wayne’s legacy. “Your Hip Hop legacy stands forever,” she implied, vowing divine retribution against those she called “wicked” and “stone-cold.”

Fans have praised Minaj for her loyalty, with many calling it a reminder of the tight-knit bonds in Young Money. Others noted the broader implications for Black artists in high-profile spaces controlled by powerful figures.

As of December 2025, the controversy has largely subsided following Lamar’s successful show, but Minaj’s message endures as a testament to mentorship and faith in hip-hop. Wayne, in later interviews, expressed he no longer harbors interest in future Super Bowl performances, saying the experience “stole that feeling.”

Minaj continues to tour and release music, recently teasing new projects while maintaining her outspoken voice on industry issues.