Nicki Minaj and Stephen A. Smith are in a heated exchange over the Super Bowl Halftime Show, following the announcement that Kendrick Lamar will headline the event in New Orleans. Minaj criticized Jay-Z, accusing him of snubbing Lil Wayne, a New Orleans native, out of personal vendettas, leading to a series of public rants. Smith defended Jay-Z, arguing that Minaj's attacks were disproportionate and disrespectful. Other artists, including Drake and Shaquille O’Neal, have weighed in, with Drake showing support for Lil Wayne and O'Neal sharing a parody video mocking the situation. Despite the controversy, Jay-Z praised Lamar as a generational talent whose influence extends beyond music. Some fans and artists believe Lil Wayne should still be included in the performance, leaving the possibility open for a future collaboration on stage.