NFL Renews Jay-Z's Roc Nation Partnership Despite Halftime Show Controversy
The NFL has extended its partnership with Jay-Z and Roc Nation to continue overseeing the Super Bowl halftime show and social justice initiatives, according to Bloomberg. This renewal comes despite recent controversy surrounding Lil Wayne's exclusion from this year's performance lineup.
Jay-Z meets with NFL executives
The original partnership, established in 2019, was valued at $25 million over five years. While the terms of the new contract haven't been disclosed, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed satisfaction with the relationship, noting that all parties, including Jay-Z and Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez, are "happy."
Under Roc Nation's leadership, the Super Bowl Halftime Show has featured prominent Black artists, including:
- The Weeknd
- Rihanna
- Usher
- Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent
The decision to select Kendrick Lamar as this year's performer in New Orleans sparked disappointment from Lil Wayne, who had hoped to perform in his hometown. Despite an online campaign supporting Wayne's selection, the NFL maintained its choice, highlighting that performers rarely perform in their home cities during the Super Bowl.
Lil Wayne expressed his disappointment on Instagram, stating the decision "broke" him, though neither Roc Nation nor the NFL have officially responded to his comments.
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