Kendrick Lamar could be one of the main stars of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, according to a key figure behind the event. The Compton native and Grammy-winning rapper is being strongly linked to a major role in the hometown celebration.
Casey Wasserman, chairman of the Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee — and also Kendrick’s booking agent — hinted that the West Coast rap icon will be involved in a meaningful way.
Speaking to The Associated Press, Wasserman said:
“The rebirth, the rebuild, maybe reimagining L.A. 2.0 — and the Olympics as a catalyst for all those things — we think is really part of our ethos.”
Referring to the recent wildfires that devastated parts of California, Wasserman emphasized how the Games could symbolize resilience and transformation.
He added:
“Fortunately, in my day job I represent Kendrick Lamar. He is truly an L.A. icon, so I think it would be a pretty fair bet that Kendrick will be involved in the Olympics in Los Angeles in some way.”
“[Kendrick Lamar] is truly an LA icon… it would be a pretty fair bet that Kendrick will be involved in the Olympics in Los Angeles in some way.” —Casey Wasserman, organizing committee chairman of the 2028 Olympics, via ABC News. pic.twitter.com/yY353eDLS5
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) March 20, 2025
What Could Kendrick’s Role Be?
While no official details have been confirmed, speculation is high that Kendrick may perform during the opening or closing ceremonies, which typically feature high-profile musical acts.
In past Olympic events, music played a major role — notably during the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony, when Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg performed a pre-recorded medley from Long Beach, California, in a symbolic handover to L.A.
Snoop Dogg’s Olympic Payday Goes Viral
Speaking of West Coast legends, Snoop Dogg also served as an NBC correspondent during the 2024 Games, earning major headlines for his charismatic commentary. A viral post by venture capitalist Henry L. McNamara claimed:
“Sat next to an NBC exec at dinner, he said Snoop gets paid $500k a day plus expenses to be here promoting Olympics.”
From “Gin and Juice” to Olympic stardom, Snoop’s role highlighted how hip-hop culture has become a staple of global events — and now it looks like Kendrick Lamar could be the next artist to take that stage in 2028.
