Lil Wayne brought his biggest hits to Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary Special, delivering an electrifying performance at Studio 8H.
The 42-year-old rap legend, backed by The Roots, treated fans to a career-spanning medley on Sunday, Feb. 16. He kicked things off with Uproar, then flowed seamlessly into Lollipop, 6 Foot 7 Foot, Mrs. Officer, and wrapped up with the high-energy banger A Milli.
While Wayne’s SNL performance was a celebration, it came just months after he expressed disappointment over not being chosen for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
When Kendrick Lamar was announced as the headliner, the New Orleans native admitted the snub hit him hard.
Lil Wayne on Super Bowl Halftime Snub: “It Hurt a Whole Lot”
“It hurt a whole lot,” Wayne shared in an emotional Instagram video. “I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown and for automatically putting myself in that position like somebody told me that was my spot.”
He continued, “I thought there was nothing better than that stage, that platform, in my city… so it hurt.”
Despite the disappointment, Wayne showed love to his fans, acknowledging their unwavering support.
“It made me feel like s— not getting this opportunity, and when I felt like s—, you guys reminded me that I ain’t s— without y’all, and that’s an amazing reality.”
Wayne later revealed he had spoken to Lamar about any potential halftime show tension. “I’ve spoken to him and wished him all the best. I told him [he] better kill it.”
What’s Next for Lil Wayne?
Leading up to Super Bowl week, Wayne teased “something very special” coming on Thursday, Feb. 6. “Y’all know I’m not going to be there this week, which means I guess there’s a seat to fill,” he hinted in his Instagram Stories.
“Shout out to New Orleans, but I’ve been working on something very special. I got something exciting coming for you Thursday, the 6th. Until then… I’m chillin’.”
With or without the Super Bowl stage, Lil Wayne continues to prove why he’s one of hip-hop’s greatest.
