American rap mogul Jay-Z has dismissed claims that Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance was a strategic move to sideline Drake amid their ongoing feud.
The long-running tension between Drake and Lamar has intensified in recent years, especially following Lamar’s strong run in 2024 with tracks like Meet the Grahams and Not Like Us, which many fans interpreted as a decisive edge in the rivalry.
His momentum carried into 2025 with standout appearances at major events, including the Grammy Awards and the Super Bowl halftime show.
However, Lamar’s selection for the prestigious performance sparked debate online, with some critics pointing fingers at Jay-Z. As head of Roc Nation, which has co-produced the halftime show since 2019, he was accused of favoring Lamar to undermine Drake.
Reacting to the allegations in an interview with GQ Magazine, Jay-Z made it clear that the decision had nothing to do with industry rivalries. According to him, Lamar was chosen purely based on his outstanding year.
“What do I have to do with that? I chose the guy who was having a monster year. I think it was the right choice. It was not in some alliance with a battle. Would I care about those two guys battling? It has nothing to do with me,” he said.
He also expressed frustration over being dragged into the feud, stressing that he operates independently and does not owe anyone explanations regarding such decisions.
“Have at it, have fun. Not just me, they dragged everybody into it, like everyone was part of this conspiracy to undermine Drake, I guess. Like what the fk? I am f***g Jay Z. Respectfully for what? To what end? It could be that these guys do not just like each other, and I think they have not liked each other for a long time.”
Reflecting further, Jay-Z compared the situation to his past rivalry with fellow rap icon Nas, noting that such conflicts usually build gradually over time rather than erupting suddenly.
He admitted that, in hindsight, he regrets how his own feud with Nas played out, despite the mutual respect they now share.
“I think this has been brewing, just like me, and Nas was brewing. It did not happen at the quarter stamp; it was a whole bunch of stuff leading up to that point. It was like little things that led up to that point, and when it happened, it happened. I actually regret that because I really like Nas, he is a really nice guy,” he added.
