After days of heated discussions among fans about why Lil Wayne was passed over in favor of Kendrick Lamar for the Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans, the rap legend himself has finally broken his silence. On Thursday night, Wayne took to Instagram Live, where he shared his thoughts on the situation, revealing his personal disappointment over not being chosen to perform on one of the biggest stages in his hometown.

Speaking candidly to his fans, Wayne admitted, “That hurt. It hurt a lot… I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown and for just automatically mentally putting myself in that position like someone told me that was my position. So I blame myself for that. I thought there was nothing better than that spot and that stage and that platform in my city. So it hurt. It hurt a lot.”

Despite his disappointment, the New Orleans native was grateful for the support he received from his fans, friends, and industry peers. “Ya’ll are amazing,” he continued. “When I felt like I missed out on something big, you reminded me that I wouldn’t be where I am without you. That’s a reality that keeps me going.”

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Wayne also acknowledged that he’s still processing the letdown, saying, “It broke me, and I’m just trying to put myself back together. But my God, have you all helped me. Thanks to all my peers, my friends, my family, and even my homies on sports television. I really appreciate that.”

While Wayne expressed his pain and gratitude, social media reactions to his emotional message were mixed. Some fans empathized with him, while others accused him of playing the victim. Regardless of the reactions, it’s clear that the moment meant a lot to Wayne, especially considering the chance to perform in his own city.

There’s still speculation about whether Wayne could make a surprise appearance alongside Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl, but given the tensions between Lamar and Wayne’s protégé, Drake, it seems unlikely. Some fans are also pointing fingers at Jay-Z and Roc Nation, who have been involved in selecting halftime performers since 2019, blaming them for Wayne’s snub. However, others, including artists like Jay Electronica and Big Pun, have defended Jay-Z, noting that without him, hip-hop might not have had any presence on the Super Bowl stage at all.

For now, fans will have to wait and see if Lil Wayne will ever get his moment under the Super Bowl spotlight.