Trae Young’s love for Lil Wayne has always been evident, as the star guard for the Atlanta Hawks frequently expresses his musical tastes, particularly his admiration for rap and hip-hop. Like many in the NBA, Young is a huge fan of the genre and is often seen supporting the industry’s biggest names. Recently, Young made waves when he seemingly backed Lil Wayne amidst ongoing discussions about the rapper being snubbed for the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show.
The controversy began earlier this week when the NFL announced Kendrick Lamar as the halftime performer for the Super Bowl. Given that the event will be held in Lil Wayne’s hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana, many fans were surprised that the legendary rapper wasn’t chosen. Lil Wayne is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in hip-hop and has deep connections to the city. Fans took to social media, arguing that Wayne deserved the honor over Lamar, igniting a debate that’s still ongoing.
Trae Young quickly entered the fray, showing his support for Lil Wayne. On X (formerly known as Twitter), Young posted about listening to Lil Wayne on repeat, subtly hinting at his belief that the rapper was unfairly left out of this year’s Super Bowl. While Young didn’t explicitly mention the halftime show controversy, fans were quick to connect the dots, especially given his history of supporting Lil Wayne and his other musical favorites.
Wayne been on repeat all day fr
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) September 9, 2024
The timing of Young’s posts is telling, especially given that Young is known to be a superfan of both Drake and Lil Wayne. Drake, who was mentored by Lil Wayne early in his career, has had his own share of tensions with this year’s halftime performer, Kendrick Lamar. The Drake-Lamar feud has been ongoing, with public shots being exchanged between the two on multiple occasions. By siding with Lil Wayne, it seems Young has also chosen a side in one of the music industry’s most significant rivalries.
NBA stars, like Young, often use their platform to voice their opinions, not just on sports but on pop culture issues as well. Young, currently preparing for his seventh season in the NBA, is one of the league’s most outspoken players on social media. His support for Lil Wayne adds another layer of intrigue to the debate, as fans continue to argue whether Wayne deserved the coveted halftime performance over Kendrick Lamar.
This Super Bowl controversy has sparked more than just a musical debate. Fans of both Kendrick Lamar and Lil Wayne have taken to social media, with each side defending their favorite artist’s credentials. Lamar’s supporters point to his politically charged performances and lyrical depth, while Lil Wayne’s fans emphasize his cultural impact and long-standing influence in hip-hop.
The decision to choose a performer like Lamar is strategic. The NFL has increasingly leaned toward artists who bring not only star power but also a political and cultural message to their performances. Lamar, known for his thought-provoking music, fits this bill. However, the case for Lil Wayne is equally compelling. His music, deeply rooted in the New Orleans sound, represents a city that has been through significant hardship and resilience—a theme fitting for a major national event like the Super Bowl.
Interestingly, history shows that hometown artists are rarely chosen to perform at the Super Bowl. This fact has been used to debunk the theory that Lil Wayne was unfairly snubbed. Even when the event is held in a star’s city, they are often overlooked for a broader, more universally appealing artist. Ironically, one of the few exceptions was Kendrick Lamar himself, who performed in Los Angeles during the 2022 Super Bowl.
“Why wasn’t it lil Wayne”
they do not care about picking hometown artists pic.twitter.com/rbZowCxLMQ
— Keegan (@Keegan59992745) September 9, 2024
Trae Young’s love for Lil Wayne is deeply rooted in his personal and professional life. Throughout his career, Young has openly expressed his admiration for Lil Wayne’s music, often listening to it during warm-ups and sharing his favorite tracks on social media. His longstanding fandom for Lil Wayne, alongside his support for Drake, adds a deeper dimension to his recent posts. By publicly supporting Lil Wayne, Young isn’t just commenting on the Super Bowl controversy—he’s reaffirming his dedication to an artist who has significantly influenced both his personal taste and professional journey.
In addition to the Super Bowl controversy, Young recently made headlines for a bold statement during an interview. Speaking on the “Million Dollars Worth of Game” podcast, Young claimed that if he were 6-foot-8, he would be the greatest basketball player ever. The statement, while hypothetical, showcased the confidence and swagger that has defined Young’s career. Despite being undersized for his position, Young has become one of the most prolific offensive players in the NBA. His belief in his potential if he had a larger frame sparked discussions in the basketball community, with many debating just how dominant he could be with a bigger build.
“If I was 6’8″, I feel like I would be the best player ever to play this game.”
– Trae Young
(Via @mworthofgame / h/t @AhnFireDigital )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 9, 2024
As the debate over the Super Bowl halftime show continues, Trae Young’s comments have injected new energy into the conversation. His subtle yet pointed support for Lil Wayne has only added fuel to the fire, with fans now speculating about whether Young will continue to push for the rapper to receive the recognition many believe he deserves.
Trae Young’s love of Lil Wayne highlights the often-overlooked influence of athletes in pop culture debates. As celebrities in their own right, their opinions can shape public discourse and sway the opinions of their fans. Young’s fandom for Lil Wayne is a reminder that these athletes, though professionals in their field, are still fans at heart—just like the rest of us.
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