Sports
Lil Wayne’s absence is taboo during Super Bowl halftime show
One aspect of the Roc Nation-led Super Bowl halftime show releases is the local aspect. When the sport was held in Miami, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira performed to appeal to the local Latino community. In 2022, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar showed up in InglewoodCalifornia, right in their very own backyards. Usher performed last yr in Las Vegas, where he had just accomplished a residency.
So when it was announced that the 2025 Super Bowl could be held in New Orleans, rapper Lil Wayne was at the highest of the shortlist for headliners. With the announcement that it could be one other rapper, Lamar, Lil Wayne’s exclusion might be a subject of controversy, speculation, and debate for the subsequent five months.
First, let’s get this straight: Lil Wayne is a sufficiently big artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. He’s one of the vital achieved artists in the sport and he can placed on a dynamic show. Songs like “Lollipop” and “A Milli” are crossover hits. Add guest appearances from the Hot Boys and shutting track “Back That Azz Up,” and you could have the makings of an unforgettable show that may appeal to a wider audience and pay homage to 504 in a single go.
Lil Wayne, for his part, was adamant about his desire to do the show. “I won’t lie, I didn’t get a call or anything,” YG said on his podcast 4HUNNID in February. “We’re praying. We’re keeping our fingers crossed. I’m working hard… I just want to make it harder for them to stop yelling at the boy.”
However, Roc Nation and the NFL selected Lamar, prompting many on social media to debate who deserved the spot more. Another New Orleans legend Master P chimed inleaving an Instagram comment defending Lil Wayne’s position: “As the Ambassador of Entertainment for the City of New Orleans, I have to agree with the fans that Lil Wayne should also be a part of this celebration.”
Much of the confusion has been over who ultimately made the choice, with people placing blame on Roc Nation, the NFL, and town of New Orleans itself. Jay Cicero, president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and a member of the Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, provided some clarity in an email to Andscape: “This is solely the NFL’s decision regarding all Super Bowl entertainment. We found out about it at the same time as everyone else, this past weekend.”
The whole debate is complicated, and there are arguments on either side. And two things could also be true. First, Lil Wayne is one in all the largest rap artists from New Orleans who could carry a show just like the Super Bowl. That’s not up for debate. But the opposite truth is that Lamar is arguably the larger star and largest name in rap straight away. And while the local thread is a pleasant tie-in for Lil Wayne, an area artist’s appearance on the Super Bowl has mostly happened in recent times, and the connection has been indirect at best, because the Snoop/Dre/Lamar show was the just one where the performers were of their hometowns. That’s to not say the league doesn’t pay homage to local artists during the Super Bowl halftime show. For example, when Super Bowl LIII was played in Atlanta in 2019, Maroon 5 headlined the night, and Atlanta native Big Boi of Outkast made a cameo appearance. So the door is still open for local representation, and I imagine it all the time might be.
I expected a lineup of New Orleans legends to take the stage, from Juvenile to Master P. No Limit and Cash Money coming together could be a triumphant moment and a continuation of Lamar’s message of unity he delivered at Pop Out earlier this yr.
Then in fact there’s the choice of Lil Wayne himself appearing. Lamar has made no secret of his love and admiration for Lil Wayne. The two share a song on Lil Wayne’s album, , and Lamar has quoted and referenced Lil Wayne in songs throughout his profession. The two would create some dynamic moments. The key to success here is Lil Wayne’s friendship/partnership with Lamar’s rival Drake. Lil Wayne stepping out on stage with Lamar could be a press release of loyalty to Lamar and one more blow Drake would should endure.
Maybe this has something to do with Lamar’s chess match with Drake. TDE CEO Punch has already posted a preliminary proposal on Twitter to Young Money Entertainment CEO Mack Maine, suggesting there’s potential for a collaboration, unless this is just trolling. An official collaboration would only strengthen Lamar’s stance on Drake. So much of Lamar’s perspective on this feud revolves around the concept Drake has no real friends and that the people closest to him cannot be trusted. There’s even a touch in “Not Like Us” that Drake cheated on Lil Wayne just a few years ago.
Now Lamar could put Lil Wayne able where he either plays a rival to one in all his closest friends within the industry or turns down a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform on the Super Bowl in his hometown out of loyalty to 1 guy. That’s a mystery to Mr. Carter, who has yet to say anything, whilst rappers Bird Man AND Nicki Minaj took to Twitter to precise their deep dissatisfaction over the incontrovertible fact that Lil Wayne was not invited to perform.
Regardless, I hope something happens that permits Lil Wayne to seem on stage in some capability. Especially one which honors his legacy and role in New Orleans rap history. The fans who spent the past day discrediting his contributions as a option to promote Lamar are as out of touch because the individuals who act like Lil Wayne cannot placed on an incredible show that might be worthy of a halftime show. The truth is somewhere in the center, and the largest truth is that Lamar is objectively the warmer act. The show will go on, and it could be an excellent greater spectacle if Lil Wayne were able where he was performing with other New Orleans legends and a child from Compton, California, with the world at his feet.
Sports
Meet Zoe Matthews, the youngest Black American in the NWSL
Houston Dash midfielder Zoe Matthews, who turned 17 in May, is making her mark in skilled soccer.
On October 11, Matthews made history as the youngest player to ever sign with the Houston Dash and the youngest Black American to hitch the National Women’s Soccer League. Per week later, on October 18, she wore the number 27 jersey for her debut against Seattle Reign FC.
Matthews began her soccer profession by kicking flat basketballs against the wall of her family’s garage. As she progressed through youth soccer leagues, she took her talents to the international arena.
At the age of 15, she was called as much as play for the Jamaica senior national team. She was also a member of the United States Women’s Under-16 National Team that won the 2023 Mondial Montaigu soccer tournament in France and currently plays for the United States Under-19 National Team preparing for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Her achievements at such a young age attracted the attention of scouts across the country. She eventually committed to LSU before deciding to show skilled and signing with the Houston Dash.
“At this age, not everyone can say they’re a professional athlete and I think that’s really amazing, you know, for the Black community and the soccer community in general,” Matthews said. “I think it’s a big deal for women’s sports… I think it’s really special and really important.”
Matthews grew up in a family deeply rooted in sports. Her uncle, Odell James, played as a degree guard and free safety at Baylor University, and her great-grandfather, a member of the Jamaica national team, played with reggae artist Bob Marley.
Matthews attributes much of his success to his family’s unwavering support. She said that love is the driving force behind her achievements.
“They have been here my entire journey and have sacrificed so much,” Matthews said. “I think what’s really important is that they’re still there and they love me and care about me every day.”
Matthews tries to keep up a balance between youth and life as an expert athlete. To stay grounded, he prioritizes family and faith, counting on family members for support and guidance as he transitions into his skilled profession.
“You can go wherever you wish. You just should have dreams,” Matthews said. “He (God) has given me every little thing, so I give Him this glory. And you understand, I just hope that I can encourage younger generations on my platform.
Matthews draws inspiration from legendary athletes who’ve shaped the game, corresponding to her favorite player and top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr FC. Matthews said athletes like him motivate her to never quit.
“The person I admire the most, especially in women’s soccer, is (former U.S. women’s national team member) Carli Lloyd,” Matthews said. “I think she’s an incredible player, especially off the field. “Her work goes unnoticed, but I think the things she has done are exceptional.”
“I just want to be someone that people can look up to and see that hey, she works hard. She doesn’t come from much, but she’s made a name for herself and I want to make my family proud,” Matthews said. “I think it’s really important to be one of the first young African-Americans to go pro and just show other generations that it’s possible.”
Hoping to depart a legacy that reaches far beyond this field, he aspires to pursue a profession in business law or criminal justice. Matthews hopes to create a positive environment with access to resources for all young athletes.
“Zoe has the opportunity to be a pioneer in this regard… but at the same time show the next generation, hey, you can do this too,” Jason Matthews said. “It’s not nearly your speed and athleticism. You are technical, you’re smart, you’re capable. ”
Holding dual citizenship in Jamaica and the United States, Matthews is eligible to represent the United States or Jamaica at the senior national team level. Although she has not yet decided which national team she is going to represent, one thing is for certain – her goal is to develop into one among the best players in the world.
“That’s what I strive for. This is everything I have worked for my whole life,” Matthews said.
Edvaldo Pedro, Matthews’ former coach at Allegiance Academy, where he’s athletic director, has seen Matthews’ growth and commitment firsthand. She believes that her relentless determination has led her to a pivotal moment in her profession.
“Coaching Zoe was a fantastic experience. She has a fantastic personality, is disciplined, responsible and has an incredible work ethic. If he keeps the right people around him, he can develop into one among the best players ever,” said Pedro.
The Matthews family is greater than willing to support her in this endeavor.
“The expectation is that hey, we will exhaust everything to support you and your dreams… I don’t care what it is, whatever it is, just work to be the best at it,” Jason Matthews said. “You put in all your effort and all your time, and we will support you as much as we can.”
“I’m just excited to see what the Lord allows to happen next and I know that without a doubt, whatever it is, I will be in the stands or from the sidelines cheering her on as her biggest fan,” said Angie Matthews.
Sports
NBC Sports will debut “Growing Up: The JuJu Watkins Documentary Series” later this month.
College basketball phenom JuJu Watkins will appear in a six-episode docuseries debuting on NBC and the Peacock network. NBC Sports announced.
The first two episodes of On will air on Saturday, November 23 at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT on NBC and Peacock. Watkins became the all-time leading freshman in Division I scoring with 920 points.
Additionally, during her rookie season on the University of Southern California, she took the Trojans to the Elite Eight for the primary time in 30 years.
More stories for JuJu Watkins, who becomes the primary female college hockey player to star in and executive produce her own show.
“On the Rise: JuJu Watkins” premieres November 23 and explores how @USCWBB The star’s strong ties to her Watts family and community fuel her tenacious… pic.twitter.com/0iX9Kibsln
— Conference room (@conferenceroom) November 11, 2024
The series is created with UNIINTERRUPTED, 4.4. Forty Media and PGR. The documentary will deal with the basketball player’s life on and off the court, in addition to her family and friends.
“JuJu has the potential to set the standard for excellence on and off the field, and it is amazing to see her begin to maximize the opportunities in front of her with strategy and expertise, even at such a young age,” KLUTCH Sports Group founder and CEO Rich Paweł said in a written statement. “This docuseries chronicles her incredible journey to this point, highlighting her extraordinary talent, unwavering work ethic and the vital role her community plays in her success.”
The series will debut before No. 3 USC’s game against No. 6 Notre Dame on Nov. 23 at 4 p.m. Documentaries and games will be available on NBC and Peacock.
The remaining episodes will be released exclusively on Peacock for the rest of the season and might be viewed on the NBC Sports FAST channel, which is out there on Peacock and all major FAST channel distributors.
Recently, Watkins reportedly signed “the richest footwear endorsement deals in women’s basketball.”
Sports
Fear of God Athletics enters the amateur basketball portal thanks to cooperation with Overtime Elite
In collaboration with Adidas, dressmaker and founder of Fear of God Athletics Jerry Lorenzo has officially entered recent territory. Fear of God Athletics might be represented as the eighth team in the Atlanta Overtime Elite (OTE) youth basketball league.
According to a press release, Team Athletics might be equipped with performance uniforms and footwear designed by Fear of God Athletics throughout the 2024-25 season, representing, as the label puts it, “a commitment to the next generation of athletes.” It all began off victorious when the team defeated consecutive champions OTE City Reapers 97-90 at the OTE Arena, debuting on November 8 in recent uniforms and shoes.
“Giving back and being an example of what is possible for young men and women in the next generation is fueled by the fear of God,” said Lorenzo, son of former MLB player, coach and manager Jerry Manuel, during a fireplace chat with the former NBA player Matt Barnes at the partnership announcement event on November 7. “I grew up in a sports family. My dad did well in the big leagues. Now he works with Major League Baseball to bring top (African-American) talent back to baseball. It’s simply in our family to give back to the youth.”
“Jerry’s values and morals and what he stands for are consistent with what we are about in our program,” says Fear of God Athletics coach Cilk McSweeney, who joins the team after coaching Calvary Christian Academy in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, for 12 years, he said.
The collaboration comes just weeks before the December release of the Adidas x Fear of God II Basketball, Fear of God’s first true performance sneaker. The shoe has already appeared in NBA games, as has Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent I wore it in lots of games this season.
The recent model is a continuation of the Adidas x Fear of God I model, which premiered in December 2023. Similarly, the Fear of God I model, worn by the players, was presented basketball teams from the University of Indiana and the University of Miamibut just for one game. Fear of God and Overtime Elite’s partnership is meant to be long-term and construct on the latter’s mission to equip basketball players ages 16-20 with the resources they need to take their talents to the next level through non-traditional pathways that emphasize academic acceleration and economic strengthening.
“Connecting with (Fear of God) provides greater exposure to our league and it is a common cause for them,” said Damien Wilkins, general manager and head of basketball at OTE. His role includes connecting the league with brands and providing players with exposure. “I also think it’s great for our players as well, as Fear of God is certainly popular with this age group. All our boys wear it anyway, so it made sense.
“I am very excited about the possibilities that can come from being a part of this relationship” – Shon Abaev, Fear of God Athletics senior point guard, currently ranked No. 29 on the ESPN 100 2025 highschool recruits listhe said. “I’ve already worn Fear of God and Essentials. I’m grateful to be able to wear the (Fear Of God Athletics) shoes on the court.”
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