Sports
Social Media Responds to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Announcement
This weekend, the NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation revealed that rapper Kendrick Lamar will probably be the halftime performer for the 2025 Super Bowl. Lamar, who made history as the primary rapper to perform at halftime himself, says he cannot wait to bring hip-hop to the forefront of the NFL championship game.
“Kendrick Lamar is a true once-in-a-generation artist and performer. His deep love for hip-hop and the culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture around the world. Kendrick’s work transcends music and his influence will be felt for years to come,” added Jay-Z, owner of Roc Nation, which co-produces the halftime show. according to Rolling Stone magazine.
With Lamar joining the exclusive club of Super Bowl halftime stars, social media users noted one other showcase of black artists in the course of the NFL championship game in recent times. Since 2021, the Super Bowl halftime show has featured Blackity Black, starring The Weeknd, Dr. Dre, Rihanna, Usher, and now Kendrick.
The Compton rapper had an explosive 2024. After a public feud with Drake, Lamar was crowned the winner with the discharge of his song “Not Like Us,” which quickly shot to the highest of the charts. It spent weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100s, and the diss track and music video became the arguable song of the summer. So much in order that during his Juneteenth concert, “The Pop Out,” the rapper performed the song five times in a row — a feat some fans hope he’ll repeat on the Super Bowl stage.
“The brothers will perform Not Like Us a million times at the concert,” one user wrote wrote on X
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“Drake fans when their team is down 14 at halftime and Kendrick doesn’t play like us 6 times,” one other user said he joked about X.
While some fans are placing bets on how again and again the rapper will perform his hit, others are outraged by the NFL star’s alternative. With the 2025 Super Bowl set to happen in New Orleans, many on social media were expecting New Orleans native Lil Wayne to headline the Super Bowl. Following the Compton rapper’s announcement, other rappers like Cam’ron and Master P shared their thoughts on the Super Bowl LIX halftime decision.
“Listen, I love Kendrick Lamar… I hate that choice,” Cam’ron said in a brand new episode of his podcast. “This is in New Orleans and you don’t have Lil Wayne? Is that what we’re doing? You don’t have Lil Wayne in New Orleans for the Super Bowl? … There’s no reason Lil Wayne shouldn’t be in the Super Bowl.”
After paying tribute to Kendrick Lamar for his halftime performance, Master P echoed Cam’ron’s words on Instagram: “As the Ambassador of Entertainment for the City of New Orleans, I have to agree with the fans that @liltunechi #LilWayne should be a part of this celebration. He’s one of the best living (Hip) Hop artists still relevant and he’s from New Orleans. Let’s not miss out on this cultural moment in the South… We need to give our legends flowers while they’re here.”
While there continues to be a likelihood Lamar will invite Lil Wayne on stage as a special guest, it is evident that Lamar’s disdain for Drake still lives on. video announcing his plans to perform on the Super Bowl, Lamar suspiciously responds to Drake, who a “second round” was reportedly announced of their feud.
My name is Kendrick Lamar and I’m acting at Super Bowl 59. Are you coming? I hope so,” the Compton rapper said. “You understand it’s just one shot at winning a championship — there are not any second rounds.”
Sports
Michael Strahan is seemingly responding to the Veterans Day controversy
On November 10, former NFL great Michael Strahan was found to be disrespectful to veterans while on a naval base in San Diego. Instead of placing his hand over his heart during the national anthem, he stood there along with his arms crossed, one hand holding his wrist.
The “Good Morning America” host responded to the criticism in a Nov. 11 social media post.
The incident occurred before the NFL games scheduled for that day. Strahan was standing along with his co-hosts Howie Long, Jay Glazer, Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Jimmy Johnson and Rob Gronkowski during “NFL on Fox” after they were shown standing at attention during the national anthem.
We end our performance at the San Diego Naval Base with the national anthem 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/lDb2g6oF0f
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 10, 2024
People reacted on social media, saying it was unpatriotic of Strahan to stand there and never put his hand on his heart.
The former New York Giants linebacker reportedly responded to the controversy by posting a photograph of his father, who served in the military, with a message to all veterans.
“We thank all veterans and active duty soldiers who bravely risk their lives every day to protect us. Your selfless service is immeasurable.”
Though many individuals called for Strahan to be punished someway stated, according to that there might be no penalty, suspension or discipline.
A source told the media: “His peers support him and understand that he has not been focusing on himself. In Michael’s case, there will be no penalty or fine.”
They added that he may or may not address the controversy because he wants to lengthen the lifetime of the controversy it has caused.
“Michael wants Veterans Day to be for those men and ladies who deserve it and deserve praise. To engage in the conversation like this and lengthen the conversation about what people think he is doing can be a disservice to what at the present time stands for.
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.”
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