Kendrick Lamar recently made waves by becoming the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, leaving many fans buzzing over who should take the stage next. Here’s a look at eight dope MCs who definitely deserve a shot at this massive platform.
Travis Scott is pretty much a no-brainer when it comes to Super Bowl halftime show candidates. With bangers like "Sicko Mode" and "Antidote", he could easily fill a 15-minute setlist. La Flame's concerts are electrifying. He brings an energy to the stage that’s exciting, and "Astroworld" proved he can create incredible experiences.
He’s openly expressed his desire to perform, saying, "Hell yeah, man. Tell the [NFL] to hit me up." Although concerns linger related to the crowd tragedy at his Astroworld Festival in 2021, his recovery from that incident has been remarkable. Travis took over the Billboard 200 with “Utopia” and broke records on his Circus Maximus Tour. Could 2026 be the year he finally gets his chance? Fingers crossed!
Drake, also known as the 6 God, would definitely be a controversial pick. His beef with Kendrick Lamar has no signs of cooling off, but the dude’s records speak for themselves. As the most streamed artist, he has a deep catalog that would make for a dope Super Bowl performance.
His setlist could vibe from hard-hitting rap, like "Started From the Bottom", to bouncy pop hits like "Hotline Bling". But would he even take the gig? After turning down the opportunity twice, and with a legal spat involving Apple Music (the halftime sponsor), performing post-Kendrick might feel like he’s taking second place yet again. Drizzy may have to wait until after the deal with Apple Music wraps in 2027.
Who wouldn’t want the chance to see Eminem light up the Super Bowl stage? Marshall Mathers has an incredible catalog, from "Lose Yourself" to "Till I Collapse". His status as the best-selling rapper of all time makes him a prime candidate. Plus, he’s already shown he can handle a Super Bowl performance when he joined Dr. Dre on stage in 2022.
Eminem’s impact on Hip Hop leads you to think about what kind of political statements he’d deliver if he headlined. There’s no doubt he’d captivate audiences, especially with memorable cameos from Dr. Dre or even Elton John!
Lil Wayne's fans were totally bummed when Kendrick snagged the halftime show in New Orleans. The legend himself admitted to being "hurt" by the snub. With massive hits like "A Milli", "Lollipop", not to mention epic collabs with peers, Wayne’s got the advantage.
However, consistency might be a factor. This is a dude who has admitted to forgetting his own lyrics. It might be a gamble, but can you really count out one of the biggest figures in Rap after almost three decades in the game?
Now this is where it gets complicated. JAY-Z’s partnership with the NFL adds a whole layer of "whoa" to the idea of him headlining. But let's face it, with hits that resonate across generations, from "Empire State of Mind" to "99 Problems," a Hov performance would bring a level of respect to Hip Hop that the Super Bowl needs.
Just imagine all the surprise guests he could bring out. Eminem, Drake, or Beyoncé could easily elevate the performance to legendary status. If he can pull it off as a performer and not just the guy behind the scenes, it would be dope.
Nicki Minaj has already made an appearance at a past Super Bowl, and the case can be made that it’s time for her to take center stage. With new releases like “Pink Friday 2” and hits that have shattered streaming records, she’d definitely steal the show.
However, her reputation for calling out JAY-Z and the NFL could make booking her a bit of a headache. Still, who better to break the mold as the first female rapper to headline than the queen herself?
Tyler, The Creator embodies creativity and flair, and his performances are as trippy as they are entertaining. He may lack mainstream hits, yet performances from “Yonkers” to “Sticky” would still leave audiences in awe. His theatrics bring something special to the mix.
Imagining Tyler performing at the Super Bowl could leave fans buzzing about the experience long after the game ends. His ability to transition between a festival vibe and rich storytelling would totally set him apart.
Doja Cat might sound like a surprise entry, but she’s been heating up the stage from festivals to award shows. With hits like "Say So" and "Paint the Town Red," the Grammy winner brings both charisma and spectacle.
Her performances often go viral, showcasing her incredible stage presence and talents. Although her eccentricities could be seen as a double-edged sword, if she pulls it together, she might just win over JAY-Z and the NFL for her own Super Bowl moment.
As these artists continue to reshape what it means to headline a halftime show, we can only hope the Super Bowl committee recognizes the talent and cultural impact they bring. The future's bright for Hip Hop on the biggest stage!
