Lil Wayne was in the running to perform at this year’s Super Bowl before Kendrick Lamar was chosen, Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez has revealed.

Speaking to NOLA.com ahead of Super Bowl LIX’s arrival in New Orleans next Sunday (February 9), Perez detailed how Roc Nation came to their decision, which she says was the “right” one.

Asked about Weezy not being chosen to perform in his home city, she replied: “I didn’t choose the artist, but I do believe that definitely there was consideration.”

Perez was also asked about Wayne’s disappointment at not being chosen for the halftime show — a gig he had openly coveted — and saying that he wanted his mother to see him perform at the Super Bowl in New Orleans.

“Aww. I actually didn’t know he had said that,” she said. “We love that everybody wants to be on the stage, that we’ve completely changed the conversation to fighting for it versus boycotting. We’ve come a long way.”

The Roc Nation executive went on to explain why Kendrick deserves to headline the big game: “Kendrick is the right person for the show at this moment. He’s had an incredible year, very deserving of the attention.

“The Grammys also acknowledged that. That’s part of the consideration for the halftime show. Kendrick’s richness and culture is really a nod to New Orleans.”

Perez also confirmed that JAY-Z is hands-on in helping choose who performs at the Super Bowl: “He comes back with ideas. It really starts with his thinking. It’s easier for him. It’s almost like a chef picking the specials for the evening. He comes up with the shortlist, and we work our way through that.”

Ab-Soul recently teased that something big is going down during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show in just over a week’s time.

In a cryptic post on X (formerly Twitter) earlier this week, the TDE rapper wrote: “LISTEN… I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN A FT FROM FREE,” referencing Kendrick’s longtime manager Dave Free.

“SMFH. I JUST SHED A TEAR. DEAD HOMIES. SUPER BOWL LIX. HISTORY!!! @pgLang x @TopDawgEnt.”

Many fans interpreted the post as a hint that Ab-Soul — and possibly also his Black Hippy brethren ScHoolboy Q and Jay Rock — would be making an appearance during Kendrick’s highly-anticipated performance on February 9.

At least one special guest, SZA, has so far been confirmed to join Kendrick on stage at the Caesars Superdome.