LSU Lady Tigers basketball star Flau’jae Johnson, known for her impressive dual career as a rising rap sensation, recently shared her feelings of disappointment over a major Super Bowl snub involving her mentor and rap collaborator, Lil Wayne. Johnson, who has quickly made a name for herself not only on the court but also in the music industry, expressed her heartbreak during an appearance on the “In Case You Missed It With Khristina Williams” podcast.
Just a few months ago, Johnson teamed up with the legendary rapper on the track Came Out Like a Beast, a song that gained major traction after being featured on the NFL’s “Songs of the Season” playlist. The song’s success had fans hopeful that Lil Wayne, a Louisiana native with deep ties to the culture of New Orleans, would perform at the upcoming Super Bowl LVIX, set to take place on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The city has long been a special place for the artist, and the Super Bowl was seen as a perfect stage for Lil Wayne to showcase his legacy.
However, when the lineup for the Super Bowl halftime show was announced, Lil Wayne’s name was nowhere to be found. This omission left many fans, including Flau’jae, feeling devastated.
Speaking candidly on the podcast, Johnson expressed her frustration: “Oh, you don’t have to finish that. You know I am mad. I feel that was one of those lifetime moments. Like, we give flowers to legends… and he definitely was supposed to be performing on that stage.” Johnson continued, acknowledging the importance of the moment not just for Wayne but for hip-hop culture. “But you know things happen the way they happen. He still sold out Lil Weezyana Fest, so we’ll be rocking it out for him. But that hurt. That was his moment, his legacy on display for the world.”
For Lil Wayne, the Super Bowl would have been a symbolic return to his roots, given that New Orleans has hosted the Super Bowl multiple times before, the most recent being in 2013. The rapper’s contributions to music and pop culture, particularly in his hometown, have made him a beloved figure in Louisiana and beyond. Fans had expected that his inclusion in the NFL’s music playlist was a precursor to a Super Bowl performance. Johnson, who credits Wayne for playing a pivotal role in her musical career, felt the decision was a missed opportunity to honor his incredible legacy.
Despite the Super Bowl snub, Lil Wayne’s loyal fanbase won’t have to wait long to see him in action. The Lil Weezyana Fest, set to take place in November, will feature Wayne alongside his Hot Boys crew—Juvenile, BG, and Turk. The festival, which has become an annual celebration of New Orleans hip-hop culture, will surely be a moment of triumph for the rapper, who continues to sell out arenas and inspire the next generation of artists.
Johnson, while clearly disheartened by the Super Bowl’s decision, used her platform to promote the upcoming Weezyana Fest, showing her unwavering support for the artist who helped elevate her rap career. “We’re going to be down there rocking it out for him,” she said, highlighting how much Lil Wayne’s impact continues to resonate.
As the world gears up for Super Bowl LVIX in New Orleans, it’s clear that, while Lil Wayne may not take the stage at the halftime show, his influence on music and his connection to his city will be celebrated in other ways, ensuring that his legacy endures.
