Rappers who have done Super Bowl halftime shows: Explaining Jay-Z’s influence on NFL’s shift in performers

The NFL has embraced its commercial side over the past few decades, particularly in the context of its biggest spectacle: the Super Bowl.

Whereas the Super Bowl halftime show was once an experimental exhibition frequented by school bands, Walt Disney Productions, and even Ella Fitzgerald, the current iteration of the showcase is teeming with lights, color, fog, and fireworks. Each year sees performers — and the armada of stadium technicians who support them — attempt to craft a new sound and look.

For much of the Super Bowl halftime show’s history, the NFL has shied away from enlisting rappers to lead its proceedings. That perception appears to have changed as of late, with a slew of MCs — most recently, Kendrick Lamar — tasked with captivating the crowd with 13 minutes of bliss.

So, just what is the history of rappers in the Super Bowl? And how has the event’s recent history been shaped by business dealings with one of rap’s biggest names? Here’s what you need to know.

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Jay-Z-NFL Super Bowl partnership, explained

In 2019, Jay-Z announced his intention to partner his company, Roc Nation, with the NFL. The famed rapper claimed that the venture — which sees Roc Nation and the NFL collaborate for entertainment events and “social activism” — served as a continuation of efforts led by Colin Kaepernick to advocate for racial injustice and an end to police brutality. Kaepernick was famously exiled after sitting — then kneeling — while the national anthem spilled from stadium speakers.

While labeling his collaboration with the league as a form of activism, Jay-Z bristled at the concept of taking a similar stance to that of Kaepernick.

“I think we’ve moved past kneeling and I think it’s time to go into actionable items,” Jay-Z said during an introductory presser, via the Associated Press.

“I think everyone knows what the issue is — we’re done with that,” he added. “We all know the issue now. OK, next.”

Jay-Z’s decision to align so firmly with the league that paid out a settlement to Kaepernick and teammate Eric Reid amid allegations of collusion was polarizing, to say the least. Reid, who managed to keep his place on the 49ers despite his protests, called out the 25-time Grammy winner on X (formerly Twitter) for partnering with the NFL without receiving a pledge from league executives that Kaepernick would get another shot.

MORE: How Colin Kaepernick’s protests during the national anthem started a movement in the NFL

“So what are we gonna do?,” Jay-Z said. “(Help) millions and millions of people, or we get stuck on Colin not having a job.”

“These aren’t mutually exclusive,” Reid replied. “They can both happen at the same time! It looks like your goal was to make millions and millions of dollars by assisting the NFL in burying Colin’s career.”

Included in Roc Nation’s responsibilities as a part of its agreement with the league is the company consulting on and co-producing entertainment presentations, namely the Super Bowl halftime show. Roc Nation houses a litany of high-profile musicians, including Rihanna, DJ Khaled, and Lil Uzi Vert.

“The NFL has a huge platform, and we can use that huge platform,” Jay-Z said.

“I believe real change is had through conversation, real conversation, and real work … and what better way to do it than where the conversation first took place.”

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List of rappers who have done Super Bowl halftime shows

Rappers would occasionally lend their services to the Super Bowl halftime show prior to Jay-Z’s involvement with the NFL. Nelly appeared as a featured guest at Super Bowls 35 and 38. Diddy served in a similar role at Super Bowl 38. Cee-Lo Green, formerly of the Goodie Mob and Dungeon Family, took part in Madonna’s halftime spectacle at Super Bowl 50.

Still, rappers have taken on an increasingly starring role in the festivities since Jay-Z’s partnership with the NFL came into effect.

With that, here’s a look at the rappers who have delivered renditions during the Super Bowl halftime show over the years:

*featured guest