Jay-Z denies taking sides in Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s feud, saying his Super Bowl choice was based on performance, not rivalry

American hip-hop mogul Jay-Z has denied taking sides in the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar.

The music executive addressed speculation that he supported Kendrick Lamar over Drake when selecting the headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show.

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According to Jay-Z, the decision had nothing to do with any rap rivalry but was purely based on performance and impact.

“I chose the guy that was having a monster year, it wasn’t in some sort of alliance to a battle,” he said in an interview with GQ.

Jay-Z explained that Kendrick Lamar’s strong musical run at the time made him the most suitable choice for the global stage.

He also questioned the relevance of rap beefs in today’s music industry.

The Roc Nation boss noted that such rivalries often create unnecessary division and can escalate into personal attacks beyond music.

He expressed concern about how fanbases sometimes drag artists’ families, including their children, into conflicts.

According to him, the hip-hop industry stands to gain more from unity and creativity than from rivalry-driven narratives.

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The clarification comes amid ongoing debates among fans over the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud, which has dominated conversations in global hip-hop circles.