Jay-Z reverses earlier stance for Super Bowl
The rapper and Roc Nation executive will take the stage at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 14, ending a seven year negotiation with the NFL.
By Thiago Kovalenko ·
Jay-Z will perform as the featured artist at the Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 14. The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation announced the decision on Monday night. The performance is scheduled for SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated he had one specific request when the league initially agreed to work with Roc Nation. Goodell wanted Jay-Z to take the stage personally whenever the moment felt right. Goodell said, "From 'Reasonable Doubt' to standing on the Super Bowl halftime stage, this has been a journey." Jay-Z added in a statement that the show marks thirty years of music, work, and culture on the world's biggest stage.
This performance marks a shift for Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, who previously declined the role. In 2019, when Roc Nation began its partnership with the NFL to advise on entertainment productions, Jay-Z told Goodell, "If this is about me performing at the Super Bowl, then we can just end this conversation now." Seven years later, he is ready to perform.
The choice of venue is symbolic for the artist. Jay-Z recently concluded a tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of his 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt. The tour included sold out shows in London, Paris, and Yankee Stadium. He finished the run with performances at SoFi Stadium over the weekend.
During the recent SoFi concerts, Jay-Z performed alongside a rotating cast of guests. His daughter Blue Ivy played piano on the tracks "The Story of O.J." and "Dead Presidents." Other artists who joined him include Scarface, John Legend, DJ Khaled, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Too $hort, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Eminem, and Nas.
Jay-Z holds 25 Grammy Awards and has received 89 nominations. He is the second most nominated artist in history, behind his wife Beyoncé. He became the first rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017 and joined the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. He has also won four Emmys.
Roc Nation will executive produce the upcoming halftime show. Hamish Hamilton will serve as the director. The league's recent halftime shows have received critical acclaim. Bad Bunny's performance in February won a record seven Emmys, including best variety special. Kendrick Lamar's show last year won for music direction.
