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Reuters

D Scott

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026 9:58am

If you pay attention to all the talk online about why Jay-Z shouldn't be the one that performs at The Halftime Show for this years Super Bowl, you'll see a lot of people that are simply hating on Jay to hate on him.

"He's too old.'

"He doesn't have hits."

"Nobody listens to Jay-Z."

The online chatter is just a lot of talk from a lot of people that really don't understand the impact that Jay-Z has had on the culture of hip-hop. 

Some of that may be caused by them simply a fan of another artist that is considered Jay's op. 

Some of is may stem from those people having a long standing "beef" with Jay-Z. See 50 Cent for example.

With all of that being said, what about all of the reasons that prove that HOV is the right choice to perform at The Super Bowl??

Aside from the fact that HOV is celebrating The 30 Year Anniversary of "Reasonable Doubt" and The 25 Year Anniversary of "The Blueprint" and he recently sold out Yankees Stadium for 3 shows. Sold out 2 shows at So-Fi Stadium. Sold out 2 shows in London and 1 show in France  - here are 10 other reasons that Jay should be on that stage.

1. An incredible catalog of hits. From Empire State of Mind, 99 Problems and Big Pimpin' to Public Service Announcement, Hard Knock Life and Run This Town, he has enough recognizable records to fill an unforgettable 13-minute performance.

2. Multiple generations know his music. Jay-Z has been relevant for decades. He connects fans who grew up listening to Reasonable Doubt with younger audiences who discovered him through collaborations with artists like Rihanna, Alicia Keys and Beyoncé.

3. He represents hip-hop history. Jay-Z isn't just a successful rapper. He's one of the defining figures in hip-hop culture and helped take the genre from the streets to the boardroom without losing its cultural significance.

4. He understands the Super Bowl stage. Through Roc Nation's involvement in the NFL's entertainment strategy, Jay-Z has been closely connected to the halftime show since 2019. He understands the production, the audience and what makes the event culturally significant.

5. The guest possibilities are tremendous. Imagine appearances from Beyoncé, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Eminem, Nas or other artists connected to his career. The possibilities are enormous.

6. He's a businessman who understands big moments. Jay-Z knows how to build a brand, create anticipation and deliver something that becomes a conversation beyond the event itself.

7. He's earned the moment. After helping shape the halftime show for years, this is an opportunity for the architect behind the scenes to finally become the headliner himself.

8. He brings credibility beyond commercial success. Jay-Z has influenced music, fashion, sports, business and pop culture. His story is bigger than a record deal or a platinum album.

9. He can deliver a show with substance. His music has plenty of party records, but also songs about ambition, overcoming obstacles, success, social issues and his journey from Brooklyn to global superstardom.

10. It's a celebration of hip-hop's evolution. Thirty years after Reasonable Doubt, Jay-Z represents how far hip-hop has come. His performance can celebrate the genre's history while showcasing its continued influence.

Maybe it's time people get off the Jay-Z hate bandwagon and open their minds. Just because Drake doesn't like him, or because Fifty doesn't like him, or because DJ Akademiks feels some type of way, doesn't mean that Jay is a legend! It's ok to be a fan of those 3 I just mentioned and also be a fan of Jay-Z. Let me change that, you don't even have to be a fan of his, but you SHOULD respect the man's work (both as a rapper and as a mogul).