After Kendrick Lamar’s historic performance, who’s next?

When Jay-Z and Roc Nation took over the reins of directing the Super Bowl halftime show in 2019, it felt like it would only be a matter of time before a rapper headlined the show alone. Five years later, we finally got the performance we’ve been looking for in the form of an electric solo rap showcase. His set has us wondering when we will see another rapper take center stage at America’s biggest game.

There are a few reasons to have questions. Rap isn’t building new superstars at the rate it once was and the genre is still not always palatable to the Super Bowl viewing audience. But it’s possible that Lamar’s subversive performance — coupled with Dr. Dre’s 2022 extravaganza featuring Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige and Eminem — can open the door for more rappers to walk through. So we decided to handicap the odds for a few MCs who could headline the halftime show in the next few years.

Jay-Z — Odds 50:1

Jay-Z is probably the most accomplished rapper around and could do the halftime show any year he wanted. The fact that he hasn’t done it yet, including not performing in New York a few years ago, tells me that he isn’t actually interested in being a headliner or finds picking himself to be a conflict of interest.

Doechii — Odds 15:1

At this point in her career, Doechii can do anything. Musically, she’s Victor Wembanyama. There is no ceiling, and she’s the type of burgeoning star that could absolutely headline the halftime show in a few years when she stacks up a few more hits. The only reason the odds are so low is because she’s so new. I imagine they’ll change very soon. So yes, 15 to 1 may seem pretty high, but consider it a futures bet for sometime in the next decade.

Travis Scott — Odds 120:1

A few years ago it seemed like Travis Scott was destined for halftime. He had it all: crossover hits, mainstream headlines and big, big live shows. However, a tragic concert in 2021 that left eight people dead and some lackluster musical outings have cooled his trajectory. There’s still a world where he regains that place and the odds go higher. But right now, he’s a risky bet.

Drake — Odds 1,000:1

Drake has the hits. That’s undeniable. But he’s also got a lot of stank on him right now. Time heals all rap feud beatdowns, though. That’s not the problem. The problem is that Drake has gone scorched earth on the industry, including sending shots at Jay-Z since Kendrick Lamar was announced as the halftime performer this year. I’m just not sure how Drake will be able to do the show while Jay is calling the shots.

Megan Thee Stallion — Odds 5:1

She’s one of rap’s big crossover stars, and if anyone is primed to headline, it’s Meg. Of course, when she does, she’ll get all kinds of clutched pearls and angry messages from people offended by her hips and twerk skills. Still, Megan’s star power is undeniable. And I could see a show with her and…

Cardi B — Odds 17:1

If Roc Nation returns to a medley format, I could see Cardi B and Megan co-headlining the halftime show. They’re two of rap’s most-recognizable stars and they have hits as a tandem. They could really make for something special, too.

Look, I love Cole as much as the next person, but him as a Super Bowl halftime performer? Eh. That’s no knock on him either. He just doesn’t have the types of songs that would translate to something like this.

Kanye West — Odds 1,000,000:1

There may not be another musician in the world who has music that would translate to a better Super Bowl halftime show than Ye. And if it were just about music then this would be a no-brainer. But this is about more than just who had the most anthems. Ye has made himself such a persona non grata that no one, especially the NFL, would ever want to touch him.

Tyler, The Creator — Odds 12:1

The Super Bowl halftime show is tricky. Your whole career comes under the microscope when you’re selected. Tyler’s history of extremely problematic lyrics would definitely be a detriment. But, he’s just such a great artist and on such a heater that the NFL could find themselves picking him anyway. If you look at his Coachella and Camp Flog Gnaw sets you’ll see a guy who’s ready for a big, major show.

Outkast — Odds 500:1

If any artists could have a standing invitation, it would be Outkast. Sadly, this isn’t just about the NFL. It’s hard to imagine Andre 3000 wanting to rap again, let alone rap again for hundreds of millions of people. But we can dream, right?

Lil Wayne — Odds 200:1

There was so much controversy over Lil Wayne not being selected for the halftime show this year. After all, he’s one of rap’s biggest and brightest. Yet the fiasco around the New Orleans snub most likely rubbed people the wrong way. If he’s not doing it in New Orleans, I can’t imagine Wayne getting to do the halftime show in another city.

Snoop Dogg — Odds 3:1

If there’s one thing the Super Bowl likes, it’s a legacy act. And rap may not have a bigger legacy act than Snoop. He also has chosen to use 2025 as his year to cozy up to, uh, a certain crossover segment of Americana. Snoop can fit into that space of still being a rapper but one who is the anti-Kendrick. He’d be safe. A guy who won’t endure a lot of FCC complaints and arguments that he is being “woke” or whatever. For better or worse, he’s probably going to wind up back on that stage.