In 2022, Super Bowl LVI delivered one of the most memorable halftime shows in recent history, featuring a stellar lineup of hip-hop legends.
The performance at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood brought together Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige. However, a behind-the-scenes drama nearly prevented 50 Cent’s unforgettable entrance, a moment that has since inspired countless memes.
Initially, 50 Cent was not listed as part of the official lineup. But during the show, after Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg concluded “California Love,” 50 Cent made a surprise appearance, descending from the ceiling to perform his iconic hit “In Da Club.” Despite the enthusiasm from fans, the lead-up to his performance was fraught with tension due to his long-standing feud with Jay-Z.
During a recent interview, 50 Cent revealed that his inclusion in the halftime show was almost blocked by Jay-Z, who became the NFL’s official Live Music Entertainment Strategist in 2019 through a deal with Roc Nation.
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This partnership has produced every Super Bowl halftime show since 2020, beginning with the Shakira and Jennifer Lopez performance.
The tension between Jay-Z and 50 Cent dates back to 1999 when 50 Cent dissed Jay-Z in his track “How To Rob.” Jay-Z responded later that year with a jab in “It’s Hot (Some Like It Hot)” at the Hot 97 festival. While their feud was never deeply hostile, 50 Cent has never shied away from taking shots at Jay-Z over the years.
In his interview with The Hollywood Reporter, 50 Cent disclosed that Roc Nation initially wanted to exclude him from the halftime show. He claimed that Jay-Z tried to leverage his influence to keep him out of the performance:
“[Roc Nation] wanted to leave me out of it. They didn’t want me there. Eminem wouldn’t do it without me. That’s how I ended up on the show because he was not coming if I didn’t do it. When that happens, you go, ‘Damn, so you just lost Eminem because you didn’t bring 50? Damn. All right. Bring 50 then.’ But if it was up to them, they would not have me there. I’m the surprise. I’m not on the bill at all. But they couldn’t get Em to do it without me.”
Eminem’s insistence on having 50 Cent on stage highlights their strong bond, stemming from when Eminem signed 50 Cent to Shady Records in 2002, a move that played a significant role in launching 50 Cent’s career. The loyalty between the two artists ensured that the halftime show included the surprise performance that thrilled fans.
In retrospect, Eminem’s decision to stand by 50 Cent proved beneficial for the show, adding an element of surprise and excitement that only enhanced the already stellar lineup. The Super Bowl LVI halftime show will be remembered not just for its incredible performances, but also for the behind-the-scenes determination that brought all the artists together.
