In his new single posted on social media this week, acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar name-dropped Christian hip hop artists Lecrae and Dee-1. Both responded with appreciation, even as Dee-1 has been addressing criticism over his view that Lil Wayne should not headline the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show because of the messages in his lyrics.
“Elevation + Condemnation,” said Dee-1 in a Sept. 12 Instagram post. “i love you New Orleans ⚜️But i love God more. 🙏🏽Take that how you want & feel how you gon feel.”
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Kendrick Lamar Wonders ‘What Lecrae Would Do’
Kendrick Lamar, who previously performed under the name “K.Dot,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time. He received the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, and his other achievements include 17 Grammy wins and 50 Grammy nominations. Lamar frequently mentions God in his lyrics, which also contain a great deal of profanity.
In an Instagram reel Sept. 11, Lamar posted a new track that some are calling “Watch the Party Die.” In the chorus, Lamar asks God for life, peace, forgiveness and blessing. Later, Lamar raps, “Sometimes I wonder what Lecrae would do? F*** these n***** up or show ’em just what prayer do? I wanna be empathetic, my heart like Dee-1.”
Lecrae, a Grammy, BET and Dove Award-winning Christian hip hop artist, responded to the mention on X, saying, “Love you Dot….Always here,” and included a prayer emoji.
RELATED: ‘I’ll Do Better’—Kirk Franklin Tells Lecrae He’s Willing To Be Challenged About His Actions
Dee-1 is an Emmy-nominated and NAACP Power of Influence Award-winning Christian hip hop artist from New Orleans. He posted a picture of himself with Lamar on Instagram and said, “I appreciate the shoutout brother. More than you’ll ever know ❤️. @kendricklamar A shift is happening. i been telling everybody! The time is now. 🙏🏽.”
In his Sept. 12 Instagram post, Dee-1 addressed the “elevation” he has experienced as a result of Lamar’s name-drop and the simultaneous “condemnation” he has received because of his position on Lil Wayne and the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Kendrick Lamar was confirmed last week as the headliner of the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, which will take place in New Orleans (Lamar previously appeared in Dr. Dre’s 2022 all-star Super Bowl Halftime Show). The decision angered some hip hop artists, who believe that Lil Wayne should have been chosen. Lil Wayne is a New Orleans native and a Grammy Award-winning artist also considered to be the one of the best and most influential rappers of all time.
Speaking to TMZ, Dee-1 explained why he does not believe Lil Wayne is a good choice for the halftime show platform. The artist pointed out that he and others in New Orleans have been listening to Lil Wayne “for the duration of our lifetime” and that Lil Wayne has personally influenced him.
