Jermaine Dupri ignited online debate on Thursday after asking fans to name New York artists, aside from Jay-Z, who could headline the 2027 Super Bowl Halftime Show. The music producer posted a video on Instagram with the caption “Just a question ?” and questioned who else from New York could take the stage, excluding Atlanta and Chicago artists.
“This Jay-Z, um, doing the Super Bowl thing,” Dupri said in the clip. “I hear people talking about ‘Can Jay-Z do it?’ They don’t think Jay-Z can do it, who he bringin’ out? But ya’ll ain’t think about this. If you take away all the options, take away Atlanta, take away Kanye, Chicago, and you only have artists from New York… What artist from New York, besides Jay-Z, do you see headlining the Super Bowl?”
Fans flooded the comments on The Shade Room’s Instagram page with suggestions and reactions. Some named LL Cool J, who has a broad catalog and recognition among older viewers. User @ohboogie17 wrote, “LL Cool J could easily do the Super Bowl,” while @parxdaghost added, “LL cool j he got the hits and a big hit with the 30 and up viewers crowd.”
Busta Rhymes and Ja Rule also featured in the conversation. @fittedboyla claimed, “Busta Rhymes & Ja Rule clearly have the catalogs to do the Superbowl.” Another user, @jaysupermanager, expanded the list to include Nas, Mary J. Blige, Run-DMC, The Fugees, Bette Midler, and Barbara Streisand.
Some responses pushed back on Dupri’s New York-only premise. @porshadeshannon asked, “Why do they need to be from New York? 🥴,” while @geppettoszn noted, “Jay z hasn’t made a new song that niccas could recite in yeeeears… shyt Alicia keys lol, it’s a lot.” Former “Mob Wives” star Drita Davanzo weighed in with “Wu Tang Clan 🙌,” echoing other fans who spotlighted New York’s hip-hop legacy.
The debate comes weeks after Jay-Z was confirmed as the 2027 Super Bowl halftime performer. The announcement came on Monday, October 26, during Monday Night Football, in a clip showing the rapper sitting alone in a stadium. The video played his “Public Service Announcement” track with on-screen text reading “GOAT’S OUT OF THE BAG.” Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s entertainment company, shared the reveal on Instagram with the caption “Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show.”
Jay-Z has been the NFL’s halftime show curator since 2019, selecting artists for the event. His decision to headline himself drew criticism from former business partner Dame Dash. On the podcast The Art Of Dialogue, Dash said, “Every time he does a show, he, besides me, he gets bombed on. Like, there’s a lot of criticism. So. I’m like, why would you want to be the most public when people are scrutinizing you the most? I don’t see the play…”
Dash also doubted the strategic value of performing at the Super Bowl, warning it could damage a career if the show is poorly received. He added, “We all know he’s going to bring out Beyoncé, but like you can’t bring, I’m not going. Don’t even call me for the Super Bowl. I’m not going. I don’t have any desire for that.”
Online fans also mocked Dupri’s question. @acevane joked, “JD tryna get Jay to bring him out for ‘money ain’t a thang’ he ain’t slick 😂.” Others reminded Dupri of past mishaps, with @everyday696 referencing “Man We Still Tryna Figure Out How You Fumble Janet Jackson 😂.”
The 2027 Super Bowl will take place on Sunday, February 14, 2027, in Inglewood, California.
The conversation over who could step in for Jay-Z on the 2027 halftime stage underscores the ongoing tension around artist selections and the pressure of following up on high-profile performances.
According to TheShadeRoom.
