Jay-Z is reportedly using his significant influence to pressure rapper Travis Scott out of performing during Super Bowl LIII’s halftime show in Atlanta on Feb. 3.
TMZ confirmed Thursday that the “Antidote” rapper was among the small lineup of celebrities added to the bill alongside American rock band Maroon 5.
Others rumored to perform include rappers Cardi B and Big Boi.
So So Def Records founder Jermaine Dupri was named to head the committee that oversees the week of music events leading up to the Super Bowl. Rap group Migos also agreed to perform at an event during Super Bowl week in Atlanta.
The backlash was immediate as angry social media users vented their disappointment at Scott.
Variety magazine reports that Jay-Z is trying to talk Scott out of performing, but an anonymous source told the Associated Press that Scott was “close to signing” to perform at Super Bowl LIII.
The source confirmed that Scott will headline Pepsi’s Pre-Super Bowl concert on Feb. 1 in Atlanta, in addition to performing at the Super Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Two sources told Variety that Jay-Z is opposed to Scott performing during sports’ biggest night because he is highly critical of NFL owners who refuse to sign former quarterback Colin Kaepernick after he took a knee during the National Anthem prior to NFL games in 2016.
Maroon 5 still have not been officially confirmed as the game’s halftime headliners, although multiple sources told Variety back in September that they would be the headlining act.
Photos by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images, Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
