The wait is finally over. After much anticipation and months of speculation, Jay-Z has officially announced that he’ll be headlining the Super Bowl LXI Apple Music Halftime Show in Los Angeles — a move many fans and pundits saw coming a mile away.
It’s
worth noting, of course, that Jay Z’s company, Roc Nation, has executive-produced the Super Bowl halftime show since 2019, so the decision to name him this year’s performer was controversial from the start. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve the spot.
While Hov’s decision to seemingly name himself the halftime show’s next headliner may appear self-gratuitous to some, arguments that his catalog is underwhelming or undeserving of such a stage are questionable at best. Over a three-decade career, he’s released 14 albums that have debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard 200, four chart-topping Billboard Hot 100 singles, and multiple collaborative hits and cultural anthems.
Those metrics are comparable to or superior to the charting history of several past Super Bowl halftime show headliners since 2010, including Maroon 5, Coldplay, Shakira, Justin Timberlake, and The Who.
In addition, the belief that hip-hop artists are required to acquiesce and musically circumcise themselves to appease mainstream audiences is archaic in many respects. Hip-Hop doesn’t only move the needle; it threads it, helping weave the fabric of American culture through its brilliance.
Debates and contrary opinions aside, Jay-Z’s selection as the Super Bowl LXI Apple Music Halftime Show headliner is set in stone, with the game and performance scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027.
Only one question remains: What tricks and surprises will Hov have up his sleeve during his halftime show set?
We compiled a setlist featuring the songs, collaborations, and moments that would make Jay-Z’s Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show performance one for the ages.
“Can’t Knock The Hustle” with Mary J. Blige
The ongoing JAŸ-Z30 celebration of Jay-Z’s debut album Reasonable Doubt has reminded listeners of its sheer mastery, with a sizable contingent of fans deeming it his magnum opus. There would be nothing more fitting than having Mary J. Blige return to the Super Bowl stage for a duet of “Can’t Knock The Hustle” to help set the tone for the fireworks ahead.
“Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)”
Few tales are as American as that of Little Orphan Annie. Jay-Z’s hijacking of the 1982 musical’s theme led to his first bona fide solo hit of his career, as well as a Grammy Award. While he’s released countless hits since, the infectious vocal sample mixed with Jay’s motivational lyrics made listeners feel something back in 1998 — a vibe he’ll likely be able to recapture come February.
“Empire State of Mind” with Alicia Keys
His biggest anthem as a lead artist, “Empire State of Mind” is tailor-made for arenas and has been a mainstay on Jay-Z’s setlists since its 2009 release. A safe bet to receive a positive reception when presented to any demographic, Hov and Alicia Keys’ hometown anthem is strong enough to withstand any West Coast bias from the crowd at SoFi Stadium.
“Izzo (H.O.V.A.)”
Similar to “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem),” this cut from The Blueprint capitalizes on the familiarity of a popular sample. Only this time, it’s the Jackson 5’s 1969 hit “I Want You Back.” Jay-Z famously brought late music icon Michael Jackson out at Hot 97’s Summer Jam Concert roughly 25 years ago to perform it with him. While the King of Pop is no longer here with us, a cameo from his nephew, Michael star Jaafar Jackson, would be a dope wrinkle to Jay’s set.
“Numb/Encore”
The first unexpected wild-card act we wouldn’t be shocked to see grace the stage with Jigga is Linkin Park, with whom he released the mashup EP Collision Course in 2004. Being that the Super Bowl halftime show has a history of genre-blending performances, the Cali natives popping out alongside Hov would check that box while also accounting for hometown representation.
“Run This Town” with Rihanna
It’s unlikely that Kanye West will appear alongside Jay-Z anytime soon due to their strained relationship, which likely means Jay’s Super Bowl performance will be devoid of any material from their Watch the Throne era. However, that shouldn’t stop Rihanna from joining Hov for a quick performance of the track’s opening verse and hook, as Rih’s appearance would follow her own headlining performance in 2023.
“Umbrella” with Rihanna
As she would already be on stage following “Run This Town,” Rihanna sticking around to perform her monstrous Jay-Z collaboration “Umbrella” would be a no-brainer. The chart-topping classic would be an appropriate sendoff for Rihanna, and inch Jay-Z closer to the midway point of his set.
“U Don’t Know”
Certain songs were created to be rocked in front of massive audiences. Jay-Z’s “U Don’t Know” fits that bill, from Just Blaze’s raucous production to Jigga’s impassioned lyrics about evolving from trafficker to capitalist. Espousing that message in front of 100,000 strong at SoFi Stadium, and millions of viewers at home, is as patriotic as President Ronald Reagan wearing a designer Gucci Belt. And unadulteratedly hip-hop. Only in America.
“Guns & Roses” with Lenny Kravitz
Adding to the eclectic flow, Hov could make a clever pull from his catalog by summoning Lenny Kravitz to the stage for their Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse track “Guns & Roses.” Imagine Jay-Z’s vocals layered over guitar riffs from Kravitz and a band of superstar musicians to infuse a dose of variety into the mix.
“Don’t Kill My Vibe” with Kendrick Lamar
We don’t expect Jay-Z to get too petty during his Super Bowl performance, but he could share another heir-to-the-throne moment with Kendrick Lamar by inviting him to perform “Don’t Kill My Vibe (Remix)” in the Compton King’s backyard. The subtle chess move could further stick in the craw of certain figures who expressed criticism and disappointment amid Kendrick’s performance two years prior.
“Young Forever”
This wistful number from The Blueprint 3 wouldn’t be on most die-hard fans’ short list of essential songs. However, its sample of pop band Alphaville’s 1984 song “Forever Young” is a sneaky cheat code to coax a few head bobs from unsuspecting listeners.
“Renegade” with Eminem
Jay-Z knows how to play the game both ways. He’s sure to make his Super Bowl set sonically malleable for as diverse a crowd as possible, but will balance that focus with carefully curated deep cuts that kill two birds with one stone. While Eminem has already graced the halftime show stage, doing so alongside a fellow G.O.A.T. would make for a historic moment.
“’03 Bonnie & Clyde” with Beyoncé
With the energy in the building at its apex, things cool down as Beyoncé finally makes her much-awaited appearance, as she and Hov pull out this Tupac-inspired gem from The Blueprint 2: Gift & The Curse.
“Crazy In Love” with Beyoncé
Beyoncé pulls a double by launching into her lead single from her debut studio album, Dangerously in Love.
“PSA”
Hov ends the evening with “P.S.A.” from The Black Album.
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