Nationwide — Child Rock is criticizing Jay-Z’s position as the manager producer of the Tremendous Bowl halftime reveals since 2020, calling him a “DEI rent” and linking current NFL performances to politics. He additionally mentioned the controversy round Dangerous Bunny’s 2026 present and the way the league handles social points.
The rapper stated the Tremendous Bowl modified in 2016 after Colin Kaepernick knelt in the course of the nationwide anthem to protest racial injustice. Child Rock argued this put NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in a tough place, making an attempt to guard earnings in a principally male, Black-dominated league.
Child Rock instructed Fox Information that Goodell’s resolution was to rent Jay-Z to supervise the 2020 halftime present. He advised the transfer was partly strategic, designed to attraction to Black audiences, calling it a “little little bit of a DEI rent.” He acknowledged Jay-Z’s reputation however implied the choice was extra about league optics than artwork.
Child Rock stated Jay-Z would naturally deal with his core followers whereas navigating the league’s expectations. He drew a parallel to Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 efficiency, hinting comparable elements affect who performs and why.
Child Rock himself has carried out on the Tremendous Bowl, becoming a member of Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson in 2004. His feedback spotlight how politics, earnings, and performer selections have formed halftime reveals over time, making the NFL’s largest leisure occasion a mixture of music and technique.
