Nas On Playing the Super Bowl: “I Wouldn’t Do It”
The hip-hop legend explained that he has no interest in performing at the big game – but he understands the prestige of it all.
Nas attends THHM's 2025 Benefit Gala on October 15, 2025 in New York City.
Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage.
Nas isn’t going to be headlining the Super Bowl Halftime show anytime soon. In an interview with Jordan Rose of Complex, Nas made it clear that he has no interest in performing at the big game.
“That’s some super rock star s—t. Nah, I don’t want to say I don’t want to do a Super Bowl, but I don’t want to do that,” he said. “Leave it to the professionals. Leave it to the pros. I’m a pro at what I do. That thing, I love it, but I wouldn’t do it.”
Nas acknowledged the magnitude of an event like the Super Bowl Halftime Show while acknowledging that he’s content to be a viewer.
“Yes, it’s the biggest stage, but I want to watch dope Halftime Shows,” he explained. “And that’s what’s been happening lately. Salute to all of them.”
Since Jay-Z and Roc Nation began producing the shows in 2019, hip-hop has been a mainstay at the Super Bowl. In 2022, The Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show featured Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar, with appearances from 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak. Kendrick returned to headline the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show this past year.
In that same sitdown with Rose, Nas shared his thoughts on relatively new artists like Playboi Carti.
“I see rock star shit,” he said. “Hip hop can have different variables. Some of the pioneers are still here. You have the guys from the early '90s, the guys from the early '00s. There’s a place for all of us.”
He also mentioned some of his own personal favorites.
“The new artists that are out right now that I think are great is Rome Streetz [and] Lady London is nice,” Nas added.
