Lil Wayne won’t be attending Super Bowl LIX this Sunday (February 9), but he’s found a creative way to stay in the spotlight. The Young Money legend is making waves with a new Cetaphil commercial, which premiered on Thursday (February 6) and cheekily announces the release date for his highly anticipated album, Tha Carter VI.
The commercial showcases Wayne’s signature humor as he embraces his new role as a spokesperson for the skincare brand. In the ad, Weezy pokes fun at his disappointment over being passed over for the halftime show, playfully promoting Cetaphil for “dry” and “sensitive” situations. The release date for Tha Carter VI—6/6/25—appears throughout the commercial, culminating in a final scene where a sign reads, “DO NOT DISTURB ‘TIL 06-06-2025,” with “CARTER VI” scribbled in bold.
This unconventional announcement comes amid lingering tension between Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar, this year’s halftime show headliner.
Wayne vs. Kendrick: A Friendly Rivalry?
The friction between the two rap giants dates back to Kendrick’s announcement as the Super Bowl performer last year. Wayne, who had openly campaigned for the gig, expressed his disappointment at being overlooked and refrained from congratulating Kendrick, his collaborator on the hit song Mona Lisa.
Kendrick addressed Wayne’s reaction on his recent album, GNX, rapping, “Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down.”
Wayne initially responded with a cryptic social media post, writing: “Man wtf I do?! I just be chillin & dey still kome 4 my head. Let this giant sleep. I beg u all. No one really wants destruction, not even me, but I shall destroy if disturbed. On me. Love.”
However, the New Orleans native later clarified his comments, revealing he spoke with Kendrick and wished him well. In an interview with Skip Bayless, Wayne admitted he hadn’t heard Kendrick’s lyrics directly but understood their meaning.
“He didn’t let me down,” Wayne said. “His hard work is the reason why he made it there. That part about letting me down is just me being upset and disappointed about not getting that spot.”
Behind the Halftime Show Decision
According to Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez, Wayne was indeed a contender for this year’s Super Bowl halftime show before Kendrick was ultimately selected. Perez cited Kendrick’s incredible year and cultural significance as factors in the decision, calling it a nod to New Orleans’ rich musical history.
“Kendrick is the right person for the show at this moment,” Perez told NOLA.com. “The Grammys acknowledged that. Kendrick’s richness and culture is really a nod to New Orleans.”
Wayne’s Next Move
Despite the disappointment, Wayne has kept things lighthearted, turning the Super Bowl snub into a moment of self-promotion. The Cetaphil ad showcases his adaptability and humor, proving that he doesn’t need the halftime show to make headlines.
As fans eagerly await Tha Carter VI on June 6, 2025, one thing is clear: Lil Wayne remains a force to be reckoned with, both in music and beyond. Whether he’s headlining the Super Bowl or stealing the show with a lotion commercial, Weezy always finds a way to keep us entertained.
