Travis Scott, Big Boi to Perform with Maroon 5 at Super Bowl Halftime Show
It’s official. Travis Scott and Big Boi are going to the Super Bowl with Maroon 5.
Following months of speculation, the NFL confirmed that Adam Levine and his Grammy-winning band will headline the Pepsi Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Feb. 3. They will be joined by the Houston rapper and OutKast member, an Atlanta native.
#SBLIII pic.twitter.com/dWKJQDS9ap
— Maroon 5 (@maroon5) January 13, 2019
Travis’ participation has sparked controversy following the NFL’s treatment of Colin Kaepernick. But according to Billboard, Travis required that the NFL make a joint donation to a cause for social justice before he signed on.
The “Sicko Mode” rapper, who will kick off the second leg of his “Astroworld: Wish You Were Here” tour on Jan. 25, donated $500,000 in partnership with the NFL to Dream Corps, a “social justice accelerator” founded by Van Jones in 2014. Additionally, he will work with the NFL on other initiatives.
“I back anyone who takes a stand for what they believe in,” Scott said in a statement. “I know being an artist that it’s in my power to inspire. So before confirming the Super Bowl Halftime performance, I made sure to partner with the NFL on this important donation. I am proud to support Dream Corps and the work they do that will hopefully inspire and promote change.”
According to sources, JAY-Z tried to talk Scott out of performing at the Super Bowl. The Roc Nation mogul, along with Rihanna and Cardi B, reportedly turned down offers to perform at the halftime show in support of Kaepernick, who was drummed out of the league for “taking a knee” during the national anthem.
Super Bowl LIII will air on CBS on Sunday, Feb. 3 from Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.