Atlanta’s music culture stands as one of the most dominant scenes in the world. With the Super Bowl taking place in Atlanta in February 2019, it appeared to be a no-brainer for the NFL to pick an Atlanta music act or a mixture of Atlanta artists to perform at halftime of the big game.
However, the NFL played it safe by choosing Maroon 5.
Many believe the choice was out of touch since Atlanta offers a wide-range of acts who could command the stage for the Super Bowl halftime show.
OutKast appeared to be the most realistic choice since they have several songs that achieved mainstream success such as “Hey Ya,” and “Ms. Jackson.” Usher, Ludacris, Jermaine Dupri, Monica and TLC also have a multitude of pop hits that could have translated well during the big game.
On the other end of the spectrum, Atlanta’s trap music scene deserved consideration. Although trap music can be an acquired taste for some, T.I., Gucci Mane, Jeezy, Migos, and 2 Chainz have all produced enough mainstream hits to perform at the Super Bowl during a collective set.
However, PJ Morton of Maroon 5 could be the person who saves the day. A New Orleans native who attended Morehouse College, Morton is well aware of Atlanta’s contributions to music and could possibly put together a short set that features Atlanta artists. Morton has also recorded songs with Atlanta natives Jermaine Dupri, Jagged Edge and Monica.
Here are the reactions to Maroon 5’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance on social media:
So many hometown stars to choose from – why are we hearing halftime choice is #Maroon5 for @Superbowl in ATL?
SO many: Usher, Sugerland, Ciara, Janelle Monae, Ludacris, Jason Aldean, Zac Brown Band, Outkast, Migos, T.I….and more. #11Alive— Cheryl Preheim (@CherylPreheim) September 19, 2018
OutKast is from Atlanta
Future is from Atlanta
Childish Gambino is from Atlanta
Migos is from Atlanta
Usher is from Atlanta
T.I. is from Atlanta
Lil Scrappy is from Atlanta
Shop Boyz are from AtlantaAll better options than Maroon 5 https://t.co/NAHfNh4dwm
— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) September 19, 2018
When the Super Bowl was held in Detroit the NFL gave us The Rolling Stones. We’re in Motown and the NFL went with the British Invasion. So suck it up #Atlanta and deal w/ #Maroon5 🤷🏽♂️
— LZ Granderson (@LZGranderson) September 19, 2018
NFL: “We need a halftime show for the Super Bowl this year in Atlanta”
The city of Atlanta:
Migos
Usher
OutKast
CeeLo Green
Future
2 Chainz
Big Boi
Ludacris
Jeezy
T.I.
GucciNFL: “How does Maroon 5 sound?”
— 𝙹𝚊𝚔𝚎 (@JMRogers14) September 19, 2018
@Outkast, should be the Superbowl halftime performance. No disrespect to @maroon5. #Atlanta
— Mpho Koaho (@MphoAK) September 20, 2018
The NFL picking Maroon 5 to perform at halftime for the Super Bowl in Atlanta is like when Apple put that U2 album on our phones that nobody asked for or even remotely wanted.
— Talia Caldwell (@ESOTERICTalia) September 20, 2018
“Maroon 5 is performing at the SuperBowl.”
Black Atlanta: pic.twitter.com/OemOfY9hNk
— Je’lon Alexander (@JButton052018) September 20, 2018
