It’s official: after months of rumors and speculation, Jay-Z will perform the Super Bowl 61 halftime show at SoFi Stadium.

In a joint Instagram post with Apple Music, ESPN, the NFL, and Roc Nation, it was announced Monday evening that Jay-Z had chosen himself as the next halftime performer.

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The “99 Problems” rapper released a statement saying, “Thirty years of music, work, and culture on the world’s biggest stage. This run continues to be a dream come true.”

It was only a matter of time before the “Empire State of Mind” rapper took center stage at the Super Bowl, since his company, Roc Nation, has picked the halftime performer since 2019.

A vocal minority opposed this year’s performer, Bad Bunny , so Jay-Z’s appearance could help deter further criticism.…