Jay-Z’s Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show: Our Dream Setlist

That’s the line Jay-Z used to announce that he’ll headline the 2027 Super Bowl Halftime Show in Los Angeles.

After weeks of speculation, Hov is officially on the ticket for next year’s soiree, where he’ll look to make a splashy debut on the heels of the 30th and 25th anniversaries of his acclaimed albums, Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint, respectively.

“From Reasonable Doubt to standing on the Super Bowl Halftime stage, this has been a journey,” stated Hov in a press release. “Thirty years of music, work, and culture on the world’s biggest stage. This run continues to be a dream come true.”

For Jay-Z, this will mark his Super Bowl halftime debut after spending the last seven years helping shape the coveted show through Roc Nation. During that run, he’s helped bring acts such as Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, Rihanna and The Weeknd to sports’ grandest stage. Now, the Roc Nation mogul gets his turn to create magic — and, most importantly, to do so on his own terms.

With 25 Grammy Awards and 14 No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, Hov has a treasure trove of hits at his disposal. He can go the solo route and unleash anthems like “99 Problems” and “Public Service Announcement,” or lean into his star-studded Rolodex and invite some famous friends to crash the party. From Beyoncé to Rihanna, Mr. Carter has no shortage of A-list collaborators to call on, as evidenced by his star-studded Yankee Stadium concerts this past summer.

Below, Billboard dreams up Jay-Z’s ultimate Super Bowl Halftime Show setlist, packed with solo classics, timeless collaborations and a few potential surprises.

• “Can’t Knock the Hustle (feat. Beyoncè)”

  Album: Reasonable Doubt

  Year: 1996

  We’re celebrating 30 years of Jigga. That means we have to begin by taking it back to where it all started: Reasonable Doubt. It’s Valentine’s Day, and it’s only right that Mrs. Carter joins her Brooklyn beau on sports’ grandest stage.

• “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)”

  Album: Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life

  Year: 1998

  Now we need more grit and less polish — that’s what could make Jay’s Super Bowl performance shine. His timeless flip of Annie would serve as a history lesson for Gen Alpha, while offering a healthy dose of nostalgia for older viewers.

• “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)”

  Album: The Blueprint

  Year: 2001

  Along with celebrating 30 years of Reasonable Doubt, Jigga Man is also savoring the 25th anniversary of 2001’s seminal The Blueprint. This pristine LP thrived on soul-laden samples and thrilling instrumentation. Hopefully, The Roots and Adam Blackstone get the call for the performance, because bringing the album’s smash hit “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” to life with a full band would be a moment to cherish.

• “Public Service Announcement”

  Album: The Black Album

  Year: 2003

  You can honestly make the argument for “PSA” as the opening song, because hearing “Allow me to reintroduce myself” would send shock waves through SoFi Stadium. There are so many ways to go after that iconic introduction — too. Hov could rattle off the entire verse or deftly segue directly into the next song.

• “Dirt Off Ya Shoulder”

  Album: The Black Album

  Year: 2003

  An instantly recognizable gem. Even if you don’t know the lyrics, chances are Timbaland’s indelible production will have you making that ugly face like we’re back in the ’00s. Records like “Dirt” and “PSA” could prove especially electric on the Super Bowl stage because of their thunderous production alone.

• “99 Problems”

  Album: The Black Album

  Year: 2003

  The guitar riff on “99 Problems” could spark another fire-starting moment. Jay’s flair for theatrics has long been a calling card. His slick rhymes and effortless New York swagger, paired with the song’s explosive production, could send his aura into overdrive. Can we get Rick Rubin to pop out for a second?

• “Run This Town (feat. Rihanna)”

  Album: The Blueprint 3

  Year: 2009

  Though we got a firsthand glimpse of Jay and Rihanna together at Yankee Stadium during his Extra Innings concert over the summer, nothing would compare to a Super Bowl reunion. Jay’s beloved protégée — who already torched the halftime stage in 2023 — joining her longtime mentor again would be the stuff of legend. Bonus points if Hov sneaks in a bit of his “Umbrella” opening verse.

• “N—as in Paris”

  Album: Watch The Throne

  Year: 2011

  This one’s a tough pill to swallow: Having Kanye and Jay reunite for “Run This Town” and “N—as in Paris” could have been enough to send the fire department scrambling. Given the controversy surrounding Ye and his diabolical remarks against Hov and Beyoncé, unfortunately, a reunion feels like a long shot. We’ve seen crazier things happen — but for now, Hov can kick off “N—as in Paris” solo, and he’ll do just fine.

• “Holy Grail (feat. Justin Timberlake)”

  Album: Magna Carta Holy Grail

  Year: 2013

  Not essential, but this could be a fun way to squeeze in another notable guest appearance from Justin Timberlake. JT held the Super Bowl halftime spotlight in 2018, and has a rich collaborative history with Hov. Watching the two reunite for “Holy Grail,” maybe followed by a quick taste of “Suit & Tie,” could make for an entertaining detour before the grand finale.

• “Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys)”

  Album: The Blueprint 3

  Year: 2009

  The crown jewel of Jay’s catalog — at least for mainstream America. It’s a New York staple, a Times Square essential, and the ultimate love letter to the city that raised him, one that should ring out even in Southern California. If Jay wants the Big Apple to feel the love, he’s gotta close out this monumental moment with “Empire State of Mind,” roll out Alicia Keys and her signature piano, and show America how Brooklyn’s prodigal son turned three decades of hustle into a storybook career.