Travis Scott asked the NFL to make charitable commitments to social justice before he agreed to join Maroon 5.
The city of Atlanta has produced some great musical artists, so many were disappointed when reports in September said that Maroon 5 would be the Super Bowl halftime band at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
It’s a choice that makes sense for the NFL — Maroon 5 is as prototypical Super Bowl halftime band as it gets. But the potential for other performers to join the band on-stage was reason for those who aren’t the biggest fans of Adam Levine to be a little excited.
On Sunday, CBS and Maroon 5 announced rappers Travis Scott and Big Boi will join the band for the halftime performance.
#SBLIIIpic.twitter.com/dWKJQDS9ap
— Maroon 5 (@maroon5) January 13, 2019
With Big Boi added to the performance, the NFL gets its nod to Atlanta music. The 43-year-old is one half of the Atlanta-based duo Outkast and an outspoken Falcons fan. He even released a song in 2017 that included a reference to the Patriots’ come-from-behind win over the Falcons in Super Bowl 51.
The halftime show in February was first offered to Rihanna, but according to U.S. Weekly, she turned it down in support of Colin Kaepernick. It was the reason Cardi B turned down the opportunity to perform with Maroon 5.
To get Scott to perform with Maroon 5 and Big Boi, the NFL reportedly agreed to make significant donations to a cause for social justice, according to Billboard.
“I back anyone who takes a stand for what they believe in,” Scott said in a statement, via Billboard. ”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.”
Super Bowl 53 is set for Feb. 3, and will be Atlanta’s first time hosting since Super Bowl 34 at the Georgia Dome in January 2000.