In news that could only be described as “boy, please shut up,” Chris Brown has become the talk of the social media timelines. And unfortunately for him, it’s not for anything good. Let’s get into it!
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While many were overjoyed after Bad Bunny’s culturally vibrant 2026 Super Bowl Halftime performance thanks to the joy and overarching messaging of unity present in his set, Brown apparently thought he could have done a better job. In fact, he essentially said as much directly after the halftime show wrapped, writing in a post to his Instagram stories: “I think it’s safe to say they need me.”
Hmm. Not to quote Keke Palmer or anything but “who the hell are they?“
No, seriously. Who is the “they” that Chris Brown thinks is in need of him or his music, especially as it relates to the Super Bowl Halftime Show? While you could definitely make the argument for him being a contender to pop up given his longevity in the industry, consistent chart-topping hits, and deep fanbase, there’s still one major criteria Brown doesn’t fit: cultural impact.
Much like Kendrick Lamar, Prince, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez and others who’ve graced the highly coveted stage, Bad Bunny’s profile as a global superstar with cultural capital is what made him a fitting choice for this occasion. His music sparks conversation, movements, and a deeper connection point for audiences all over.
Brown’s music hasn’t accomplished that. None of his bodies of work have won a Pulitzer Prize. None of them have far-reaching implications and resonance that are reflections of the current times, a certain community and its nuances or history. None have layered storytelling or really signify much else other than fun beats and catchy lyrics.
So it’s no wonder why, once his post began making the rounds online, people were quick to say “no thank you” to his suggestion.
“In what world would we need a chris brown super bowl performance?” wrote one user on X/Twitter.
“Chris Brown letting his fanbase hype him into thinking the Superbowl stage ‘needs’ him on it, it’s been doing just fine without you sir. A hateful spirit never gets what it wants. Could’ve let Bad Bunny have his moment but nope. Anyways,” said another.
Added one other user: “Jay Z aside, Chris Brown will never perform at the Superbowl because he’s simply not culturally relevant enough. Accept it.”
One other user noted on Threads, “Chris Brown just came off a sold out arena tour. He’s definitely not struggling to get back in. And he’s not been blackballed from the industry. He’s just a mess and too many people refuse to admit this.He watched an amazing performance and came off as a hater. That was his choice. And now he slides further off a list he was never on.”
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