Ever since the Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake “Nipplegate” fiasco went down during the halftime show at Super Bowl XXXVIII in February 2004, the Super Bowl committee has gone decidedly, well, old when it comes to choosing performers for their halftime shows.

Bruce Springsteen? Bon Jovi? The (freakin’!) Who? All great acts—but not exactly groups you’d try to market towards the coveted 18-34 demographic. However, this season’s Super Bowl could be putting an end to all that as several reports have leaked indicating the Black Eyed Peas will be the headlining act during this year’s Super Bowl halftime show. Hate ‘em or love ‘em, the Peas have got hits for days (“Let’s Get It Started,” “Don’t Phunk With My Heart,” “My Humps,” “I Gotta Feeling,” and “Boom Boom Pow” just to name a few) and the mainstream appeal to carry a Super Bowl halftime show.

But, are they really the only hip-hop act that could do it? Here at DrJays Live, we respect the Peas, but we also feel there are a couple of other hip-hop acts who could fit the bill if ever asked to perform at a Super Bowl halftime show. More than five years after the Janet/Justin disaster, here are some of the acts that we’d like to see take the stage at the Super Bowl.

The Act: Jay-Z and Eminem

The Hits: “Can’t Knock the Hustle,” “Hard Knock Life,” “Encore” (Jay-Z) and “Not Afraid,” “Cinderella Man,” “Sing For The Moment” (Eminem)

The Result: Okay, so Jay-Z joints like “Big Pimpin” might not exactly be fam-friendly and Em’s “Stan” wouldn’t make for the most uplifting intermission in Super Bowl history. But Jay and Em both have a string of hits that would turn out a Super Bowl crowd. Plus, they just proved they can perform in front of a stadium full of people (just check their recent “Home and Home” concerts in Detroit and New York) so they’re experienced at rocking a large crowd.

The Act: Lil’ Wayne

The Hits: “A Milli,” “Lollipop,” “Got Money”

The Result: Wayne’s a huge sports fan. So unlike some of the other performers at the Super Bowl, he could actually provide some commentary on the game and he’d have a vested interest in making sure he didn’t steal any of the spotlight away from the big game. Plus, with Drake, Nicki Minaj and a handful of other close friends at his disposal, he would be able to provide the world with plenty of surprises during a Super Bowl show. Just sayin’.

The Act: Diddy

The Hits: “It’s All About The Benjamins,” “Bad Boy 4 Life,” “Victory,” “Been Around the World”

The Result: Like Weezy, Puff’s got a gang of artists he could bring on stage with him at the Super Bowl (what up, Jay Electronica?!) but he’s also got plenty of hits on his own and with his Bad Boy family. Plus, you just know he’d do a special tribute to Biggie at some point during the show, and he’s the master at drumming up interest in anything he’s involved in. Only question left: Why hasn’t the Super Bowl committee invited Diddy to perform at halftime yet? Get on it, guys.

The Act: Busta Rhymes

The Hits: “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check,” “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” “Gimmie Some More,” “Break Ya Neck”

The Result: Busta might not have a ton of current hits, but anytime we’ve ever seen Busta perform, we’ve walked away thinking one thing: WOW! While most of the guys on this list will get up and posture for the crowd, Busta will put on a full-fledged adrenaline fest. Forget getting up to hit the bathroom during halftime if this guy takes the stage. You’ll need a break from the break in action once he’s done.

The Act: Ludacris

The Hits: “Southern Hospitality,” “Stand Up,” “Rollout (My Business),” “Yeah!” (alongside Usher and Lil Jon)

The Result: Is there a rap artist that’s more underrated than Ludacris? (If so, show him to us!) The guy has released a string of consistently-good albums for the last decade and given us enough hits to fill an hour-long Super Bowl halftime show. Like Busta, he’s got a ton of energy and like just about everyone on this list, he’s also got a guest verse of just about everyone’s album, so he could easily bring out any number of big guests that could help bring down the house.

The Act: Young Jeezy

The Hits: “Soul Survivor,” “Put On,” “Vacation,” “Lose My Mind”

The Result: Super Bowl looking for a little street cred? Look no further. Jeezy’s got a bunch of hit singles under his belt (just keep Plies far, faaaaar from the stage during “Lose My Mind,” please!) and the ability to keep a crowd moving for the 15 to 20 minutes that he’d actually have to be on stage. And if the Super Bowl just happens to be at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta anytime soon (it’s not on the schedule as of now, but it probably will be soon…), can you imagine the scene when the hometown hero comes out? Let’s get it!

The Act: Kanye West

The Hits: “All Falls Down,” “Jesus Walks,” “Diamonds From Sierra Leone,” “Gold Digger,” “Heard ‘Em Say,” “Touch The Sky,” “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” “Stronger,” “Good Life,” “Flashing Lights,” “Love Lockdown,” “Amazing,” “Power”

The Result: Mark our words: This will happen! Sooner or later, Kanye West is going to perform in front of millions of people at the Super Bowl. Come on: Don’t you see all the hit records he’s got? He’s already become the biggest star at the decidedly pop-influenced MTV Video Music Awards. Next stop: The Super Bowl!

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