Lil Wayne’s Lil WeezyAna Fest returned to New Orleans with a historic lineup and even more reasons to celebrate this year. In its ninth installment, the annual music event expanded into a multi-day gathering dubbed Lil WeezyAnaCon—a first for Wayne’s beloved festival. From November 1–2, fans experienced the festival’s powerhouse performances and enjoyed a conference filled with panels, interactive activations, and exclusive events. The festival offered music enthusiasts opportunities to connect, collaborate, and commemorate the genre that Lil Wayne helped shape.”
The grand finale, held on Saturday night at New Orleans’ Smoothie King Center, gave attendees the long-awaited Hot Boys reunion — the first time in over 15 years that the quartet, featuring Lil Wayne, Juvenile, Turk and B.G. shared a stage. This legendary rap collective delivered a nostalgic 22-minute set packed with hits like “Get Your Roll On,” “I Need a Hot Girl,” and “Neighborhood Superstar.” The electrifying reunion even welcomed Cash Money legends Birdman and Mannie Fresh, reuniting as the Big Tymers for the first time in years, adding an extra layer of excitement for longtime fans.
As expected, the night brimmed with nostalgia, especially as Juvenile took the crowd back to the late ‘90s with “Back That Azz Up,” and B.G. performed his classic “Bling Bling.” Despite the celebration, Wayne shared a candid moment, reflecting on his disappointment at being passed over for the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show in his hometown. “I worked my ass off for that position. It was ripped away from me, but this moment right here… they can’t take this away from me,” he said, addressing his loyal fans and underscoring the night’s triumph.
The reunion didn’t come as a complete surprise to fans, as Wayne teased it back in September on social media. Earlier in the year, Juvenile hinted at a performance, fueling reunion rumors and anticipation for a Hot Boys comeback album. While previous attempts had fallen short, this time, all four members of the Hot Boys were committed. “It’s like Christmas Eve,” Juvenile told Variety on the eve of the festival. “The wait, the wanting—it’s something I envisioned, and I’m happy it’s happening.”
Fans, decked out in throwback G-Code camo gear, had been eagerly waiting, and Wayne made sure the payoff was worth it. He kicked off his solo set with “3Peat,” followed by hits like “Hustler Musik,” “Lollipop,” and “Mrs. Officer.” As the bass boomed and Wayne shouted, “Thank you!” after each track, fans reveled in the nostalgia. Everyone knew they were witnessing history.
When the time came for the Hot Boys to take the stage, the crowd erupted as Turk, B.G. and Juvenile joined Wayne, each artist bringing their timeless energy to every track. The chemistry among the group was palpable, with shared laughs, ad-libs and shout-outs that made it feel as if they’d never left the stage.
The reunion wasn’t without its history, of course. The group has been subject to many near-miss reunions over the years due to scheduling conflicts and personal struggles. But this time, the stars aligned.
As the festivities continued, Wayne received recognition from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who presented him with a key to the city. Master P, the city’s entertainment ambassador, proclaimed February 7 as “Lil Wayne Day” in New Orleans and announced that Wayne would be the first inductee into the NOLA Walk of Fame. The honor moved Wayne to the core, and he held back tears as he addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude for his journey and hometown pride.
The night closed with another declaration of love from Juvenile, who called Wayne “the greatest of all time,” while B.G. praised his relentless work ethic and dedication. Lil WeezyAna Fest’s 2024 edition will undoubtedly be remembered not only for the Hot Boys’ iconic return but for showcasing Lil Wayne’s unparalleled legacy and setting the stage for the future. Wayne, Juvenile, and the rest of the Cash Money family hinted at more performances and even a new Hot Boyz album in the works, leaving fans excited for what’s to come.
