Hot Boys Reunite at Lil Weezyana Fest with Birdman and Mannie Fresh Joining the Stage
Fans at Lil Wayne’s annual Lil Weezyana Fest were treated to a historic moment on Saturday, November 2, when the full original lineup of the Hot Boys reunited on stage. The long-anticipated reunion of Lil Wayne, Juvenile, Turk, and B.G. at New Orleans’ Smoothie King Center marked their first performance as a quartet since 2000.
As the Hot Boys lit up the stage with their classic tracks, the energy in the crowd was electric. The group performed hits like “Get Your Roll On,” “I Need a Hot Girl,” and “Neighborhood Superstar,” evoking memories of the late 90s and early 2000s era that established them as Southern rap icons. Adding to the excitement, Cash Money Records founder Birdman and legendary producer Mannie Fresh joined the group for “I Need a Hot Girl,” further amplifying the nostalgia and energy of the moment.
This performance was especially meaningful to fans who had waited over two decades for the full Hot Boys reunion. Each member also had a chance to showcase some of their solo hits, highlighting the individual success they’ve achieved since their days as a group.
While Wayne’s performance at the Smoothie King Center electrified his hometown crowd, fans hoping to see him on an even bigger stage in the coming months were left disappointed. Although the Super Bowl LIX halftime show will be held in New Orleans, it was recently announced that Kendrick Lamar, rather than Lil Wayne, would be the headlining act. The decision drew mixed reactions, with Wayne himself expressing disappointment. Rap legend LL Cool J offered Wayne some support, reminding him that he’ll have his moment on such a stage one day. In an interview with Fat Joe, LL praised Wayne’s talent and success, encouraging him to appreciate his journey without dwelling on the missed opportunity.
“This is Kendrick’s moment,” LL said, empathizing with Wayne while also urging him to stay focused. He added, “Your time will come. You can’t let that break you.” He went on to humorously refer to Wayne’s concerns as “champagne problems,” acknowledging how Wayne’s monumental success might lead to a feeling of entitlement.
Despite missing out on the Super Bowl stage, Wayne’s accomplishments and influence in hip-hop are undeniable, as highlighted by the incredible turnout and response to his Lil Weezyana Fest. The Hot Boys reunion, along with support from Birdman and Mannie Fresh, provided an unforgettable experience for fans and reinforced Wayne’s status as a New Orleans legend.
This year’s Lil Weezyana Fest will go down as a special chapter in the legacy of Lil Wayne and the Hot Boys, celebrating both their individual and collective contributions to hip-hop culture.