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Lil Wayne Reunites with Hot Boys, Brings Out Drake & Master P at Lil WeezyAna Fest
Lil Wayne put on for his city at the first-ever Lil WeezyAna Fest in New Orleans on Friday (Aug. 28). On the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the Young Money captain performed a two-hour concert full of hits and surprise guests at Bold Sphere Music at Champions Square, which was streamed live on TIDAL.
Weezy hit the stage to “Mr. Carter” off Tha Carter III and ran through favorites like “6 Foot, 7 Foot,” “Loyal,” and “How to Love,” as well as his mixtape cuts. He brought out Mack Maine and Curren$y before reuniting with the Hot Boys for the first time in over 10 years.
“Ladies and gentlemen, can I take it back?” asked Weezy before Mannie Fresh, Turk, and Juvenile joined him for a medley of their classics including “Bling Bling,” “Project Bitch,” “I Need a Hot Girl,” and “Back That Azz Up.”
The incarcerated B.G. was absent, but his presence was felt. During “Uptown Girl,” his mother and son stood on stage alongside the Hot Boys and held up T-shirts with his face on it.
The thrills didn’t stop there. “New Orleans music ain’t music without these people I’m about to bring out,” said Tunechi before No Limit’s Master P and Mia X rushed the stage for “Make ‘Em Say Uhh.”
Drake closed out the show with a medley of “HYFR,” “My Way,” “Back to Back,” and “Know Yourself,” and paid homage to his mentor, who signed him to Young Money six years ago.
“I learned from the greatest to ever do this shit,” said Drake, with one arm around Wayne.
Nicki Minaj was absent, but Weezy shouted her out: “I want you to make some noise for the beautiful princess that couldn’t be here tonight to help us with this shit, Ms. Nicki Minaj.”
Those who tuned in to TIDAL were disappointed when Drizzy’s set was cut from the live stream. Apple reportedly threatened to sue TIDAL for $20 million if they streamed his appearance (Drake has a deal with Apple Music).
1/2 Apple is interfering with artistry and will not allow this artist to stream. Sorry for Big Brother’s inconvenience.
— TIDAL (@TIDALHiFi) August 29, 2015
Other guests during the star-studded evening included August Alsina, Shanell, Cory Gunz, Big Freedia, and 5th Ward Webbie.
The concert benefitted Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter Fund, which supports after-school programs in Louisiana.
New Orleans, one word, amazing! Thank you so much I'm forever grateful for tonight! I love y'all
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) August 29, 2015