Lil Wayne feat. the Hot Boys BG, Juvenile, Turk, & the Big Tymers Birdman & Mannie Fresh
Houston, Texas
December 21, 2024
Houston and New Orleans have long enjoyed a deep connection: both are founded around canals and bayous, divided in half by Interstate I-10, both enjoying lively music, art, and food cultures that resonate all around the globe. That connection grew stronger in 2005 after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina led to a migration of New Orleans residents toward Houston.
In the ’90s and 2000s, as Rap and Hip Hop shifted from its roots to embrace the sounds, beats, and lingo from the South. Houston and New Orleans (along with Atlanta and Miami) each presented major players in the industry, which included Cash Money Records, founded by brothers Ronald “Slim” Williams and Bryan “Baby/Birdman” Williams.
I remember riding around in my white 1998 Chevy Cavalier with two Rockford Fosgate 12 inch subs in the truck listening to a burned CD of music from New Orleans, which included the tracks “I Need A Hot Girl” and “We On Fire” by the Hot Boys. I later saw the video to that song on BET, and distinctly remember the shirtless Hot Boys running away from the ATF all around New Orleans. The beat, attitude, and lively nature of the Hot Boys crew lead me to search for similar music online, as well as my local Soundwaves.
The set began around 8 p.m. with a set by local host/radio personality Hard Body Kiotti, who welcomed the crowd with a variety of tracks from New Orleans, including bounce, brass band, and Zydeco. He also conducted “the ratchet test” with several strip club anthems. His set of popular BeatKing tracks was especially well received. RIP to Club God.
Mannie Fresh was up first around with a warm up DJ Set before being joined onstage by his Big Tymers partner Birdman. Each artist had a short set, so they made the best of the situation. “Stay Fly,” “Get Your Roll On” and “#1 Stunna” by Big Tymers were three more of my favorite tracks from that era, and hearing these live took me back to my own youthful “ratchet” days.
Next up to the stage was BG, who spent 12 years behind bars for on a possession of a firearm charge. He was released last year, just in time for this Hot Boys reunion. He offered up “Cash Money Is An Army” and later rapped his verse on “Bling Bling” with his crew mates. His tall stature and distinct New Orleans accent helps him stand out among the rest on stage.
Turk followed BG. I must admit that I know very little about his discography and life altogether, but he did rap his verse of “Hot Boys” and “Bout What Ever.”
Juvenile was received with a standing ovation, and was ready to reciprocate the energy. He began with “Ha” a classic of the era and one of the tracks with the most street attitude. Juve wore a do-rag and Timbs, and sported a mouth full of gold teeth that he flashed at every occasion. He offered up “Set It Off,” “U Understand,”Nolia Clap,”, and “Slow Motion” before time restraints kept him from going on.
After a long intermission, it was finally time for the main event. Wayne’s DJ T. Lewis arrived with a live band, followed the man himself, the “Best Rapper Alive”… Lil Wayne.
His set began with “I’m Going In,” “Let The Beat Build,” and “John.” Wayne is one of the most prolific rappers of the genre, beginning his career as a spirited teenager and has consistently released freestyles, mixtapes, and albums for three decades. His charisma and word play has lived up to his self-imposed moniker as the “Best Rapper Alive.”
“Now I just want y’all to know three things!” said Wayne during a short break.
“First: We ain’t shit without each other!”
“Second: I ain’t shit without you!”
“Third: I AIN’T SHIT WITHOUT YOU!”
Lil Wayne certainly appreciates his fanbase and thanks them at every turn. He literally said “Thank You” after the end of every song of his set.
The rest of his solo set included “Fireman,” “Lollipop,” “Mrs Officer,” “Rich As Fuck,”Hustler Musik,” “The Motto (YOLO),” “HYFR” and so many more from his vast catalougue.
His Cash Money companions then joined him on stage to perform “We On Fire,” “Bling Bling,” “I Need A Hot Girl,” and “Back That Azz Up.”
I looked at the time and it was 12:25am and way past my bedtime. As I walked to my car, Wayne was still on stage rockin’ the show.
Greatest. Rapper. Alive.
Thank you, Mr. Carter.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024.
