BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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New Orleans hasn’t seen a night like this in years! Lil Wayne’s 2024 Lil WeezyAna Fest was a hit. It was not a mere concert but a resurrection of Cash Money’s prime age, with a rare, fire-breathing reunion of the Hot Boys at center stage.
Inside the sold-out Smoothie King Center, Wayne had the night to himself and his fans, walking them down memory lane to the gritty, larger-than-life energy of ‘90s New Orleans hip-hop, putting his legacy on full display with the city’s most spontaneous rap crew.
Wayne knew the stakes were high. From the jump, he came in hot, sparking up cigarillos and spitting classics like he had a point to prove. Still bitter about being overlooked for the Super Bowl halftime show, he didn’t hold back, telling the crowd, “This moment right here… they can’t take this away from me.”
But then, just as fans thought they’d seen it all, the stage shook with history. Big Tymers’ Birdman and Mannie Fresh stepped out first, kicking in nostalgia with tracks like “Still Fly” and “Get Your Roll On.”
The audience was already on edge, but Wayne had saved the real shockwave for last. Out came Juvenile, Turk, and, freshly free, B.G., completing the Hot Boys lineup for the first time in over a decade. Together, they held a 22-minute powerhouse set, walking through hits like “I Need a Hot Girl” and “Neighborhood Superstar.” They moved together with one energy — side-by-side, they were kings honing their throne.
Everyone got a moment. Juvenile had the crowd in a heat with “Back That Azz Up,” and B.G. soaked in the love with “Bling Bling.” The chemistry was all over the arena, the verses hitting like it was 1999 all over again. It was a reminder of Cash Money’s domination, of how they sprung forth in rap history and flipped the script for Southern hip-hop.
As expected, his oversized personality and keen fashion taste had its own spotlight as he is known to always have a little bit of rock and punk to his style. He rocked the stage with a white oversized Balenciaga sweatshirt and oversized joggers.
Layered with this was a black half-size blazer, sky-blue striped shirt, a tie and black leather pants. Wayne complemented his look with a bold gold chain and his CITA diamond encrusted double+ring piece.
The look was pulled together by his long time stylist, Marisa Flores.
As the night wrapped up, Wayne stood alone onstage, wallowing in a triumphant homecoming.
In his city, with his people, backed by his day-ones, he proved that Cash Money’s legacy is alive and well. Lil WeezyAna Fest wasn’t just about the music; it was about loyalty, legacy, and showing the world why Wayne will always be New Orleans’ hip-hop king.
