Lil WeezyAna Fest returned to Champion Square in New Orleans after a three-year break during the pandemic. The festival features Lil Wayne, a hometown favorite and a homecoming event each year where he showcases new and classic talent on his Young Money music label.
The show was originally scheduled to take place on August 27 but it was abruptly postponed the day before. The experience was packed with memorable moments and a final performance from Takeoff.
Young Money Showcase
The seven-hour show started at around 4:40 PM with a showcase of new artists from Lil Wayne’s Young Money crew. Each artist performed two to three original songs to introduce themselves to the crowd. Performances included artists: Drizzy P, Mellow Rackz, Kay Kay, YAJ, Jay Jones, and Gudda Gudda.
Local New Orleans rapper Rude Jude served as MC host for the evening and kept the crowd engaged during the sometimes long breaks between sets.
Other performances of the evening included Rob 49, Neno Calvin, and Yellow Beez.
Takeoff’s Last Live Performance
The rap duo Unc & Phew, better known as Quavo and Takeoff from Migos were up next. Quavo and his nephew Takeoff took to the stage in all camo outfits with Quavo wearing a ski mask while performing new songs off their debut album that came out on Oct. 7.
Sadly, this would be the last live performance with Takeoff before his death in Houston. The young rapper was shot during an altercation at a dice game outside a bowling alley.
Lil Wayne Brings Out Drake and Friends
Lil Wayne took the stage around 9:15 PM and opened the show with “Blunt Blowin’,” “Tha Mobb” and “Money on My Mind.”
The event is known for Lil Wayne bringing out surprise guests and he did not disappoint the fans on Saturday night. Rick Ross was the first major guest to take the stage followed by Cam’Ron and a selection of New Orleans Bounce artists.
One special moment was when Lil Wayne brought out a young rap fan from the “Make A Wish Foundation” during the set whose wish was to meet the New Orleans rap legend.
Late into Lil Wayne’s set, he said, “Can you please make some noise for this foreigner? Let’s show him a good time in America.”
Then the biggest guest of the night Drake appeared on stage. Drake and Wayne traded lines on “She Will,” which became a highlight of the night.
Drake appeared at Lil WeezyAna Fest in a prior year and he always seems to enjoy coming and sharing the stage with Wayne and the record label that helped shape his career. Drake spoke about his love for New Orleans as one of the few cities who shaped his career.
Overall it was a perfect night with perfect weather for a great show in New Orleans. Fans definitely got what they came for with a marathon of rap music becoming a night for the books.