Southern hip-hop icons the Hot Boys delivered a landmark performance at the Lil Weezyana Festival in New Orleans, marking their first complete reunion since 2000. The November gathering at the Smoothie King Center brought together Lil Wayne, Juvenile, Turk and B.G., thrilling fans with classics that helped define Southern rap.
The celebration gained additional significance as New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell presented Wayne with the key to the city, acknowledging his cultural impact despite his notable exclusion from the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show lineup. The honor arrived amid controversy over the NFL’s decision to overlook New Orleans talent for the city’s historic hosting of Super Bowl LIX.
“They can’t deny what we brought to hip-hop and this city,” Wayne told the crowd after receiving the honor. The moment highlighted the disconnect between national recognition and local impact, particularly as New Orleans prepares to host its first Super Bowl since 2013.
The reunion gains additional momentum as Louisiana rapper Boosie Badazz expressed interest in joining a potential tour. His organic connection to the region’s hip-hop scene and street credibility align with the Hot Boys’ established legacy, suggesting an evolution that could bridge different eras of Louisiana rap.
Behind the scenes, the group navigated recent tensions between B.G. and Turk following Cash Money’s Essence Festival performance. Despite these challenges, their professional approach enabled them to deliver a powerful reunion show that demonstrated their enduring chemistry.
The Hot Boys shaped Southern hip-hop through hits like “Get Your Roll On,” “I Need a Hot Girl” and “Neighborhood Superstar.” Their influence extended beyond music, impacting fashion trends and cultural movements while establishing New Orleans as a major force in hip-hop during an era of coastal dominance.
Industry insiders suggest new music could emerge from this reunion, potentially leading to their first album since 2003’s “Let ‘Em Burn.” The group’s innovative approach to songwriting and authentic representation of Southern culture continues to influence contemporary artists.
Their business success also created a blueprint for artist entrepreneurship in the South. As discussions of a nationwide tour develop, their impact on hip-hop culture shows no signs of diminishing, with their storytelling and regional pride inspiring multiple generations of artists.
For longtime fans who traveled across the country to witness this historic moment, the reunion represented more than a performance – it marked the return of a collective that helped establish Southern hip-hop’s place in music history. Wayne’s recognition by the city underscores the enduring connection between New Orleans and its homegrown talent, even as questions persist about national platforms acknowledging the city’s rich musical heritage.
