Lil Wayne recently made headlines during the 2024 ESSENCE Festival, where he addressed his absence from the Cash Money 30-year reunion, opting instead to perform with Young Money associates. Despite showing up at the event, Wayne clarified that his performance was strictly on behalf of Young Money, distancing himself from the broader Cash Money reunion.
During an Instagram Live session, Wayne shared a text message he received criticizing his decision not to participate fully in the Cash Money festivities. Responding casually, Wayne initially misunderstood the context of the message, suggesting he may have been expected at an afterparty. Despite this, he emphasized having enjoyed his time at the festival overall.
Wayne’s performance at ESSENCE included hits like “Every Girl,” celebrating Young Money’s catalog and showcasing his loyalty to his own label over rejoining Cash Money’s ranks for the reunion. He notably replaced Cash Money logos with those of Young Money during his set, underlining his current affiliations and priorities.
The broader Cash Money reunion featured performances from other iconic members such as Birdman, Mannie Fresh, Juvenile, and B.G., who revisited the label’s classic tracks to the delight of fans. The absence of figures like Turk, who cited business reasons for not attending, was also noted during the event.
Following the festival, reactions varied, with B.G. addressing the reunion on social media and alluding to unspecified past actions that influenced attendance decisions. His remarks underscored lingering tensions within the group, despite the nostalgic celebration of Cash Money’s legacy at ESSENCE.
Lil Wayne’s selective participation in the Cash Money reunion at the 2024 ESSENCE Festival highlighted ongoing dynamics within the iconic rap collective, revealing both his allegiance to Young Money and the complexities that continue to shape relationships among its members.
