Lil Wayne’s 2024 Lil Weezyana Fest in New Orleans was more than just a concert—it was a powerful moment of connection between the rapper and his hometown. With a sold-out crowd cheering him on, Wayne delivered an unforgettable night featuring a star-studded lineup, acceptance of the Key to the City, and a heartfelt address regarding his disappointment over not headlining the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
On Saturday, November 2, New Orleans celebrated one of its most iconic artists with a special honor. Mayor LaToya Cantrell presented Lil Wayne with the Key to the City, marking his impact on both the music industry and his community. In addition to receiving the key, Lil Wayne was granted his own day in New Orleans, a tribute that highlighted his influence and dedication. Fellow NOLA hip-hop legend Master P took to the stage to show his support, sharing words of admiration for Wayne’s contributions to the culture and city.
During the festival, Wayne touched on the much-discussed 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show controversy. Fans were surprised in September when it was announced that Kendrick Lamar would headline the performance at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome, leading many to question why Wayne, a New Orleans native and major influence in hip-hop, wasn’t chosen. In the days that followed, members of Wayne’s team and family, including his daughter Reginae Carter, as well as fellow artists like Juvenile and Nicki Minaj, voiced their disappointment over the NFL’s decision.
In his emotional onstage address, Wayne expressed gratitude to his supporters and shared the personal impact of not being chosen. “It hurt. It hurt a lot,” he said, revealing how much he had hoped to perform on the Super Bowl stage in his hometown. He acknowledged his own expectations, saying, “I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown, and for automatically mentally putting myself in that position.” Despite the setback, Wayne thanked his fans for standing by him, stating, “Your words turned into arms and held me up when I tried to fall back.”
Lil Wayne gets his flowers! 🙏🏽
the Mayor of New Orleans surprised him with the key to the city
and Master P says February 6th & 7th will be Lil Wayne day & they are starting a New Orleans walk of fame
(via Lil Weezyana Fest @PrimeVideo) pic.twitter.com/6sqGfXUhQj
— SOUND | Victor Baez (@itsavibe) November 3, 2024
Reflecting on a lifelong dream, Wayne shared the motivation behind his desire to perform at the Super Bowl in New Orleans, noting that he had envisioned the moment not just for himself, but for his family and the city he loves. Wayne recalled a cherished memory of giving his mother a suite to watch the New Orleans Saints play, which inspired him to someday perform in front of his loved ones at the Super Bowl. “I worked my a** off to get that position,” he stated, “and it was ripped away from me. But this moment right here…they can’t take that.”
As he closed his speech, Lil Wayne’s gratitude toward his fans and hometown was palpable. “They can’t take that from me. Ladies and gentlemen, make some noise for yourselves for being amazing,” he told the crowd before launching into his song “Mr. Carter.” Wayne’s words marked a heartfelt close to a night that celebrated his legacy and honored the powerful bond he shares with New Orleans.
While the 2025 Super Bowl stage may have eluded him, Lil Wayne’s Lil Weezyana Fest showed that his connection with New Orleans remains unshakable.
“The Super Bowl] was ripped away from me, but this motherf***ing moment right here? They can’t take that.”
— Lil Wayne’s speech at #LilWeezyanaFest pic.twitter.com/QhrmiEGAP7
— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) November 3, 2024
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I’m Shivam Kumar. I’m pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day….
