Hot Boys (Sort of) Reunite at 2024 Essence Festival
The long-rumored reunion of the iconic Cash Money group didn't live up to expectations, as only Lil Wayne, Juvenile, and B.G. showed up, with the former hopping onstage only after his former bandmates were finished.
The long-rumored Hot Boys reunion at the 2024 Essence Festival didn't go according to plan.
Lil Wayne, Juvenile, B.G., and Turk were expected to reunite onstage at the New Orleans-based festival this weekend. Instead, as reported by Nola.com, only three members showed up.
Turk, who recently confirmed on social media that "business" issues might prevent him from participating, was nowhere to be found Friday at the Caesars Superdome. Meanwhile, Lil Wayne, who was present, Wayne did not interact onstage with his former labelmates, including his fellow Hot Boys.
"He even segregated himself backstage: he was nowhere to be found in the crowded, communal hospitality area occupied by the other Cash Money artists," Nola.com reported.
As a result, the only reunion last night involved Juvenile and B.G., who performed classic Cash Money hits like “I Need a Hot Girl” and “Bling Bling” alongside Birdman and Mannie Fresh.
Following those performances, Wayne hit the stage to deliver a 20-minute set in which he didn't fail to mention where his true allegiance lies: “My name is Tunechi,” he announced. “I’m here on behalf of Young Money fucking Records.”
The semi-reunion arrives days after Wayne addressed rumors of a Hot Boys comeback album during an appearance on Cam Heyward’s Not Just Football podcast.
Wayne insisted he was not involved with the project and was never told it was in the works.
“Shit, you just told me!" he said, adding, "I ain’t been to the kitchen yet. I would not lie to you. I have not been in that kitchen yet. I have no problem with going to that kitchen… but I ain’t smell it, it ain’t come through the window yet. I ain’t smell the food…. They ain’t told me nothing yet.”
