Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., aka Lil Wayne, was recently presented with the key to New Orleans. During the 2024 Lil' WeezyAna Fest held on Saturday, November 2, at the Smoothie King Center, the city celebrated the Louisiana-born rapper, honoring him with the 'Key to the City' and making him the first inductee into the NOLA Walk of Fame.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell presented him with the key, declaring that February 6 and 7 (when he will be inducted) be dedicated to the rapper.
"This is your city saying to you (that) you matter for generations to come," Cantrell told an emotional Weezy.
As news of the development spread, internet users were quick to react. One commented on Instagram page The Shade Room's post about the same:
"They finally putting some respect on his name."
Netizens celebrated the moment, with many stating that it was overdue and "well deserved." Here are some comments seen under @theshaderoom's post:
Others noted that it was a "blessing," as it made up for the Super Bowl LIX snub.
Lil Wayne reunited with the Hot Boys during the Lil' WeezyAna Fest
The past Saturday evening saw Lil Wayne reuniting with his hip-hop group, Hot Boys, performing their hit records like Bling Bling. Formed in 1997 by rappers B.G., Weezy, Juvenile, and Turk, the group disbanded in 2001, with no official reunion since owing to several setbacks, including Turk and B.G.'s respective prison stints. On November 2, they performed together for the first time in over two decades.
The fest also featured Big Tymers and NCAA basketball champion and rapper Flau’jae Johnson taking the stage.
Weezy started the Lil’ WeezyAna Fest in 2015, on the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, to give back to the city of New Orleans. It has become an annual event since (except 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
Following the 2024 event, Mayor Cantrell took to her Instagram to share images from it, with the caption:
"Lil Wayne has redefined hip-hop and last night, we celebrated his incredible impact on the City of New Orleans and beyond. Congrats, Lil Wayne, you are our true hometown hero and Son of the City!"
Furthermore, rapper Master P., who will serve as the entertainment ambassador for the city of New Orleans during the 2025 Super Bowl, presented Weezy with an honorary plaque for the NOLA Walk of Fame, stating:
"I know y’all seen the Hollywood Walk of Fame (but) on Feb. 6 on Canal St. we starting the NOLA Walk of Fame, and you the first one."
Photos and videos from the event circulating online show Lil Wayne overcome with emotions, as he told the crowd:
"I worked my a** off to get that f**king position, and it was ripped away from me, but this motherf**king moment right here, they can’t take that, man."
Weezy was referring to Kendrick Lamar being chosen to headline the Super Bowl LIX halftime show in his stead. The former has previously expressed his disappointment at being overlooked. In September, the rapper took to his Instagram to tell his followers he was hurt and questioned why he was not chosen, considering he was from New Orleans.
Super Bowl LIX will be held on February 9, 2025.