The opening night of the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture was electrified by a monumental celebration: the 30th anniversary of Cash Money Records. In a dynamic showcase that underscored the very Cash Money Essence of hip-hop royalty and enduring success, the legendary label took center stage. The evening, already brimming with performances from icons like Busta Rhymes, The Roots, Ari Lennox, Raphael Saadiq, and T-Pain, reached its zenith with Cash Money’s closing set, an emphatic exclamation point to kick off the festival. Co-founder and CEO Bryan “Birdman” Williams spearheaded the “30 Years of Cash Money” spectacle, delivering a night filled with unforgettable moments and surprise appearances that resonated with the heart of hip-hop history.
The tribute commenced with an introduction by actor and comedian TK Kirkland, setting a celebratory tone for the evening. Adding a layer of civic honor to the musical festivities, former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial presented Cash Money Records with a distinguished plaque. This recognition lauded the label’s profound contributions to both the music industry and philanthropic endeavors over the decades. Ronald “Slim” Williams graciously accepted the award, setting the stage for the highly anticipated performance that would spotlight the indelible mark Cash Money has left since its inception in 1991.
Bryan Birdman Williams and DJ Mannie Fresh electrify the stage at the 2024 Essence Festival of Culture during Cash Money Records' 30th-anniversary celebration.
Following a brief intermission, the iconic DJ Mannie Fresh emerged, taking command of the stage and igniting the crowd’s fervor. He then introduced Birdman, who launched into his anthemic hit, “#1 Stunna,” instantly captivating the audience. The energy surged as Fresh and Birdman, collectively known as the legendary duo The Big Tymers, unleashed a medley of their chart-topping classics. Tracks like “Big Ballin’” and “Get Your Roll On” reverberated through the venue, transporting fans back to the golden era of hip-hop. The excitement reached fever pitch with the surprise appearance of B.G., who was met with a thunderous ovation. B.G. delivered a powerful set featuring iconic tracks such as “Cash Money Is A Army,” “Help,” “Don’t Talk to Me,” and “If I Want It,” a testament to his extensive catalog and enduring impact within the Cash Money dynasty.
Cash Money’s journey to becoming a cultural phenomenon has been marked by both internal triumphs and collaborations that have amplified their influence. Emphasizing this collaborative spirit, the show transitioned to a segment celebrating the extended Cash Money family. Hip-hop luminaries Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch of The Lox graced the stage, delivering a potent dose of East Coast flavor with their signature hits. The geographical tapestry of hip-hop expanded further as Houston rap icons Scarface and Bun B joined the celebration, adding their distinctive Southern cadence to the mix. Adding a contemporary flair, Grammy Award-winning artist 2 Chainz took the stage, performing crowd-pleasing favorites like “Birthday Song” and “I’m Different,” showcasing the breadth and generational reach of Cash Money’s impact.
Juvenile captivates the audience at Essence Festival 2024, celebrating 30 years of Cash Money Records' musical legacy.
After this dynamic showcase of collaborations, Mannie Fresh returned to the forefront to introduce another cornerstone of the Cash Money empire: Juvenile. Juvenile ignited his set with “Solja Rags,” a New Orleans anthem that resonated deeply with the local crowd. The energy escalated as he seamlessly transitioned into a string of hits including “Set It Off,” “400 Degreez,” “We On Fire,” and “Ha.” Adding to the nostalgic fervor, Birdman and B.G. rejoined Juvenile on stage for electrifying renditions of “I Need A Hot Girl” and “Bling Bling,” further cementing the camaraderie and shared history within the Cash Money collective. Juvenile concluded his electrifying segment with the timeless tracks “Slow Motion” and the globally recognized “Back That A** Up,” leaving the audience in a state of exhilarated nostalgia.
The evening’s crescendo arrived with the appearance of Lil Wayne, arguably Cash Money Records’ most prominent global superstar. Lil Wayne sent the crowd into a frenzy with electrifying performances of “Uproar,” “Lollipop,” and “Mrs. Officer,” each track a testament to his unparalleled artistry and influence. In a nod to the Young Money era, Wayne brought out Jae Millz, Jae Gutta, and Mack Maine for a vibrant performance of the collaborative hit “Every Girl.” Before expressing heartfelt gratitude to the audience for their unwavering support, Lil Wayne delivered powerful renditions of “Steady Mobbin’” and “A Milli,” further solidifying his status as a hip-hop icon.
Lil Wayne commands the stage during Cash Money Records' 30th-anniversary performance at the 2024 Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans.
The Big Tymers reunited once more to bring the celebratory set to a close with “Still Fly,” an enduring anthem that encapsulates the cash money essence of the label’s swagger and success. Birdman then took a moment to express profound appreciation, thanking his mother and the city of New Orleans for their unwavering support throughout the label’s remarkable 30-year journey.
The opening night of the Essence Festival of Culture’s concert series undeniably became a landmark moment in music this summer. The legacy of Cash Money Records is not just etched in music history; it continues to evolve and inspire. This 30th-anniversary celebration served as a powerful testament to the label’s profound and lasting impact on hip-hop culture and beyond. As the first night concluded on such a high note, anticipation soared for Day Two of the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, promising even more unforgettable moments.
