Lil Wayne surprises at Essence's Cash Money Records tribute
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Lil Wayne performs onstage at the Essence Festival of Culture at Caesars Superdome on July 5, 2024, in New Orleans. Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Essence
Lil Wayne and Vice President Kamala Harris made surprise appearances at Essence's tribute to 30 years of Cash Money Records.
Why it matters: Essence Fest is celebrating its 30th anniversary this weekend in New Orleans.
The big picture: Lil Wayne is the most prominent member of Cash Money Millionaires, who helped put New Orleans rap on the national stage.
- He wasn't on the schedule but he made a surprise appearance at the Caesars Superdome for a second year in a row.
- Birdman, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh and B.G. also performed, along with The Roots, Busta Rhymes, Raphael Saadiq, T-Pain, Ari Lennox and Mickey Guyton.
What's next: Harris has a mainstage conversation at 5:15pm Saturday at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Her talk will be livestreamed too.
- At the Superdome, Usher is the big name Saturday and Janet Jackson closes out the fest Sunday.
- Go deeper for the full Essence guide and more things to do this weekend.
A few photos from Friday night's show at the Superdome:
















