Although not selected to headline the upcoming 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, Lil’ Wayne is still winning! On Saturday, November 2nd, the New Orleans native was awarded the key to his hometown at his annual Lil’ Weezyana Fest. And in addition to the key to the city, he will be the first celebrity honored on the NOLA Walk of Fame on February 6, 2025. What an honor!
Lil’ Wayne is undoubtedly one of the best rappers of our time and New Orleans is equally as proud of him as he is to call it his hometown. He’s hosted an annual festival in the city called Lil’ Weezyana Fest since 2015. But his pride and involvement in the culturally rich city doesn’t end there. He donated money and led fund raising efforts after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He helped rebuild his childhood neighborhood park with a hefty financial contribution. And recently he has joined forces with Culture Creators Foundation and Live Nation Urban to launch Lil’ WeezyCon, a convention that allows college students and youth to network for entrepreneurial and entertainment opportunities. Being presented with the key to the city of New Orleans was a no-brainer.
While being presented the key to the city by New Orleans mayor, LaToya Cantrell, Wayne was understandably filled with emotion and gratitude. Mayor Cantrell went on to say, “We love you. This is your city saying to you, you matter for generations to come, for what you have done, what you are doing, and what you will continue to do on behalf of our city.” After these meaningful words she passed the microphone to rapper Master P, the Entertainment Ambassador of the city, who went on to call Lil’ Wayne, “the greatest rapper alive.”
During his acceptance speech he talked about his love for NOLA and how heartbroken he was when the upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance was, “ripped away” from him. He concluded by saying, “…but this moment right here, they can’t take that from me.” Congratulations to Lil’ Wayne! No one deserves this more than him!
