When Cash Money Records co-founder/co-CEO Bryan “Birdman” Williams takes the ESSENCE festival stage to perform “Birdman and Friends” on Friday (July 5), he'll be joined by Juvenile and Mannie Fresh , including.
Confirming those names without divulging others, Birdman says Advertising sign via email that the show will mark a “reunion of cash-strapped millionaires.” Music fans will recall that the Cash Money Millionaires were a group of rappers — including Birdman, Lil Wayne, Juvenile, BG and Fresh — who signed to the label in the late '90s and early 2000s.
“It's been 15-20 years since we've been on stage together,” adds Birdman. “We have a great production and some special guests. It would be amazing! We're working on a few things that we can't talk about yet. But I can promise you it will be an unforgettable night. We are excited to be a part of the Essence festival… We will bring the energy. we will have a good time. And we'll make sure the crowd has a good time too.”
In a July 4 report filed by PeopleBirdman noted that BG will also be among friends joining him and others on stage. He also told the publication that he hopes Drake — whose beef with Kendrick Lamar continues to make headlines — will make an appearance as well. “It's a possibility,” Birdman said People. “We made it family, but Drake, we're close friends. He's one of us.”
The Louisiana native revealed that the “Birdman and Friends” segment will include a special tribute to the late Cash Money rapper Magnolia Shorty. “We've lost a lot of great artists over the years, but Magnolia Shorty was one of the most special,” says Birdman. “We're going to do a song for her and celebrate her life.” Magnolia Shorty was shot and killed in 2010 when she was just 28 years old.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the 2024 Essence festival of Culture kicked off Thursday (July 4) in New Orleans and runs through July 7. Previously announced performers for this year's lineup include Janet Jackson, Usher reprising his classic album ConfessionsMya, Charlie Wilson, Tank and the Bangas and a special tribute to Frankie Beverly & Maze.
Cash Money Records is also celebrating its 30th anniversary. Birdman and his brother/Cash Money co-founder/co-CEO Ronald “Slim” Williams recently joined YouTube Music at the platform's Leaders and Legends Gala in Hollywood on June 27.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/birdman-essence-festival-performance-1235725448/
