Mannie Fresh talks Lil Wayne being overlooked for Super Bowl and Hot Boyz reunion [VIDEO]
Mannie Fresh Discusses Lil Wayne’s Exclusion from Super Bowl, Hot Boyz Reunion, and Touring with Juvenile
In a recent interview with Jay Seven, legendary producer Mannie Fresh shared insights into several major topics surrounding his career, including the Super Bowl halftime show controversy, his ongoing tour with Juvenile, and the long-awaited Hot Boyz reunion. The conversation covered the dynamic history of Cash Money Records, the evolution of southern rap, and how these pivotal moments are shaping his current musical journey.
Lil Wayne Overlooked for Super Bowl Halftime Show
A major topic of discussion was the recent uproar over Lil Wayne’s exclusion from the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show, which is set to take place in New Orleans, the rapper’s hometown. This decision left fans outraged, with many believing that Wayne, one of the most successful artists from New Orleans, should have been a natural choice for the spotlight performance. The responsibility of selecting Super Bowl performers now falls under Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, which partners with the NFL to oversee the halftime shows.
When asked about the snub, Mannie Fresh expressed his support for Lil Wayne, saying, “I would have loved to see Wayne in that spotlight, and I’m sure he would’ve done an amazing job. But at the end of the day, it’s the NFL’s decision. That’s their money and their call.” Fresh emphasized that while he’s a fan of hip-hop and whoever performs, Wayne would have been the perfect choice for New Orleans. However, he remained diplomatic, acknowledging the complexities of the selection process and the politics involved.
The Hot Boyz Reunion
Switching gears, Mannie Fresh confirmed another highly anticipated event: the Hot Boyz reunion. Fans have been eager for the iconic group, which included Lil Wayne, Juvenile, B.G., and Turk, to reunite for years. According to Mannie Fresh, the reunion is finally happening.
Fresh stated that the reunion will officially kick off at Weezyana Fest in New Orleans on November 2. He explained that previous misunderstandings on social media about a “reunion” were due to miscommunication around a “Baby & Friends” event, but this time, it’s real. Fresh made it clear that all members are on board, and the reunion promises to be a monumental event for hip-hop fans.
“Everyone thought that the Baby and Friends event was a Hot Boyz reunion, but it wasn’t. This time, though, it’s official. All the members are involved, and we’re kicking things off with Weezy Fest,” Mannie Fresh explained.
Touring with Juvenile: Celebrating 25 Years of “400 Degreez”
Currently, Mannie Fresh is touring with Juvenile, celebrating the 25th anniversary of their classic album “400 Degreez” and the iconic hit “Back That Azz Up.” Fresh shared how the tour is not only a trip down memory lane but also a reflection of the staying power of their music.
“It’s been incredible. Every night we post videos from the concerts so the fans can see how hyped the crowd is. We’re selling out shows and just giving people the hits they love. No special effects, no fireworks, just the music.”
Mannie praised Juvenile’s energy and passion on stage, saying that even 25 years later, he hasn’t missed a beat. “Juvie is just as hungry today as he was in ’99. The crowd feels it, and that’s why the shows have been so successful. We just go out there and give people what they want – an hour and a half of hits.”
Fresh also talked about how their shows have taken them to unexpected places, noting how surprised he was to see their music resonating with fans as far away as Africa. The duo’s Tiny Desk Concert, which they performed earlier this year, was a viral success, further cementing their legacy.
Cash Money vs. No Limit
Another hot topic in the interview was the rivalry between Cash Money Records and No Limit Records, two of the most influential labels to emerge from New Orleans. Fans have long speculated about why the two labels never collaborated during their peak.
Mannie Fresh explained that while many artists knew each other personally, the competition between the labels was more about the neighborhoods they represented. Cash Money was associated with the Magnolia Projects, while No Limit was from the Calliope Projects, which created tension that made collaboration difficult.
“It wasn’t that we didn’t want to work together,” Fresh said. “It was more about the neighborhoods we came from. No Limit was from Calliope, and Cash Money was from Magnolia, and that created a lot of competition between the labels. But we all knew each other, and there was always respect.”
Hip-Hop’s Shift Toward Materialism
One of the more reflective moments in the interview came when Mannie Fresh discussed how Cash Money‘s success contributed to a broader shift in hip-hop culture toward materialism. He explained that while they never intended to change hip-hop in that way, the flashy lifestyle they rapped about became synonymous with the genre.
“That was our thing – the bling, the money, the cars. We didn’t mean for it to become the blueprint for everyone. But that’s what happened. People saw us and wanted to follow the same path. It was a gift and a curse.”
Fresh pointed out that every genre of music evolves, but hip-hop, in particular, has seen its pricing for top producers and talent diminish due to the rise of streaming and changing consumption patterns. He mentioned how, in the late ’90s and early 2000s, super-producers could command upwards of $100,000 a track, but today, those numbers have dropped dramatically.
Lil Wayne’s Early Years and Legacy
Mannie Fresh has had a front-row seat to Lil Wayne’s rise from a young prodigy to one of the most successful and influential rappers in the world. He shared a story about how Wayne was always the first to show up and the last to leave, waiting for his moment to contribute.
“Wayne was always in the studio, just waiting for his turn. Even on ‘Back That Azz Up,’ he waited around for hours just to do that little intro part. He knew it was going to be something big, and he wanted to be a part of it.”
Mannie Fresh’s respect for Lil Wayne’s work ethic and talent was evident throughout the interview, as he reflected on their early years together and how Wayne has continued to push the boundaries of hip-hop.
The Future of Cash Money and Hip-Hop
As the interview wrapped up, Mannie Fresh touched on the future of Cash Money Records and the evolving sound of hip-hop. While he acknowledged the changes in the industry, he remained optimistic about the label’s legacy and the impact it continues to have on new generations of artists.
With the Hot Boyz reunion, his tour with Juvenile, and Lil Wayne’s ongoing influence, Fresh made it clear that Cash Money’s story is far from over.
Conclusion
Mannie Fresh’s interview provided a deep dive into not only his current projects but also the evolving landscape of southern hip-hop. Whether discussing Lil Wayne’s Super Bowl exclusion, his work with Juvenile, or the highly anticipated Hot Boyz reunion, Fresh remains a central figure in hip-hop culture, continuing to shape its past, present, and future.