Last Saturday’s Cash Money vs. No Limit battle at ComplexCon Weekend in Las Vegas was more than a performance; it was a time machine. For millennials, it felt like being transported straight back to the late ’90s and early 2000s, a golden era when New Orleans reigned supreme in Southern hip-hop. It was a time when the South began to make its strongest statement yet in rap culture, rising from the aftermath of the East Coast vs. West Coast feud and the tragic losses of Tupac and Biggie.
Master P brought the crowd back to 97-98 with “Bout It, Bout It,” while Cash Money set it off with that unmistakable “99 to the 2000” energy. The moment when the first two seconds of the instrumental of “Back That Thang Up” is introduced at party scenes, fun gatherings, and so forth, fans, especially Gen X and millennials, know that the crowd was already primed for the dance floor before the beat fully dropped.
The Biggest Takeaway:
A Celebration of New Orleans Hip-Hop Heritage
This event reminded the world just how deep New Orleans’s roots run in hip-hop culture. While Atlanta often gets credit for dominating the Southern rap scene, this battle served as a vibrant reminder that New Orleans helped build that foundation, from the gritty, entrepreneurial spirit of No Limit Records to the flashy “stuntin’ like my daddy” swagger that made Cash Money a global powerhouse.
Beyond hip-hop, the city’s musical DNA flows through every genre, from the jazz genius of Louis Armstrong and the gospel soul of Mahalia Jackson to the joyful energy of second line parades and the bounce rhythms that still define New Orleans today. This Verzuz didn’t just celebrate the city; it spotlighted Louisiana’s hip hop culture as a whole, from Baton Rouge to Shreveport, with modern artists like Boosie, Kevin Gates, and NBA YoungBoy proudly carrying that legacy forward.
Nostalgia, Surprises, and a Whole Lot of Love
The night was pure celebration—nostalgic, electric, and full of love for the culture. Seeing Snoop Dogg, a former No Limit soldier, share the stage with Romeo, Master P’s son, was a full-circle moment for longtime fans. Many couldn’t help but wish Lil Wayne had joined the lineup, given his deep ties to the Cash Money legacy from “Bling Bling” to “Go DJ”—and his father-son dynamic with Birdman. Wayne was performing at Drai’s Nightclub in Las Vegas that night, but his presence would have been huge.
Lil Wayne and Birdman (Bryan Williams) go way back when Birdman discovered Wayne when he was just 11 years old and signed him to Cash Money Records. For years, Wayne saw Birdman as a father figure, even calling him “my pa” and “stunna.” Together, they built one of hip-hop’s most powerful empires, launching stars like Drake, Nicki Minai, and Tyga. But things soured in 2014, when Wayne publicly announced on then Twitter platform (now X), accusing Birdman and Cash Money of holding back the release of Tha Carter V and withholding tens of millions of dollars owed to him. The fallout led to a $51 million lawsuit by Wayne accusing Birdman of violating the deal to release his album, and wanting to be dropped from his contract and take those who signed with Young Money with him. The once-tight relationship turned icy with diss tracks, delays, years of tension, rumors of Birdman allegedly ordering a hit on Wayne.
By 2018, the two have made peace. Birdman publicly apologized to Wayne on stage at Lil WeezvAna Fest in New Orleans, saying:
“I knew this day was gonna come, but I didn’t know when. I wanted to apologize to my son.”
Wayne accepted the apology, and they’ve since been spotted together multiple times on stage, in the clubs. They even performed together again, signaling that while their business relationship may have changed, they put in the work to repair their personal relationship. Even with Wayne’s absence on stage, it didn’t dull the energy as the Cash Money crew kept it going strong.
As for Mystikal, years of legal battles have kept him largely out of the public eye. Once a cornerstone of No Limit’s roster and one of the most dynamic voices in Southern rap, his influence still echoes through the culture, even as he remains away from the spotlight.
Adding to the star power, Tamar Braxton joined Birdman on stage in a touching moment of family and unity, showing love and support for her brother-in-law.
Even after all these years, the pioneers of New Orleans hip-hop proved they still have it—charisma, energy, and unmatched influence. Even Mia X delivered a strong performance.
Keeping the Hype Energy Going
The performance left one question lingering in the air:
“Could this be the spark for a Cash Money x No Limit reunion tour?” – Thinking Emojis!
If Saturday’s energy was any indication, the magic is still alive, and fans around the world are ready for more.
Catch the replay of the Cash Money vs. No Limit Verzuz streaming now on Apple Music and YouTube.
