In a surprising turn of events, hip-hop legend Juvenile has publicly called out the ESSENCE Festival for excluding him from the lineup in his hometown of New Orleans. As the festival celebrates 50 years of hip-hop, Juvenile expressed his disappointment on Twitter, questioning how ESSENCE could overlook his significant contributions to the genre.
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Despite the presence of numerous big names, including Lauryn Hill, Ice Cube, and T.I., Juvenile’s absence has left him feeling left out. However, fans are not the only ones raising eyebrows, as the limited representation of New Orleans artists, with rapper Mia X being the sole representative, adds further speculation to the situation.
Juvenile gained fame during his tenure with Birdman’s Cash Money Records and as a member of the Hot Boyz group. Known for hits like “Back That A** Up” and “Ha,” he has left an indelible mark on the music industry and his community.
Notably, the State of Louisiana recognized the former Hot Boyz member’s contributions, which awarded him House Resolution 223 during the 2023 Louisiana Legislative Session. Expressing gratitude on Instagram, the rapper acknowledged the honor and thanked the state for acknowledging his cultural and musical impact.
Although fans are speculating about the appearance of Hot Boyz, the group remains. In 2015, Turk announced a mixtape with the OG members.
Despite this recognition, Juvenile’s absence from the ESSENCE Festival lineup has caused a stir. On Twitter, he directly addressed the festival organizers, wondering how they could celebrate 50 years of hip-hop in New Orleans without including him.
Juvenile also took the opportunity to promote an alternative event, the Donna Fest, where he would perform with his live band, Mannie Fresh and Rebirth, along with a selection of the city’s best food vendors. The tweet stated:
“How is Essence doing 50 years of hip hop in New Orleans without me???” F that Donna fest July 2nd me w my live band- Mannie Fresh + Rebirth & more & the best food vendor’s new orleans has to offer i should know i’m from here! Our tickets are just $25.”
The rapper’s disappointed fans echoed his sentiments, expressing their surprise and dissatisfaction with ESSENCE’s oversight. One fan said, “Chileeee we was asking the same thing. They don’t read the room.”
Adding to the controversy, fans noticed that Cash Money Records, the iconic label that Juvenile was associated with, and the anthem “taking over for the ’99 and the 2000,” were also snubbed by the festival. The ESSENCE Fest’s slogan for one of its parties, “AFROPUNK is taking over like 99′ and the 2000,” further compounded the perceived lack of recognition.
This exclusion has raised questions about the festival’s commitment to fully representing New Orleans’ rich hip-hop history.
In other news, Juvenile recently showcased his activist side by releasing a remix of his hit song “Back That Thang Up,” urging people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The rendition, titled “Vax That Thang Up,” aimed to promote public health and slow the spread of the virus.
Juvenile’s dissatisfaction with being overlooked by his hometown festival is not an isolated incident. Rapper Wale experienced a similar situation in 2022 when he withdrew from the Broccoli City Music Festival due to what he perceived as a lack of top billing.
