In a recent episode of the Nation of Podcast, hip-hop artist BG shared his thoughts on the highly anticipated Verzuz battle between two iconic labels: Cash Money Records and No Limit Records. The event, held on October 25, was marked by a mix of excitement and disappointment, particularly due to the absence of key figures from both camps.
BG, a member of the Hot Boys and a prominent figure in the Cash Money roster, expressed his dissatisfaction with the turnout, notably the absence of Lil Wayne and Turk. The lack of these pivotal artists overshadowed the event, which many had hoped would serve as a celebration of New Orleans’ rich musical legacy. “Even if he was just to come to do one verse or a couple verses, we didn’t get that,” BG lamented, referring to Wayne’s no-show, which he believed significantly impacted the vibe of the performance.
The battle did feature some memorable moments, including a spirited exchange between Birdman and Master P, the heads of the respective labels. Each took a moment to acknowledge their contributions to hip-hop culture, with Birdman claiming credit for the flashy “stunt” lifestyle associated with rap, while Master P countered with his own achievements in the industry. Despite these highlights, BG noted that the overall performance fell short, as each label only performed 12 songs instead of the expected 20.
Master P and No Limit made a strong impression during the event, with BG naming him and Mia X as the standout performers. The inclusion of Snoop Dogg during a performance added a significant boost to No Limit’s side, tipping the scales in their favor, especially in the absence of Wayne. BG pointed out that while No Limit had a successful night, Cash Money left fans wanting more.
BG also revealed that Birdman was initially reluctant to participate in the Verzuz battle. He shared that he had to persuade Birdman, emphasizing the importance of the event for the culture and for Louisiana. “It’s going to be big for Louisiana… the world won’t see it,” BG recalled telling Birdman, highlighting the deeper significance of collaboration between the two legendary labels.
The dynamics of the night were further complicated by the underlying tensions among the artists. BG indicated that Lil Wayne’s absence was rooted in a disagreement over the participation of the Hot Boys, suggesting that Wayne had communicated to Birdman that he wouldn’t join if Turk wasn’t present. This adds another layer of drama to an already complex relationship between the artists involved.
As fans reflect on the battle, BG’s insights provide a window into the challenges and expectations surrounding such events. He emphasized the desire for collaboration within the Louisiana hip-hop community, noting that the opportunity to see both labels on stage together was historic, despite the disappointments.
In conclusion, while the Cash Money vs. No Limit Verzuz battle delivered some memorable moments, it ultimately served as a reminder of the intricate relationships within the hip-hop industry. The absence of key artists and the limited song selections left many fans feeling unsatisfied, raising questions about what could have been a more robust celebration of two of hip-hop’s most influential labels. With BG’s candid reflections, it’s clear that the cultural significance of the event was not lost, even if the execution left much to be desired.
