Lil Wayne surprises at Essence's Cash Money Records tribute Carlie Kollath Wells

Lil Wayne performs onstage at the Essence Festival of Culture at Caesars Superdome on July 5, 2024, in New Orleans. Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Essence

Lil Wayne and Vice President Kamala Harris made surprise appearances at Essence's tribute to 30 years of Cash Money Records.

Why it matters: Essence Fest is celebrating its 30th anniversary this weekend in New Orleans.

The big picture: Lil Wayne is the most prominent member of Cash Money Millionaires, who helped put New Orleans rap on the national stage.

• He wasn't on the schedule but he made a surprise appearance at the Caesars Superdome for a second year in a row.

• Birdman, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh and B.G. also performed, along with The Roots, Busta Rhymes, Raphael Saadiq, T-Pain, Ari Lennox and Mickey Guyton.