Birdman Talks Juvenile, Mannie Fresh and More (Drake?) at the ‘Birdman and Friends’ Essence Festival Performance

When Cash Money Records co-founder/co-CEO Bryan “Birdman” Williams hits the ESSENCE Festival stage with his “Birdman and Friends” performance on Friday (July 5), he’ll be joined by Juvenile and Mannie Fresh, among others.

Confirming those names without disclosing any more, Birdman tells Billboard via email that the performance will mark a “Cash Money Millionaires reunion.” Music fans will recall that the Cash Money Millionaires was a collective of rappers — including Birdman, Lil Wayne, Juvenile, B.G. and Fresh — who were signed to the label in the late ‘90s and early 2000s.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the 2024 Essence Festival of Culture kicked off Thursday (July 4) in New Orleans and runs through July 7. Previously announced performers for this year’s lineup include Janet Jackson, Usher reprising his classic album Confessions, Mya, Charlie Wilson, Tank and the Bangas and a special tribute to Frankie Beverly & Maze.

Cash Money Records is also celebrating its 30th anniversary. Birdman and his brother/fellow Cash Money co-founder/co-CEO Ronald “Slim” Williams were recently feted by YouTube Music at the platform’s Leaders and Legends gala in Hollywood on June 27.