GS. Hot Boys Member Opens Up About Why Lil Wayne Was Absent from the Verzuz Battle, Revealing That the Rapper Was Unable to Attend Due to Illness”
In a recent interview on **Power 105.1’s “The Breakfast Club,” rapper and former member of Hot Boys, B.G., offered an explanation for why longtime affiliate Lil Wayne was conspicuously absent from the battle-event between Cash Money Records and No Limit Records on the VERZUZ stream.
According to B.G., Wayne had been scheduled to participate in the high-profile spectacle but fell ill just days—and even hours—before the event. “I talked to Wayne yesterday, and I talked to Wayne the morning before the Verzuz,” B.G. recalled. “Shorty wasn’t feeling good. He had a show the same night and cancelled that too. He definitely was supposed to be there… he told me he wasn’t feeling good and he had to go to the hospital.”
The event in question, which pitted Cash Money’s roster of artists against those of No Limit, took place in Las Vegas at ComplexCon earlier this year, and was widely publicized as a major moment in the revival of the VERZUZ series. B.G. noted that even co-creator and producer Swizz Beatz had been motivated by Wayne’s involvement—making the sudden absence all the more notable. “Swizz felt hurt behind it… because for real, that’s the reason Swizz pulled the trigger on it, because Wayne agreed,” he said.
For fans and observers, Wayne’s lack of appearance naturally sparked speculation. Some questioned whether the illness was genuine, or whether behind-the-scenes issues had intervened. On Reddit and other forums, users debated whether the story was simply a convenient explanation. For instance:
“Wayne was sick so he couldn’t come… I don’t believe that shit.”
“Akademiks said the Cash Money side thought Wayne was coming until the morning of… maybe his source is better.”
Complicating matters, another insider—DJ Akademiks—previously reported that Wayne and NBA YoungBoy were initially scheduled to be part of the battle, and that payments had been made in advance for their participation. He claimed Wayne cancelled at the last minute.
Despite the conflicting narratives, B.G.’s account provides the most direct explanation thus far: that illness and hospitalization prevented Wayne’s appearance. Whether that fully settles all questions remains to be seen.
From a broader vantage point, the situation underscores several realities of the music-industry juggernaut that Lil Wayne has become. After decades at the top, with countless hits and collaborations under his belt, the expectation around his involvement in a major cultural moment like a VERZUZ battle is enormous. Had he appeared, many believed the event would’ve carried even more weight. B.G. himself reflected on the long-standing relationships and recording history he and Wayne share, dating back to their days in the Hot Boys and under the Cash Money umbrella.
For what it’s worth, this moment also raises questions about future performances, schedules, and how artists like Wayne manage commitments amidst tours, health, and the growing expectations of fans seeking pivotal moments in hip-hop culture. B.G., when asked whether Wayne would participate in a future Cash Money/No Limit tour, responded cautiously: “I can’t answer that yet.”
In conclusion:
Wayne’s absence from the VERZUZ battle was confirmed by a trusted longtime associate (B.G.) to be due to illness and a hospital visit. While the explanation seems straightforward, the visibility of the event, the stakes involved, and prior scheduling reports all suggest there were numerous moving parts. For fans, this episode will likely remain a “what could’ve been” moment—one where the legend of Lil Wayne and the legacy of Cash Money intersected on stage but ultimately didn’t materialize in person.
