Syracuse got a full dose of hip-hop royalty Friday night as Lil Wayne transformed the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview into a wall-to-wall celebration of his two-decade career. Nearly 19,000 fans were in attendance, which was enough to push the venue beyond capacity, packed in for a night of nostalgia and a high energy experience.
Wayne hit the stage fashionably late, striding out just after 10 p.m. with the confidence of someone who knows every single person in the crowd already knows every single word. From the opening blast of “King Carter” into a fire-starting “Fireman,” it was clear the set would be a relentless hit parade. Tracks like “Got Money,” “Mrs. Officer,” “A Milli,” and “Lollipop” had the audience roaring along, while Young Money anthems “BedRock” and “Every Girl” turned the amphitheater into a massive singalong.
The night wasn’t just about Wayne’s own catalog, it was a showcase for the Young Money family. Tyga, officially billed as the opener, returned mid-set for a joint “BedRock” performance, having already lit up the crowd earlier with “Taste,” “Rack City,” and his Chris Brown collaborations “Deuces” and “Loyal.” Guests including Lucifena, Lil Twist, Lil Novi, Jay Jones, Domiio, and Belly Gang Kushington cycled through, each bringing their own flavor while Wayne played master of ceremonies.
Even as the clock ticked past the venue’s noise curfew, Wayne refused to let the party end, finally wrapping at 11:28 p.m. His mix of career-defining bangers, deep cuts, and collaborative moments felt like a living documentary of his influence on hip-hop.
For Syracuse, it was more than just a concert, it was a reminder that Lil Wayne isn’t just a rapper with a legendary past. He’s still the heartbeat of the Young Money universe, and he’s not slowing down anytime soon…