ESPN hosted its annual ESPY’s Awards at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on Wednesday (July 12). Along with many of the world’s top athletes being rewarded for their achievements over the past year, the event saw Lil Wayne hit the stage to perform one of his biggest songs ever. But this time, with a unique twist.
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Reciting his 2008 smash hit “A Milli,” Wayne substituted some of his original lyrics from the song for bars about some of the most popular athletes at the moment. Whether it was references to newly-drafted NBA player Victor Wembenyama, beloved LSU women’s basketball player Angel Reese, or NFL player Damar Hamlin who survived a near-death experience on the field, Wayne proved once again why many regard him as one of the best emcees ever.
Currently, “A Milli” sits at 6x certified platinum by RIAA, as it peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2008 when it was released as a promotional single for Wayne’s sixth studio album Tha Carter III. Wednesday’s performance of the song comes more than three months after Wayne revealed that he intended to make music with up-and-coming female rapper Flau’jae, who is also a member of the LSU women’s basketball team alongside the aforementioned Reese.
“Actually, me and Flau’jae, we’ve spoken and we’re about to connect musically soon, so be looking out for that,” he said.
When he made this decree, Reese insisted that she be allowed to make a cameo in Wayne and Flau’jae’s music video. Additionally, fellow Louisiana rapper NBA YoungBoy asked if he could be involved in the song in some capacity.
While the song has yet to come to fruition, Wayne’s affinity for his home state’s flagship women’s basketball program is still alive and well, evident in his fiery ESPY’s showcase. Check out his Angel Reese shoutout in the revamped version of “A Milli” below.
Photo by Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images
