When Birdman, co‑founder of Cash Money Records, took the mic at Verzuz: Cash Money vs. No LimitComplexCon in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday night, the energy felt like a live mixtape where every beat hit a memory.
The showdown, streamed globally on Apple Music, Verzuz TV and Full Blast Radio, pitted two of Southern hip‑hop’s most storied labels against each other. While the format traditionally crowns a winner, this night was billed as a celebration of New Orleans heritage, so no official victor was announced.
Background: Two New Orleans Dynasties
Founded in the early ’90s, Cash Money Records rose from the bedroom‑studio vibes of the Williams brothers—Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams. Their roster, especially the Hot Boys, turned New Orleans into a national party hub with tracks like “Bling Bling” and “Back That Azz Up.”
Across town, No Limit Records grew under the relentless hustle of Master P, whose business‑first mindset turned the label into a multimedia empire. By the late ’90s, No Limit’s catalog—filled with “Make ’Em Say Uhh!” and “I’m Bout It, Bout It”—had sold millions and defined a gritty, chant‑driven aesthetic.
Both labels claim roughly 30‑plus platinum certifications, collectively moving more than 50 million records worldwide. Their rivalry, once played out in the streets of the Ninth Ward, finally found a shared stage under the neon lights of Vegas.
The Night of the Show: Setlist and Highlights
The concert opened with Cash Money’s signature bounce. Verzuz kicked off on a high note when Lil Wayne—who’s been with the label since the early 2000s—delivered a seamless flow over “Slow Motion.” The crowd erupted, chanting the hook in unison. Across the stage, No Limit answered with a thumping rendition of “Make ’Em Say Uhh!” featuring Mystikal’s raspy delivery and Silkk the Shocker’s rapid fire verses.
Key moments included:
- “Back That Azz Up” (feat. Mannie Fresh) – a reminder of Cash Money’s party pedigree.
- “Ha” – Mia X’s fierce presence sparked a wave of hand‑raised fans.
- “Bling Bling” – Birdman’s spoken intro got the audience “flashing” their phones.
- “Hoody Hooo” – No Limit’s chant‑heavy anthem turned the arena into a call‑and‑response arena.
By the time the night neared its final hour, both sides had exhausted a setlist of over 20 hits. The finale? A joint mash‑up of “Get Your Roll On” and “I’m Bout It, Bout It” that left the venue humming long after the lights dimmed.
Reactions from Fans and Critics
The iNews review on October 24 called the event “a communal nostalgia wave” and praised the shift from competition to celebration. Fans on social media posted videos—one YouTube reaction titled “VERZUZ LIVE!!! CASH MONEY VS NO LIMIT RECORDS” quickly amassed 1.2 million views within 24 hours.
Critics noted the balance of energy: Cash Money’s polished, club‑ready beats contrasted with No Limit’s raw, street‑chant swagger. “For the club‑bounce hooks, Cash Money stood tall. For the chant‑driven crowd presence, No Limit answered strong,” wrote an analyst at The Grio.
Even the hosts felt the vibe. Apple Music’s Lowkey (real name Brian Scates) said on air, “We’re not crowning a champion tonight; we’re honoring a culture that put New Orleans on the map.”
Business Impact and Sales Figures
Beyond the music, the night generated measurable market buzz. RIAA data released in early November showed a 12 % spike in streaming for both catalogs in the week following the event. Apple Music reported 3.4 million live viewers, while Full Blast Radio logged a 9 % increase in ad revenue compared to its usual Saturday slot.
Financially, the partnership with ComplexCon proved lucrative. Ticket bundles that included exclusive Verzuz merch sold out in under two hours, each bundle averaging $125. Estimates suggest the event added roughly $7 million in direct revenue for the two labels combined.
Long‑term, the relaunch of Verzuz under ComplexCon’s banner signals a new business model: quarterly label battles that double as brand‑experience activations. The next matchup—Bad Boy vs. Death Row—is slated for January 25 2026, hinting at a renaissance for legacy hip‑hop confrontations.
Future of Verzuz and Upcoming Battles
Organizers confirmed four additional label battles will roll out through 2026, each paired with a major cultural festival. The strategy aims to blend music nostalgia with immersive fan experiences, a formula that already proved its worth in Vegas.
Industry insiders see this as a win‑win. “Verzuz is evolving from a YouTube‑centric showdown to a multi‑platform, live‑event powerhouse,” said Maya Carter, senior analyst at MusicTech Insights. “The synergy with festivals like ComplexCon opens doors for sponsorships, merch drops, and cross‑genre collaborations.”
For fans, the message is clear: the legacy of Cash Money and No Limit isn’t just preserved—it’s being amplified for a new generation that streams, memes, and dances to the same beats that once defined the ’90s South.
Key Facts
- Event date: October 25 2025, 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT).
- Venue: Verzuz Arena, ComplexCon, Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Primary artists: Lil Wayne, Juvenile, B.G., Turk (Cash Money) & Mystikal, Silkk the Shocker, Mia X, C‑Murder (No Limit).
- Live viewership: 3.4 million across Apple Music, Verzuz TV, Full Blast Radio.
- Streaming bump: 12 % increase for both catalogs in the week after.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Cash Money vs. No Limit battle affect new hip‑hop artists?
The joint showcase re‑introduces classic Southern production techniques to a younger audience. Emerging artists cite the live mash‑ups as inspiration for sampling older beats, and several up‑and‑coming rappers have already announced tribute tracks that blend Cash Money’s bounce with No Limit’s chant‑driven hooks.
What led to the decision to make the battle a cultural celebration rather than a competition?
Organizers, led by Apple Music’s Lowkey, wanted to honor the shared New Orleans roots of both labels. Interviews revealed a desire to move past the rivalry narrative and focus on the collaborative spirit that helped shape modern hip‑hop.
Which songs generated the biggest crowd response?
Fans repeatedly shouted the chorus of “Back That Azz Up” and echoed the chant from “Make ’Em Say Uhh!” — both tracks sparked coordinated dance moves and were the most replayed clips on TikTok in the following week.
What are the next steps for the Verzuz series?
After the Vegas event, Verzuz will roll out three more label battles in 2026, each paired with a major festival. The upcoming Bad Boy vs. Death Row showdown is scheduled for January 25 2026 at the South by Southwest (SXSW) venue in Austin, Texas.
How did the partnership with ComplexCon benefit the event?
ComplexCon provided a built‑in audience of culture‑savvy attendees, elevating ticket sales and offering a physical space for merch drops. The synergy also allowed cross‑promotion across fashion, tech, and music activations, increasing overall exposure for both labels.