Photo: Morgan Sofia for Rock The Bells
The first day of the 2025 Rock The Bells Cruise ended with unforgettable performances by Juvenile, Mannie Fresh and Paul Wall.
Thousands of rap fans went aboard the Norweiigan Jewel for the 3rd annual Rock The Bells Cruise on Monday, October 27, for a week-long trip from Miami to Bimini alongside some of the most iconic artists in Hip-Hop history. The party began with DJ sets by J.Period, DJ Epps and DJ Chuck Chillout. Later on in the night, Cash Money’s own Juvenile and Mannie Fresh hit the stage on the pool deck.
Fresh off the Verzuz stage, Juvenile and the 400 Degreez band opened their performance with hits like “Ha” and “Set It Off.” Mannie Fresh was on the turntables as Juvie delivered classics like “U Understand,” “400 Degreez,” “Rodeo” and “Slow Motion.” Of course, the duo also performed some of Cash Money’s hits including Big Tymers’ “Get Your Roll On” and closed out with the label's timeless anthem “Back That Azz Up.” Before he left the stage, Juvenile proposed a toast with his Juvie Juice in hand and offered his prayers for the people of Jamaica after they were hit by Hurricane Melissa.
“We gonna do a toast to everybody,” Juve said. “First of all, we’re going to pray for Jamaica. I’m a Katrina victim, muthaf**ka, I understand… but I just want to thank everybody on this boat for supporting me and my dawg Mannie Fresh, and everybody from Cash Money for 25+ years. This has been a wonderful ride. Where would I be if it wasn’t for y’all.”
Before Juvie and Mannie Fresh took the stage, Paul Wall had the Stardust Theatre going crazy with his nostalgic set. The Houston native performed all his hits from “Sittin’ Sidewayz” to “Grillz.” In between, he served up some of his iconic collaborations from his remix to T-Pain’s “I’m N Luv (Wit A Stripper)” to That Mexican OT’s “Johnny Dang.” At one point during the show, Paul took some time to sign vinylz for fans and take some selfies with the crowd.
This year’s Rock The Bells cruise will feature performances from The LOX, Lupe Fiasco, Da Brat, Tha Dogg Pound, Mia X, Dead Prez, Nappy Roots and more. Each set goes down on various areas throughout the ship from the pool deck stage down to lower level nightclubs. In between the performances, guests have opportunities to attend other events onboard like spades tournaments, panel discussions and Ed Lover's Rock The Bells Comedy Show featuring Affion Crockett and other comedians.
Check out more scenes from the first day of the Rock The Bells Cruise below.