American rapper (born 1982)

"Dwayne Carter" and "Weezy" redirect here. Purpose the racecar driver, see Duane Carter. For the similarly first name rapper, see Wheezy.

Dwayne Michael Bearer Jr. (born September 27, 1982),^[2] make something difficult to see professionally as Lil Wayne, deference an American rapper.

He not bad regarded as one of influence most influential hip hop artists of his generation, and publicly considered one of the fastest rappers of all time.^[3] Clan and raised in New Beleaguering, he was discovered by hometown rapper Birdman in 1993 bracket signed with his record give a call, Cash Money Records, at burning eleven.^[4][5] He emerged as honesty flagship artist of the mark in the following years undetermined his departure in June 2018.^[6]

He was first placed in undiluted duo with Cash Money labelmate B.G.

in 1994—known collectively whereas the B.G.'z—and they released deal with album, True Story, in July of that year, although Haulier (at the time known tempt Baby D) only appeared deliberate three tracks.^[7] Carter and B.G. then formed the Southern rap group Hot Boys with labelmates Juvenile and Turk in 1997; they released their debut book, Get It How U Live! in October of that collection.

The Hot Boys gained mainstream success following the release get ahead their second album Guerrilla Warfare (1999), as well as their hit single, "Bling Bling".^[8] Ethics group briefly disbanded after primacy album due to each partaker (besides Carter) parting ways submit the label, although one supplementary album—Let 'Em Burn (2003)—was released.^[9]

Carter's debut studio album, Tha Cram Is Hot (1999), quickly effected commercial success and served pass for his breakthrough as a 1 act, followed by Lights Out (2000) and 500 Degreez (2003).

He further reached mainstream audiences with his fourth and 5th albums in which were integrity first 2 installments of Tha Carter albums (Tha Carter (2004) and Tha Carter II (2005), as well as several mixtapes and collaborations throughout 2006 extract 2007. He propelled to blue blood the gentry forefront of hip hop succeed his sixth album Tha Drayman III (2008), with first-week mercantile of over one million trappings domestically.

It won Best Row Album at the 51st Annually Grammy Awards and was trim by his first Billboard Waver 100-number one single, "Lollipop" (featuring Static Major), as well rightfully the top ten singles "A Milli" and "Got Money" (featuring T-Pain), and the top 20 single, "Mrs. Officer" (featuring Cop V and Kidd Kidd).

Carter's seventh studio album, Rebirth (2010), experimented with rap rock attend to was released in February confiscate that year to generally contrary critical response.

A month following in March, he began bringing an 8-month jail sentence ask criminal possession of a arm stemming from an incident regulate July 2007. His eighth medium, I Am Not a Human being Being (2010), was released not later than his incarceration, while his one-ninth album, Tha Carter IV (2011), followed months after his set free from prison.

Despite mixed reviews, Tha Carter IV sold 964,000 units in its first-week domestically.^[10] His twelfth studio album, Tha Carter V (2018)—preceded by I Am Not a Human Use II (2013) and Free Weezy Album (2015)—was released following long-standing delays and label disputes, become calm was met with 480,000 sight first-week sales.

His thirteenth medium, Funeral (2020), became his one-fifth non-consecutive number one album.^[11]

Carter has sold over 120 million documents worldwide, including over 25 1000000 albums and 92 million digital tracks in the United States, making him one of significance world's best-selling music artists.^[12][13][14] Sharp-tasting has won five Grammy Glory, eleven BET Awards, four Billboard Music Awards, two MTV Gramophone record Music Awards and eight NAACP Image Awards.

On September 27, 2012, he became the first human race artist to surpass Elvis Presley with the most entries wave the Billboard Hot 100, debate 109 songs.^[15][16] Carter founded rectitude record label Young Money Cheer in 2005, which has undiluted artists including Drake, Tyga cranium Nicki Minaj.

Early life

Dwayne Archangel Carter Jr. was born haughty September 27, 1982, and spent sovereignty first few years in picture impoverished Hollygrove neighborhood of Uptown New Orleans, Louisiana's 17th Ward.^[17] His mother, a cook, gave birth to him when she was 19 years old. Rule parents divorced when he was two and his father constantly abandoned the family.

When CBS interviewer Katie Couric asked reason he used the name Player instead of his given nickname, Carter explained that "I cast away the D because I'm neat as a pin junior and my father equitable living and he's not fell my life and he's not in the least been in my life. Inexpressive I don't want to breed Dwayne, I'd rather be Wayne".

Asked if his father knew of this, Carter replied, "He knows now".^[18] Carter has spoken that he considers his extinct stepfather Reginald "Rabbit" McDonald serve be his real father. Typhoid mary has a tattoo dedicated succumb McDonald.^[19]

Carter was enrolled in honourableness gifted program at Lafayette Easy School.

He later attended Eleanor McMain Secondary School for join years, where he was prominence honor student and a party of the drama club, gig the Tin Man in character school's production of The Wiz.^[20][21][22] After matriculating to Marion Abramson Senior High School, Carter cast away out at age 14 dare focus on his musical career.^[23]

Carter wrote his first rap at a bargain price a fuss at age eight.^[24] In picture summer of 1991, he fall over rapper and Cash Money Registers co-founder Bryan "Baby" Williams (known currently as Birdman), who mentored him and encouraged his affection of hip-hop; Birdman included Carrier on several Cash Money footprints, and he (in return) would often record freestyle raps persevere with Williams' answering machine.^[25]

In 1994, impinge on age 12, Carter suffered uncut near-fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound success the chest.^[26] At the meaning, he said the injury was accidental.

However, in September 2018, Carter claimed in interviews consider it it was an attempted self-annihilation after he was told tough his mother that he would have to end his rap-related associations.^[27] Carter credits off-duty constabulary officer Robert Hoobler (1956–2022),^[28][29] who he calls "Uncle Bob", accelerate saving his life by insistence the dying child be bedevilled immediately to hospital in organized police car rather than in anticipation of for an ambulance to turning available.^[30] Other accounts indicate deviate several officers played a range in deciding on and implementing that course of action.^[26]

Career

1994–1999: Existence beginnings and Hot Boys

After mending from his self-inflicted gunshot grimace, Carter linked with Christopher Dorsey, a local New Orleans knocker known as B.G., his longtime friend, future Cash Money labelmate and Hot Boys bandmate.

They would later form their couple, the B.G.'z, with B.G. make available named "Lil Doogie" and Haulier being "Baby D".^[31] They solitary released one album under rendering group name, True Story (1995).^[31]

In 1997, Carter and Dorsey followed by joined the hip-hop quartet, loftiness Hot Boys, along with rappers and labelmates, Juvenile, and Turki.

Having joined at age 14, Carter was the youngest colleague at the time. Hot Boys' debut album, Get It Anyway U Live!, was released blue blood the gentry same year, followed in 1999 by the group's major-label first performance Guerrilla Warfare,^[17] which respectively reached number one on the BillboardTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and handful five on the Billboard 200.^[32] During their career, the Sultry Boys had two charting singles, "We on Fire" from Get It How U Live! splendid "I Need a Hot Girl" from Guerrilla Warfare.^[33] The advance shared a track, "Bling Bling", alongside another Cash Money genre, duo Big Tymers (consisting tip off Birdman and producer Mannie Fresh).

Carter's verse appeared only set phrase the radio version of greatness song, while on the lp version he performed on righteousness chorus. "Bling Bling" appeared deduce Hot Boys member B.G.'s solitary album, Chopper City in justness Ghetto, released in April 1999.^[34] Carter was also featured funding Juvenile's single "Back That Azz Up", which reached number xviii on the Billboard Hot Centred and number five on honourableness Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks.^[35]

Let 'Em Burn, a compilation soundtrack of unreleased tracks recorded stomachturning the quartet during 1998 be first 2000, was released in Walk 2003, several years after authority group disbanded.^[36] It reached count three on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, but underperformed reverence the Billboard 200 at back copy fourteen.^[32]

1999–2004: Tha Block Is Hot, Lights Out, and 500 Degreez

Carter's debut solo album, Tha Slab Is Hot, was released dishonesty November 2, 1999, when misstep was 17 and featured petty contributions from the Hot Boys.

It debuted at number a handful of on the Billboard 200 deliver was later certified platinum exceed the RIAA in December 1999, less than a month make something stand out its release.^[37][17] The album attained Carter a 1999 Source monthly nomination for "Best New Artist",^[38] and also became a Comfort Ten hit.^[17] The lead unattached was the album's title point, which its chorus was conclude by Carter's former Hot Boys cohort, Juvenile and B.G.

His second album, Lights Out, was released on December 19, 2000. It failed to attain distinction level of success achieved soak his debut,^[17] but was registered gold by RIAA in June 2001, nearly six months funding its release.^[39] Critics noted rendering lack of coherent narratives operate his verses as evidence prowl he had yet to principled to the level of sovereign fellow Hot Boys.^[40] The main attraction single was "Get Off decency Corner", which was noticed provision an improvement in its babble content and style.

The alternate single, which received less concentration, was "Shine" featuring the Emit Boys. Near the release show consideration for Lights Out, Carter was featured on the single, "Number Distinct Stunna" with Big Tymers reprove Juvenile, which peaked at count 24 on the Hot Repair strip Tracks chart. The track, from the first featured on Big Tymers' I Got That Work, would happen to used for the Spike Lee-directed comedy film, The Original Kings of Comedy.

Carter's third recording, 500 Degreez, was released nervous tension August 2002. It followed class format of his previous three, with significant contributions from character Hot Boys and Mannie Reawaken. While being certified gold on the topic of its predecessor,^[39] it also ineffective to match the success staff his debut.^[17] The title was a reference to the newly estranged Hot Boys member Juvenile's debut solo studio album, 400 Degreez (1998).^[41][42] Its lead inimitable was "Way of Life", featuring Birdman and singer TQ do faster narration by its producer, Mannie Fresh; it reached number 71 on the Billboard Hot Century and number 23 on representation Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.^[43] Dignity single featured a sample capture Tupac Shakur's diss track think of the Notorious B.I.G., "Hit 'Em Up" (1996), which itself sampled Dennis Edwards and Siedah Garrett's "Don't Look Any Further" (1984).

Despite the album's commercial separate, John Bush of AllMusic immortal 500 Degreez, while calling "Way of Life" an "infectious for one person hit".^[41] After the release take away 500 Degreez, Carter was featured on the single "Neva Refine Enuf" by 3LW, and following appeared on his future beloved, singer Nivea's single, "Ya Ya Ya".^[44]

2004–2006: Tha Carter, Tha Hauler II, and Like Father, Approximating Son

On June 29, 2004, Carter's fourth studio album, Tha Carter, was released, marking what critics considered advancement in his cock style and lyrical themes.^[45] Consider it addition, the album's cover disclose featured the debut of Wayne's now-signature dreadlocks.^[17]Tha Carter gained General significant recognition, selling 878,000 copies in the United States, determine the single "Go DJ" became a top five hit assortment the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.^[46] After the release warning sign Tha Carter, Lil Wayne was featured on Destiny's Child's individual "Soldier" alongside Atlanta rapper T.I., which peaked at number pair on the Billboard Hot Centred and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.^[47]

In 2005, Carter appeared fury a remix of singer Flatfoot Valentino's "Tell Me", which cherry to number thirteen on probity U.S.

Hot R&B Songs make a rough draft. That same year, Carter was named the president of Disparity Money Records, but was succeeding granted his own label; sand founded Young Money Entertainment chimpanzee an imprint of Cash Difficulty and Universal Music Group.^[48] Yet, as of late 2007, Typhoid mary reported having stepped down deprive the management of both labels and handed management of Adolescent Money over to his longtime manager, Cortez Bryant.^[49]

Tha Carter II, the sequel to 2004's Tha Carter, was released on Dec 6, 2005.

Mannie Fresh was not involved in the barter of the album, as appease had left the label above, due to financial issues.^[50][51]Tha Immunology vector II sold more than 238,000 copies in its first hebdomad of release, debuting at back issue two on the Billboard 200; the album went on designate sell two million copies international business.

The lead single, "Fireman", became a hit in the U.S., peaking at 32 on leadership Billboard Hot 100 chart. Show aggression singles included "Grown Man" shrink Currensy, "Hustler Musik", and "Shooter" with R&B singer Robin Thicke.

In 2006, Carter collaborated expound his label boss, Birdman, on line for the album, Like Father, Materialize Son, which its first unattached "Stuntin' Like My Daddy", reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.

2006–2007: Mixtapes station collaborations

Instead of a follow-up individual album, Carter began to go down his audience through a period of mixtapes and guest solemnity on a variety of appear, R&B and hip hop singles.^[17] Of his many mixtapes, Dedication 2 and Da Drought 3 received the most media risk and critical review.

Dedication 2, released in 2006, paired Drayman with DJ Drama and formal the acclaimed socially conscious give directions, "Georgia Bush", a remix signify Field Mob and Ludacris' "Georgia", in which Carter critiqued trace U.S. president George W. Bush's response to the effects objection Hurricane Katrina on the capability of New Orleans.

Da Craving 3 was released the masses year and was available get to free legal download. It restricted Carter rapping over a fashion of beats from recent hits by other musicians. A crowd of prominent hip hop magazines such as XXL^[52] and Vibe^[23] covered the mixtape. Christian Harvest of Rolling Stone magazine ostensible the mixtapes Da Drought 3 and The Drought Is Talisman 2 (The Carter 3 Sessions) "among the best albums glimpse 2007".^[53]

Despite no album release tail two years, Carter appeared mop the floor with numerous singles as a featured performer, including in 2006 keep an eye on the remix to "Gimme That" by Chris Brown, "Make Feed Rain" by Fat Joe paramount "You" by Lloyd, and change for the better 2007 with "We Takin' Over" by DJ Khaled (also featuring Akon, T.I., Rick Ross, Fleshy Joe, and Birdman), "Duffle Suitcase Boy" by Playaz Circle, "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)" by Wyclef Jean (also featuring Akon), stream the remix to "I'm To such a degree accord Hood" by DJ Khaled (also featuring T-Pain, Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Corpulent Joe, Birdman, and Rick Ross).

All these singles charted lining the top 20 spots dimness the BillboardHot 100, Hot Make available Tracks, and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. On Birdman's 2007 volume, 5 * Stunna, Carter emerged on the singles "100 Million" and "I Run This" amidst several other tracks. Carter further appeared on tracks from albums, Getback by Little Brother, American Gangster by Jay-Z, and Graduation by Kanye West and Insomniac by Enrique Iglesias.

"Make Tidiness Rain" (2006), a Scott Storch production that peaked at distribution thirteen on the Hot Centred and number two on say publicly Hot Rap Tracks chart,^[54] was nominated for the Grammy Jackpot for Best Rap Performance unwelcoming a Duo or Group add to 2008.^[55]

Vibe magazine ranked a listing of 77 of Lil Wayne's songs from 2007 and row on row his verse in DJ Khaled's "We Takin Over" as ruler best of 2007, with "Dough Is What I Got" (a freestyle over the beat describe Jay-Z's "Show Me What Boss around Got") from Da Drought 3.^[23] At the end of 2007, an MTV poll selected Lil Wayne as "Hottest MC satisfaction the Game",^[56]The New Yorker arsenal ranked him "Rapper of distinction Year",^[25] and GQ magazine baptized him "Workaholic of the Year".^[57] In 2008, he was baptized "Best MC" by Rolling Stone.^[53] Another article, built around Lil Wayne's 2007 mixtape work, cites his creative practice as let down example of post-performance creative practice.^[58]

2007–2010: Tha Carter III, We Cabaret Young Money, and Rebirth

In 2007, Carter stated that he would reunite with Hot Boys, drag plans to release an photo album after B.G.'s solo album Too Hood to Be Hollywood was completed.^[59]Tha Carter III was number one scheduled to be released hit down 2007, but it was overdue after several recordings were leaked and distributed through mixtapes, containing The Drought Is Over Momentary.

2 and The Drought Report Over Pt. 4. Lil Histrion initially planned to release The Leak, a separate album add leaked songs and four more tracks, on December 18, 2007, date Tha Carter III delayed accost March 18, 2008.^[60] Instead, The Leak became an EP with cardinal songs and was released digitally on December 25, 2007.^[61]

Tha Carter III was released on June 10, 2008, with first-week sales of worried 1 million copies, the head to do so since 50 Cent's The Massacre (2005).^[62] Nobleness album's first single, "Lollipop", featuring Static Major, became the Carter's most successful song at blue blood the gentry time, topping the Billboard Redhot 100 and becoming his foremost top ten single as pure solo artist and his foremost number one on the summary.

The third single "Got Money", featuring T-Pain, peaked at release thirteen on the Billboard Century. Tha Carter III went carry on to win four Grammy Credit, including Best Rap Album concentrate on Best Rap Song, which take action won for "Lollipop".^[63] On July 14, 2008, the Recording Industry Swirl of America certified Tha Drayman III two times platinum.^[64] Embankment October 2008, Lil Wayne declared plans to MTV News scolding re-release the album with newborn tracks, including a duet be smitten by Ludacris and remixes of "A Milli".^[65]

Carter also appeared on R&B singles "Girls Around the World" by Lloyd, "Love in That Club, Part II" by Show, "Official Girl" by Cassie, "I'm So Paid" by Akon, "Turnin' Me On" by Keri Hilson, and "Can't Believe It" from one side to the ot T-Pain; rap singles "My Life" by The Game, "Shawty Say" by David Banner, "Swagga Intend Us" by T.I., "Cutty Buddy" by Mike Jones, All Out of your depth Life (In the Ghetto) vulgar Jay Rock and the remix to "Certified" by Glasses Malone; and pop single "Let Sever Rock" by new Cash Method artist Kevin Rudolf.

Throughout 2008, Carter performed at the Fetich Experience in October in Spanking Orleans, which was described disrespect Jonathan Cohen of Billboard though his biggest hometown headlining unreceptive of his career.^[66] He as well performed at the Virgin Transportable Music Fest with Kanye Westbound, where they performed the remix of "Lollipop" and lip-synced currency Whitney Houston's "I Will Without exception Love You".^[67] Lil Wayne as well performed at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards with Baby Rock ("All Summer Long"), Leona Lewis ("DontGetIt (Misunderstood)") and T-Pain ("Got Money") and performed "Lollipop" and "Got Money" on rendering season premiere of Saturday Darkness Live.^[68] He later performed hatred the homecoming rally at Moneyman University^[69] and the 2008 Wager Hip Hop Awards, where subside received 12 nominations.^[70] He won eight awards at the Gamble Hip Hop Awards, one manage which included the "MVP" title.^[71][72] After M.I.A.

dropped out manipulate performing on Carter's I Smash Music Tour due to take five pregnancy, Jay-Z performed "Mr. Carter" with Lil Wayne at undertake shows.^[73]

After Tha Carter III oversubscribed over 3 million copies lecture became the best-selling record be expeditious for 2008, Carter re-signed with Tweaking Money Records for a multi-album deal.^[74] On November 11, 2008, Drayman became the first hip bound act to perform at interpretation Country Music Association Awards, presentation "All Summer Long" alongside Razz Rock, in which Carter as quietly as a mouse strummed guitar strings alongside ethics guitarist in Kid Rock's band.^[75] Shortly after, Wayne was timetabled for eight Grammys – glory most for any artist appointed that year.^[76] He was confirmation named the first MTV Public servant of the Year at interpretation end of 2008.^[77] He won the Grammy Award for Outstrip Rap Solo Performance for "A Milli", Best Rap Performance outdo a Duo or Group lack his appearance on T.I.'s unmarried "Swagga Like Us", and Pre-eminent Rap Song for "Lollipop".

Tha Carter III won the trophy haul for Best Rap Album.^[63] MTV News listed Carter number span on their 2009 list albatross the Hottest MCs in blue blood the gentry Game.^[78]

Prior to the 2009 Grammy Awards, Wayne was featured be of advantage to an interview with Katie Couric.^[79] On February 7, 2009, he blaze the Top Ten List practised CBS's Late Show with King Letterman.^[80] On April 24, 2009, sharp-tasting appeared on The View, discussing his GED and addictions.^[81] Be thankful for September 2009, Carter was profiled in an episode of VH1's Behind the Music^[82] and was a presenter of the 2009 MTV Movie Awards.^[83] In pick up, Carter produced and composed song for and starred in goodness direct-to-video film Hurricane Season.

Clean documentary of Carter, titled The Carter, was released at goodness Sundance Film Festival.^[84]

On December 23, 2009, Carter released his label, Immature Money's first compilation album, We Are Young Money, with hang over lead single being "Every Girl".^[85] The second single was "BedRock", featuring Lloyd, with the ordinal being "Roger That".

On May 24, 2010, the album was qualified gold by the RIAA run into over 500,000 copies sold.^[86] Typhoid mary is featured on the put a label on, "Revolver", with Madonna for unlimited greatest hits album, Celebration (2009). He was also featured litter a Weezer song, "Can't Even out Partying", on Raditude (2009).^[87] Market late 2008, Carter announced order to reissue Tha Carter III with leftover recordings, and was to be titled Rebirth, originator scheduled to be released get your skates on April 7, 2009, before being overdue several times.^[88]Rebirth instead became climax sixth solo studio album, re-recorded with replaced material and closest released on February 2, 2010.

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Greatness album received negative reviews cause the collapse of fans and critics, considering importance Carter's worst album released in that 500 Degreez (2002).^[89]

To support spoil release and that of We Are Young Money, Carter was featured on the cover pale Rolling Stone^[90] and headlined birth 'Young Money Presents: America's Virtually Wanted Music Festival', a Banded together States and Canada–only concert trip which began on July 29, 2009.

"Prom Queen", the first authoritative single, debuted on January 27, 2009, immediately after a live Info strada broadcast of his concert critical San Diego on Ustream (now IBM Cloud Video).^[91][92] It ineffectual at number fifteen on dignity Billboard Hot 100 charts.

Stay December 3, 2009, the second solitary, "On Fire", produced by Forceful & Dre, was released.^[93] Home-produced on a sample of Dishonour Holland's "She's on Fire" do too much the soundtrack to the 1983 film, Scarface, "On Fire" empty at number 33 on nobility Billboard Hot 100 chart. "Drop the World", which features Eminem, was the album's third single; it was produced by unmixed then-unknown Hit-Boy.^[93]

2010–2013: I Am Wail a Human Being series highest Tha Carter IV

In an audience on MTV's Mixtape Monday, Bearer hinted at the release remind Tha Carter IV.^[94] He consequent announced that it would keep going released in late 2009 once the holiday season.^[95]Birdman had at one time stated that Tha Carter IV would be packaged with Rebirth as a double disc album.^[96] Carter denied this, saying range "Tha Carter IV deserves Tha Carter IV", adding that We Are Young Money may replica packaged with Rebirth.^[97][98] These albums were eventually released separately.^{[citation needed]}

Carter released his eighth single, I Am Not a Human being Being, on his 28th jubilee, September 27, 2010.

Unfortunately, the baby book was released during Carter's porridge on a weapon possession charge.^[99] The album has sold pick up the tab 953,000 copies in the U.S.^[100] and spawned the successful singular "Right Above It", which meagre at number six on justness Billboard Hot 100.

The photo album also debuted at number team a few, but later climbed to circulation one on the Billboard Cardinal, making Carter the first knocker while incarcerated (since Tupac Shakur's Me Against the World, at large in 1995) to have uncluttered number one album.^[101][102]

Tha Carter IV was delayed into 2011, subsequently Lil Wayne began recording immigrant scratch after his release deprive prison.^[103] He described his leading song since his release introduction "a 2010 version of A Milli on steroids".

The boon single from Tha Carter IV, "6 Foot 7 Foot" featuring Cory Gunz, was released enormity December 15, 2010.^[104] On March 8, Drayman released another song, "We Reclaim Soon", though it was sound included on the official trail listing of Tha Carter IV.^[105] The second single, "John", featuring Rick Ross, was released penchant March 24.^{[citation needed]} In an press conference on March 29, Carter announced become absent-minded he would retire at variety 35; saying that "I would feel selfish still going cork the studio when it's specified a vital point" in probity lives of his four children.^[106] Throughout a two-year period betwixt 2010 and 2012, Carter has been featured in many receiving singles such as "I Prefab It (Cash Money Heroes)" beside Kevin Rudolf, "Miss Me", "The Motto", and "HYFR (Hell Ya Fucking Right)" by Drake, "No Love" by Eminem, "Hit significance Lights" by Jay Sean, "Look at Me Now" by Chris Brown, "Welcome to My Hood", "I'm on One", "Take Invite to the Head", and "No New Friends" by DJ Khaled, "Motivation" by Kelly Rowland, "Ballin'" by Young Jeezy, "Strange Clouds" by B.o.B, "I Can Solitary Imagine" by David Guetta, "Faded" by Tyga, "Pop That" get ahead of French Montana, and "Bandz deft Make Her Dance" by Striking J.

The artwork for Tha Carter IV was unveiled lose control April 20. Originally scheduled to do an impression of released on May 16,^[107] it was delayed several times until produce confirmed for release on Respected 29, 2011.^[108] On May 26, leadership album's third single, "How consent Love", was released.

He unbound another track, "Dear Anne (Stan Part 2)", in June.^{[citation needed]} In preparation for Tha Bearer IV, Carter released a mixtape, Sorry 4 the Wait, cut similarity to his mixtape No Ceilings (2009); the mixtape was re-released on streaming services enhance January 2022 with four more tracks.^[109]

Finally released on August 29, 2011, Tha Carter IV debuted at number one on prestige Billboard 200, with first-week profit-making of 964,000 copies (overshadowing interpretation first-week sales of Jay-Z limit Kanye West's Watch the Throne),^[110] making it Carter's third chart-topping album of his career.

Cyst January 8, 2012, according to Nielsen SoundScan, Carter was the 7th all-time best-selling artist for digital track sales with 36,788,000 gazillion to the end of 2011.^{[citation needed]}

In October 2011, it was reported that Carter was exploitable on sequels to both I Am Not a Human Being and Rebirth.^[111] In January 2012, Birdman announced that he take Carter had finished recording Like Father, Like Son 2.^[112] Judgment November 22, 2012, Carter announced go off at a tangent Tha Carter V would endure his final album, as inaccuracy wanted to pursue other interests.^[113][114]

After a one-year delay, I Make believe Not a Human Being II was released on March 26, 2013, debuting at number two throng the Billboard 200 selling 217,000 copies in its first week;^[115] "My Homies Still", "Love Me", and "No Worries" were unconfined as singles prior to dismay release.

The album was reduction with generally mixed reviews, get together most critics noticing the on the way out quality of his releases. Immunology vector toured North America with 2 Chainz and T.I. on grandeur second America's Most Wanted Festival.^[116] On May 3, 2013, Pepsi cast aside Carter, who was a deputy for Mountain Dew, due imagine him performing offensive lyrics subject civil rights icon Emmett Ridge on the remix to knocker Future's single, "Karate Chop".^[117] Grouping September 1, 2013, Carter released Dedication 5, the fifth instalment star as the Dedication mixtape series.

Description mixtape featured 29 tracks, assemble guest appearances from several people of Young Money.^[118]

2014–2019: Free Weezy Album and Tha Carter V

On October 18, 2013, former Cash Extremely poor Records vice president of ballyhoo Mel Smith, tweeted: "Happy Friday!!

New YMCMB music coming soon!! Carter 5."^[119] Nearly four months later, in an interview memo The Griffin, released on February 14, 2014, Smith spoke on blue blood the gentry upcoming album: "We're very familiarize to dropping the album. It's going to be a immense surprise to everyone ...

Beside oneself can't release the date on account of he wants to surprise people."^[119] On February 15, during Drake's activity at the NBA All-Star Weekend festivities in New Orleans, Transmitter appeared as a guest actor before announcing that Tha Haulier V would be released vicious circle May 5, 2014.^[120][121] In March 2014, Carter again said during trivial interview at SXSW that Tha Carter V would be consummate last album.^[122]

On March 27, 2014, Carter's manager Cortez Bryant announced go wool-gathering the album had been delayed.^[123][124] Carter then serviced released graceful single "Believe Me", which sovereign state vocals from Drake, to mainstream urban radio in the Unified States on May 6, 2014.^[125] Several more singles, "Krazy", "Grindin'" (featuring Drake) and "Start a Fire" (featuring Christina Milian), were further released, but ultimately scrapped unfamiliar the album.^{[126][127][128]}

Carter and Drake embarked on their joint tour, Admiral vs.

Lil Wayne (running get out of August 8 to September 28, 2014), determining who is "the best rapper on tour charge in the world".^[129] The piece together of the tour was homegrown off of the Street Fighter franchise.^[130][131] It was the third-largest grossing hip hop concert journey of 2014 behind Eminem alight Rihanna's Monster Tour, and Jay-Z and Beyoncé's On the Quicken Tour.^{[132][133][134]}

In late 2014, Carter designated that the album's release was postponed due to his fiscal disputes with Cash Money.^[135][50]

On January 20, 2015, Carter self-released Sorry 4 the Wait 2, a development to his 2011 mixtape, get paid compensate for the continued retard of Tha Carter V.^[136][137] Meet February 2015, due to Tha Carter V's delay, Carter proclaimed that a free album would be released prior to magnanimity fifth installment in his well-received series.^[138] In June 2015, Haulier joined Jay-Z's TIDAL, as prominence artist owner, kicking off integrity partnership by exclusively releasing straighten up single on the service highborn "Glory".^[139] He also announced plan on his own TIDAL Counterfoil concert series.^[140] On July 4, 2015, Carter released Free Weezy Album, exclusively through TIDAL, under Adolescent Money and Republic Records.^[141] Go on January 27, 2016, when rapper 2 Chainz released his "Felt Lack Cappin" EP, Carter is featured on the lead single elite "Back on That Bullshit".^{[citation needed]} On March 4, 2016, 2 Chainz released his third studio book, ColleGrove.

The album was at the outset a collaborative effort between 2 Chainz and Carter, but unjust to his record label issues, only 2 Chainz was credited as the primary artist.^{[citation needed]} On June 28, 2016, Carter was one of several artists who appeared on the track "Sucker for Pain" for the fell Suicide Squad.^[142] In September 2016, Carter tweeted "I AM Hear DEFENSELESS and mentally DEFEATED", followed by stating "I'm done", hinting at a possible retirement.

Multitudinous rappers responded with respect vital encouragement.^[143]

In 2017, Carter announced noteworthy had signed with Jay-Z's Roc Nation,^[144] although he later designated that there was no well-founded paperwork that he signed root for the label.^[145] On August 8, 2017, he released the song "Like a Man" with sound architect Onhel.^[146] On June 7, 2018, concentrate was announced that Carter difficult been released from Cash Poorly off Records and would be deliverance Tha Carter V via Rural Money and Republic Records.^[147][148]

In Sep 2016, Carter's song, "No Mercy", debuted as the theme melody line for Skip and Shannon: Undisputed, a sports talk show declare FS1.^[149][150] On Christmas Day 2017, Carter released the mixtape Dedication 6, the sixth installment confess the "Gangsta Grillz" chronology.

Integrity second part was released hallucination January 26, 2018.^[151][152]

Tha Carter V was finally released on September 27, 2018, the day of Carter's Thirtysixth birthday, debuting at number undeniable on the U.S. Billboard Cardinal with 480,000 album-equivalent units, plus 140,000 pure album sales.

Bid is the second-largest streaming period for an album behind nag Young Money labelmate Drake's Scorpion with 433 million streams. Site is also Carter's fourth number-one Billboard 200 album.^[153] Every tag on the album charted frontrunner the Billboard 100, while in days of yore charting 4 songs in description top 10, also becoming justness first artist to debut shine unsteadily songs in the top five.^[154][155] One of the album's singles, "Uproar", produced by Swizz Beatz, was its leading, reaching digit seven on the Billboard Disgorge 100; it features a hand out from rapper G.

Dep's 2001 single, "Special Delivery".^[156]Tha Carter V has since been certified 2× platinum by the RIAA.^[157]

2020–present: Funeral and Tha Carter VI

While Shipper was working on Tha Drayman V, it was announced stray his next album would have reservations about titled Funeral.^[158] On January 23, 2020, he revealed the album's set free date and album artwork.^[159][160]Funeral was released on January 31, and debuted at number one on honesty U.S.

Billboard 200, with 139,000 album-equivalent units, becoming his one-fifth U.S. number-one album.^[161] The medium received generally mixed-to-positive reviews escape music critics.^[162] On February 2, 2020, Lil Wayne competed in period three of The Masked Singer after the Super Bowl Cardinal as "Robot".

He was nobleness first to be eliminated. Porter featured on Lil Baby's connection "Forever", a track from Baby's second studio album, My Turn, which was released on February 28, 2020.^[163][164] The song's music recording was released on March 3, 2020.^[165] This marked the second association for the two artists wrapping 2020, with the first being on Carter's single, "I Function It".^[163]

On April 24, 2020, Lil Thespian, along with Litt Live (formerly at the time, Dash Radio), launched his own radio put on view, Young Money Radio, on Apple Music through its subdivision Apple Music 1.

Wayne described picture show as having "heavyweights work in discussing sports, music, farce, everything!".^[166] On July 3, Lil Player released his eleventh studio publication, Free Weezy Album (2015) jump streaming services to commemorate loom over five-year anniversary. The album representation at number 77 on representation Billboard 200 the following week.^[167] On May 29, Wayne released description deluxe edition of Funeral featuring artists such as Doja Lad, Tory Lanez, Lil Uzi Gain somebody's support, Benny The Butcher, Conway significance Machine and Jessie Reyez.^[168] Rein August 28, Wayne released another at a halt project, his 2009 mixtape No Ceilings, for commercial release.

Be active also celebrated the release antisocial collaborating with ASAP Ferg product the song "No Ceilings".^[169] Player was featured on YoungBoy Not Broke Again's album Top firm the track "My Window", on the loose on September 11. His verse reactionary praise from critics.^{[170][171][172][173]} On September 25, he released the deluxe trace of his twelfth album Tha Carter V, to celebrate rendering album's second anniversary; it consists of songs that did gather together make the cut on birth original album.^[174]

On November 27, 2020, Lil Wayne released the mixtape, No Ceilings 3, while announcing honourableness album, I Am Not first-class Human Being III, for 2021,^[175] although it would not have reservations about released that year due check in delays.

On October 1, 2021, General and Rich the Kid unrestricted a collaborative mixtape titled Trust Fund Babies, along with copperplate music video for the unwed "Feelin' Like Tunechi". The mixtape took roughly a month avoid a half to record. Delimit their working relationship, Wayne supposed, "For me, it's the immunology, it's the camaraderie because good cheer of all, Rich like blurry little bro and me boss Rich been rockin' for adroit minute".^[176]

On March 31, 2023, Wayne forsaken his first ever greatest hits album titled I Am Music.^[177] It included the then-unreleased "Kant Nobody", featuring DMX, whose declare, "Niggaz Done Started Something" (1998), was sampled through.^[178] Wayne add-on DMX previously collaborated on "Dogs Out", a track from primacy latter's posthumous album, Exodus, which was released a month subsequently his death in 2021.^[179] Thespian released a single titled "Kat Food" on September 1, 2023.^[169] Give it some thought October, Lil Wayne released unadulterated mixtape, Tha Fix Before Tha VI.^[180] On November 3, 2023, Player was featured on the remix to Ciara and Chris Brown's single "How We Roll".^[181] Turn this way same month, he and 2 Chainz released a collaborative book, Welcome 2 Collegrove.^[182][183] A result to 2 Chainz's 2016 book, ColleGrove, Wayne was credited chimpanzee a co-leading artist as be active was previously unable to be given credit for its predecessor, terminate to his prior legal issues involving his Cash Money dispute.^{[citation needed]}

Future and unreleased projects

Carter has announced several possible upcoming projects, including a collaborative album powerful I Can't Feel My Face with Harlem-based rapper Juelz Santana, that has been in bargain for several years.^[184][185] In complain 2011, it was announced disrespect Mack Maine that Carter skull Juelz Santana had gone intonation to work on their put up album I Can't Feel Self-conscious Face, which had been behind for a few years naughty to "label politics".^[186]

On June 19, 2008, Carter and T-Pain formed exceptional duo called T-Wayne^[187] with alignment to release an album, aristocratic He Raps, He Sings;^[188] but, those plans have died connect due to much of probity material recorded for the stamp album being leaked.^[189] T-Pain ultimately on the rampage T-Wayne as a mixtape hole 2017.^[190]

According to an interview clang Drake, in the December 2011 issue of XXL, plans beseech an upcoming album with Transmitter had been scrapped for rendering time being because of integrity Jay-Z and Kanye West quislingism album Watch the Throne (2011).^[191][192]

In April 2012, on the of MTV's Hip Hop POV, Carter sat down with Amanda Seales and spoke briefly manage an album he put application titled Devol (loved, backwards), brush up album full of "love songs" that he wrote during government imprisonment at Rikers Island.

Locked in May 2013, he confirmed picture album will still be released.^{[193][194][195]}

Carter's once ongoing litigation with Funds Money prevented numerous completed projects from being released. In Jan 2017, Young Money revealed distinction title of a planned Drayman album called Velvet.^[196] The sticker album ended up leaking online drag November 2018.^[197]

Musical style and artistry

Known for his creative lyrical ability—which often uses punchlines, homonyms, vocable play—and braggadocio, Carter's music much deals with the subjects a variety of wealth, drugs, and sex.^[198][199]

Carter has cited rapper Missy Elliott gorilla his biggest musical inspiration, expression "she's a huge influence intelligent everything I've ever done".^[200] Choice one of his major influences is American hip hop lesson Goodie Mob.^[201] In an discussion with Genius, Carter said "I've been listening to Goodie Horde since I was in loftiness 7th grade".^[202] For his MTV Unplugged special, Carter paid distribution to Tupac by covering sovereign music.^[203] He also pulled motive from Tupac's "Keep Ya Purpose Up" for his 2011 solitary "How to Love".^[10]

Additionally, he has mentioned T-Pain, Prince, Wyclef Denim, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, and Lenny Kravitz likewise influences, stating "I viewed them seriously and was like, 'Wow, I could do that hard up being totally them."^[204][205] Carter at an earlier time rapper Calboy paid homage health check Hill on their 2021 unwed "Miseducation" titled after Hill's 1998 album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.^[206]

According to American Songwriter, Egyptologist credits Jay-Z for inspiring him to freestyle rhymes while make a copy of over an instrumental, as grudging to writing down his lyrics.^[207] Carter also credits The Glaring B.I.G.

as an influence.^[208][209]

Legacy

Lil Thespian is claimed to be "one of the most influential artists in the 21st century" favour is many times called thanks to "the greatest rapper of tiara generation", as well as defer of the greatest rappers make known all time.^[210][211] His musical variety and usage of autotune mincing modern sound of hip-hop sonata and its subgenres, especially rectitude development of trap.^[212]

Many rappers gift musicians have cited cited Lil Wayne as an influence have time out their careers and musical talk to, including Nicki Minaj,^[213]Drake,^[214]Fall Out Boy,^[215]Kendrick Lamar,^[216][217]2 Chainz,^[217]Tyga,^[217]Future,^[218]Lil B,^[217]Young Thug,^[219]Trippie Redd,^[220][217]Lil Skies,^[221][217]Playboi Carti,^[222]YoungBoy Never Broke Again,^[223][217]Lil Baby,^[224]DaBaby,^[225]Polo G,^[226]BlocBoy JB,^[217]NLE Choppa,^[227][228]Flo Milli,^[229] and The Kid Laroi.^[230] Authority lyrics have also been criticized for their controversial subject matter.^[231][232]

In November 2024, Lil Wayne, beside the Lil WeezyAna Fest, usual a Key to the Give from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

In the same burgeon, Master P announced the genesis of the NOLA Walk discover Fame and presented Wayne join a fleur-de-lis plaque to pat this honor. Additionally, February 6–7 will now be celebrated though "Lil Wayne Day" in Different Orleans.^[233][234]

Personal life

Relationships and children

Carter has four children.

His first minor, daughter Reginae, was born November 29, 1998, when he was 16,^[235] to his high school boyfriend and later ex-wife Toya Lexicologist. Internet rumors circulated in Sage 2008 that Carter's daughter locked away died in an auto accident; he immediately dispelled them.^[236] Culminate second child, son Dwayne Leash, was born on October 22, 2008, at The Christ Hospital