Lil Wayne Biography and Origins

Discovery by Cash Money Records

Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. was born on September 27th, 1982 in New Orleans, Louisiana. By the age of eight he had written his first rap song, and just a few years later he was discovered by Cash Money Records.

The B.G.'z

After appearing in a few songs by Cash Money artists, he formed a duo called The B.G.’z with fellow rapper B.G. They released the album, True Story, in 1995. He soon took on the stage name, Lil Wayne, and became the youngest member of the rap group, Hot Boys.

Hot Boys

The success of the Hot Boys’ 1997 debut, Get it How U Live! led to a distribution deal with major label, Universal Records. This deal would help their next effort, 1999’s Guerrilla Warfare, hit number one on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart.

Debut

Before making his solo debut, Lil Wayne appeared on a number of other artists’ tracks, including Juvenile’s “Back That Azz Up.” His first album, Tha Block is Hot, dropped in 1999. Premiering on the third position of the Billboard album charts, the successful album had a hit with the title track.

Second and Third Albums

His second record was 2000’s Lights Out. It did not sell as well as his first disc and featured fewer appearances from the Hot Boys and other Cash Money artists. Two years later, his third album, 500 Degreez, still did not match the success of his debut.

Breakthrough

Weezy released his breakthrough record, Tha Carter, in 2004. With its more mature lyrics and rapping style, the album peaked at the fifth position on the Billlboard chart. It also spawned his first solo hit, “Go DJ.”

"Tha Carter II" and Birdman

He released the follow-up, Tha Carter II, in 2005. It debuted at number two on the charts and yielded the top-thirty single, “Fireman.” The next year, Lil Wayne collaborated with rapper Birdman on the album, Like Father, Like Son.

Mix-Tapes and Collaborations

He then released several mixtapes. Some of the most notable of these were: Dedication 2 and Da Drought 3. He also appeared on numerous albums such as Birdman’s 5 Star Stunna, Jay-Z’s American Gangster, and Kanye West’s Graduation. He was featured on singles like “Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)” with Wyclef Jean and the Grammy-nominated “Make it Rain” with Fat Joe.

Hip Hop History with "Tha Carter III"

2008’s Tha Carter III made hip hop history when its first week saw over a million copies sold. The critically praised album won him several Grammy Awards and generated numerous charting singles. These included the songs, “Got Money,” and “Lollipop,” which was his first number-one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Working with Others

Following this album, the rapper once again appeared on a number of other artists’ singles. Some of the most successful of these were T-Pain’s “Can’t Believe It,” T.I. and Jay-Z’s “Swagga Like Us” and Kevin Rudolf’s “Let it Rock.” (video on iTunes) In 2009, he collaborated on the We Are Young Money album. This release featured artists from the Young Money Entertainment label, which Weezy had founded in 2005.

Rock

In 2010, Lil Wayne released Rebirth. This effort was considered his rock debut, even though it contained some hip hop tunes. Despite negative reviews, the disc hit number two on the charts. It produced charting singles such as “Drop the World” and “Prom Queen.”

Success Despite Prison Time

The MC came out with the album I Am Not a Human Being a few months later, which was recorded in the months before his prison term for attempted gun possession. It managed to top the Billboard chart even though he was in jail at the time of its physical release. The record’s lead single, “Right Above It” was a top ten hit.

"Tha Carter IV"

His first album after his release from prison was 2011’s Tha Carter IV. Its first single was the song, “6 Foot 7 Foot.”

Lil Wayne's Hip Hop

Thanks to his hard work and his passion for reinvention, Lil Wayne has helped to shape the modern sound of hip hop music.