Lil Wayne (Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.) is clarifying that some things are not up for discussion. The seasoned hip-hop artist from New Orleans has openly declared that he is not interested in performing at the Super Bowl in the future.
The 2025 Super Bowl will be remembered for the football game alone. It will also be remembered for the extraordinary performance by renowned hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar. His show quickly went viral and captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Despite the widespread acclaim, not all reactions were favorable. Rapper Lil Wayne expressed dissatisfaction, not with Lamar’s performance, but with the Super Bowl officials’ decision to invite Lamar in his place.
Dream Big or Go Home
Performing at the Super Bowl has long been a dream of the “Sucker for Pain” artist, a goal he has openly shared. In a 2023 interview, Yahoo reported that Wayne revealed his desire to perform on one of the world’s biggest stages. He expressed a firm willingness to seize the opportunity if the event took place in New Orleans, his hometown. With the announcement that the Super Bowl would indeed be held in New Orleans, Wayne was filled with hope and anticipation for his chance to shine and fulfill his dream. However, as events unfolded, his aspirations were not realized, leaving him to grapple with the disappointment that accompanies an unfulfilled ambition.
Lil Wayne Breaks it Down
In a recent revelation, the hip-hop artist disclosed that he had been diligently preparing for his performance, guided by advice on how to secure his dream gig. Carter revealed that an NFL representative advised him to adopt a more public presence in anticipation of the show. He said, “To perform, you must follow many instructions about who to please and who to avoid.” He further noted his participation in events he typically wouldn’t attend, such as Michael Rubin’s exclusive all-white parties. Carter realized his preparations were in vain when the announcement of Lamar’s performance came.
Hope Deferred
It was undoubtedly in poor taste for his hopes to be raised so high, only to be dashed. Respectively, he’s not the only one who has had to feel the sting of being overlooked. There are no words that can adequately sum up how Wayne, in particular, dealt. During an earlier interview, the artist revealed the depth of his hurt. In a vulnerable moment that could easily invite judgment, he let the world in. It was a moment of vulnerability, offering a valuable lesson. The real lesson lies not in the event but in the response. Admittedly, Wayne took the high road. Like a good sportsman, he wished Lamar well with his performance; he had no interest in tuning in.
The Aftermath of A Snub
According to sources, he is no longer interested in the NFL’s biggest show. Some might label his comments as petty. But when you consider that he was operating under the impression that he had secured the gig, it’s easy to understand the frustration behind it all. As Yahoo recounts Wayne’s statements on the matter, an insider led him to believe he was a sure thing to perform. However, when Lamar was announced instead, someone from the NFL apologized to Wayne and admitted, “We ain’t in charge” of the halftime show. Wayne reportedly went on to say,
“All of a sudden, according to them, they got curved. So, I’m just going to have to accept whatever they say.”
Lil’ Wayne’s Experience: The Lesson in it All
Wayne’s disappointment is justified. No one can blame him for not wanting to work with the organization again. Despite the perspective-altering lesson the artist learned, there is an even bigger one for those now beneficiaries of this larger revelation. The overarching moral lesson is to never attempt to be someone you’re not. Do not do things that don’t align with your true self for a fleeting opportunity. In the end, is it worth it?
Perhaps what stings the artist most is not just the perceived snub. An even greater hurt is the lengths he went to. How much he had to step outside of himself to chase a dream. It’s difficult to come to terms with, especially when it doesn’t yield the desired outcome
Lil Wayne. Image Source: Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images.
André (Benjamin) 3000, a revered and innovative hip-hop artist, stirred considerable discourse with the debut of his recent project. However, it wasn’t just the project itself that ignited discussions; an accompanying interview featuring Benjamin candidly sharing insights into his creative process and journey had an equally profound impact, particularly with industry peer “Lil Wayne.”
Reflections on Artistic Evolution: Lil Wayne Responds
During a recent episode of “The Young Money Radio Show,” Lil Wayne shared his thoughts on André 3000’s latest release. However, Wayne’s commentary wasn’t centered on the album itself; rather, it revolved around a statement made by Benjamin in an interview.
While promoting “New Blue Sun,” André (Benjamin) 3000 engaged in an open conversation with GQ, delving into the evolution of his creative direction. According to the artist, he doesn’t engage much in rap these days, explaining that it doesn’t come to him as effortlessly as it once did. Benjamin expressed,
“Even now, people think, oh, man, he’s sitting on raps, or he’s just holding these raps hostage. I ain’t got no raps like that. It feels… sometimes it feels inauthentic for me to rap because I don’t have anything to talk about in that way.”
This insight from Benjamin sparked a reaction in Lil Wayne.
Navigating Artistic Crossroads
Wayne took a moment to articulate the impact of Benjamin’s comments. According to the artist, he found the sentiments expressed by André 3000 to be quite depressing. Wayne highlighted one aspect of Benjamin’s reasoning for less involvement in rap that resonated with him. In his GQ interview, 3000 explained,
“I’m 48 years old. And not to say that age is a thing that dictates what you rap about, but in a way, it does. And things that happen in my life, like, what are you talking about?”
He argues that he simply doesn’t have anything going on in his life presently that would propel him to pen lyrics.
Lil Wayne and André 3000: Divergent Paths and Artistic Realities
It could be the disconcerting notion of witnessing someone you look up to facing challenges, or it might be Wayne contemplating his journey and age. As Wayne puts it, “I was like, wow, that was so depressing. I’m like, I have everything to talk about!”
Lil Wayne calls Andre 3000’s remarks about rapping over 40 “depressing” https://t.co/3Yh0bOWXIA
While that is astounding for Lil Wayne, admittedly, everyone walks a different path. No two artists are the same.
Time’s Unyielding Influence
It can be challenging to grasp that even the most accomplished individuals grapple with aspects that once seemed effortless. Regardless of the reasons behind such struggles, one undeniable truth prevails: time affects everyone. Wayne candidly recognized a vulnerability within himself, underscoring the universal inevitability of the passage of time. He further conveyed that,
“At his age, there’s a risk that keeping up with current music might be even more creatively discouraging.”
Despite this challenge, Wayne shared that he has developed a strategy to navigate such hurdles, and as of now, it appears to be effective.
Enduring Passion: Navigating Challenges in Creative Journeys
All one can hope for is the ability to continue to do what they love, no matter what form it may come in. In the face of challenges, the hope is that these artists continue to share their artistic expressions, enriching the world with their creativity and leaving an enduring impact on the realms they choose to explore. Because, frankly, their ability to adapt and evolve in their respective artistic journeys serves as an inspiration for others navigating the ever-changing landscape of creative pursuits.
Lil Wayne. Image source: Frazer Harrison, Getty Images for EA Sports Bowl at Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest.
Iconic rapper Lil Wayne joined The Pivot Podcast to talk about his Louisiana roots, time in prison, and respect over money. Wayne also shared some untold stories about his childhood and the inspiration he pulled over time. The 40-year-old discussed many different things, but something stood out about his craft.
JAY-Z Inspired Lil Wayne’s Process Of Writing
Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., known professionally as Lil Wayne, disclosed he chose to stop writing down his lyrics after he learned that JAY-Z had done the same. He loved rappers like Biggie and Jadakiss, but JAY was always his inspiration. Once he heard that the New York mogul no longer wrote down his rhymes, Wayne said that was it for him. He did not write anything down again. He also went through the process of creating music when he was younger: having the title ready, the topic, what happened in the streets that week and creating a masterpiece.
Lil Wayne On Doing Time In Prison
The “Uproar” rapper talked about his time in prison as well. He mentioned how he saw people get broken down in prison and would not wish that on no one. Wayne did not shy away from growing up in New Orleans, where that wasn’t a foreign thing to do sometimes.
It’s Not About The Money
Carter also shared that when he got his first real check, he handed it to his mother, and she handed it right back to him. She let him know that he made and earned that money, so it was his. He gave thanks to his mother for not only making him the man he is today but the father he is today. Tunechi revealed that he grew up never seeing that many zeros before. But through it all, he pressed it’s the love and respect that matters more than the money.
How Carter Started His Career
The “Lollipop” rapper signed at the age of 14. He shares that his goals started to grow; he went from wanting to be the best in New Orleans to being the best rapper out. The man who discovered Drake and Nicki Minaj even mentioned the moment he crossed into cursing in his music and how big of a leap it was. Lil Wayne discussed going to Miami before Hurricane Katrina and feeling the need to carry New Orleans on his back. He fell in love with the city in Florida, his mother sent his clothes, and he spent the next 20 years in Miami. The New Orleans native also talked about making his way into the industry with Slim & Baby. They popped in with “long shirts and reeboks” into cities like Los Angeles and New York, bringing a new style to hip-hop.
The Late “Uncle Bob”
Joining The Pivot Podcast, Lil Wayne also shared a near-death-experience story. He is grateful for his late “Uncle Bob,” aka Robert Hoobler, that saved the rapper’s life following his suicide attempt at age 12. He told the heroic and heartbreaking story about how the former cop refused to let the legend die.
Wow, names are truly powerful! They allow us to distinguish and identify individuals, animals, objects, places, and ideas. But have you ever felt the electrifying rush of hearing your own name in your favorite song? Well, get ready to be amazed because the Music Industry How To experts have delved into the fascinating connection between names and music.
They studied a whopping one million Spotify playlists and analyzed over two million song titles to discover the most common first names featured in music. And guess what? The male name John has taken the crown as the king of song names, while the female name Mary is the reigning queen. But that’s not all, they also uncovered the most streamed songs on Spotify that bear these magical names in their titles. How cool is that?
Popular Female Names In Song Titles
Mary – Appears In 1,803 Song Titles
‘Mary On A Cross’ by Ghost: 286,170,234 streams
The Swedish rock band Ghost released the single “Mary On A Cross” on their 2018 album “Prequelle.” The lyrics describe a fictional story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, being crucified on the cross instead of her son. Furthermore, the song features the band’s signature hard rock sound, with haunting vocals and heavy guitar riffs.
It received positive reviews from critics and has become a fan favorite at the band’s live shows. Additionally, the single was accompanied by a music video that depicts the band performing the song in a dark and eerie setting, with imagery inspired by religious iconography.
‘Proud Mary’ by Tina Turner: 135,614,411 streams
“Proud Mary” is a song performed by the legendary American singer Tina Turner. It was initially written by John Fogerty and released by his band Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1969. However, Tina Turner’s version, released in 1971, became a huge hit and is widely regarded as the song’s definitive version. “Proud Mary” is an upbeat rock and roll tune with a strong rhythm and catchy chorus.
Many other artists have covered the track, but Tina Turner’s version remains the most popular and enduring. The song’s lyrics describe the hard work and perseverance required to succeed, with the refrain “Rollin’ on the river” as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and moving forward in life.
Maria – Appears In 1,714 Song Titles
‘Maria Maria’ by Santana: 217,654,785 streams
The Latin rock band Santana performed the song “Maria Maria,” which was released as a single on March 6, 2000. Santana wrote the song along with The Product G&B, who also provided vocals for the track. “Maria Maria” features a mix of Latin and hip-hop beats and is known for its catchy melody and guitar riffs. This song was included in Santana’s album “Supernatural,” and became a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Also, in 2001, the single won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
‘Maria’ by Blondie: 94,427,125 streams
“Maria” is a single released by the American rock band Blondie. The band’s guitarist, Chris Stein, and lead vocalist, Deborah Harry, wrote the song and released it in November 1999 as the lead single from their ninth studio album, “No Exit.” It received positive reviews from music critics and became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia.
Notably, the song features Harry’s distinctive vocals over a pop-rock sound with electronic elements. The lyrics of “Maria” focus on Harry’s perception of a mysterious woman named Maria. Jonas Åkerlund directed the music video, which shows Harry in various futuristic roles.
Georgia – Appears In 698 Song Titles
‘Georgia’ by Vance Joy: 421,856,204 streams
Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy wrote the song “Georgia.” It was released on September 15, 2017, as a single from his second studio album, “Nation of Two.” The song features Joy’s signature acoustic guitar sound with a catchy chorus and lyrics that revolve around nostalgia and memories of a past relationship. It received favorable reviews from music critics and charted in several countries, including Australia, where it reached number 41 on the ARIA Singles Chart.
‘Georgia on My Mind’ by Ray Charles: 86,514,721 streams
In 1960, “Georgia on My Mind,” by American musician Ray Charles, was released. Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell wrote the song, which has since become one of Charles’ signature songs. In his version, Charles imbues the song with a sense of homesickness for Georgia, the state where he grew up.
The song was a commercial hit, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and staying there for several weeks. It also won Charles a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Importantly, in 1979, “Georgia on My Mind” became the official state song of Georgia, cementing its place as a classic American song.
Jane – Appears In 659 Song Titles
‘Plain Jane’ by A$AP Ferg: 648,171,944 streams
Get ready to groove to the beat because “Plain Jane” by A$AP Ferg is an absolute banger! The song, produced by the talented Kirk Knight, was released on December 15, 2017, and quickly became a fan favorite. It is the third single from Ferg’s second studio album, “Still Striving,” and features a sample from the iconic Three 6 Mafia track, “Slob on My Knob.”
The catchy lyrics and infectious beat of “Plain Jane” earned it critical acclaim and widespread commercial success. It reached the top 30 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and has since achieved platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It’s no surprise that the song remains a popular choice for parties, concerts, and playlists worldwide.
‘Jane’ by Jefferson Starship: 61,410,581 streams
Released in 1979 as part of their album “Freedom at Point Zero,” “Jane” is a single by the American rock band Jefferson Starship. Written by David Freiberg and Craig Chaquico, the song became one of the band’s biggest hits, reaching number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Notably, the song features a catchy guitar riff and powerful vocals from lead singer Mickey Thomas. Furthermore, the lyrics depict Jane as a persistent and self-reliant woman who strives to live life on her own terms.
Bella – Appears In 580 Song Titles
‘Bella Ciao’ by Manu Pilas: 183,552,399 streams
This song is a Spanish-language cover of the Italian folk song “Bella Ciao,” originally sung by farmers, laborers, and anti-fascist activists during World War II. After the hit Netflix series “La Casa de Papel” (“Money Heist”) featured it, “Bella Ciao” gained international popularity, and the show’s official soundtrack later included it. The modern, electronic arrangement of the song featured in Manu Pilas’ version has been streamed millions of times on various music platforms.
‘Bella’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers: 5,929,737 streams
Furthermore, “Bella” is a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, an American rock band. It was released as a single on December 10, 2021, and is featured on the band’s album “Redemption Arcadium,” released on December 31, 2021. “Bella” was written by the band’s members, Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith, and John Frusciante, and produced by Rick Rubin. The song has a rock sound and features Kiedis’ distinctive vocals, accompanied by Frusciante’s guitar riffs, Flea’s bass lines, and Smith’s drum beats. Kiedis sings about Bella, a woman with captivating beauty and a mysterious personality in the song’s lyrics.
Linda – Appears In 579 Song Titles
‘Linda’ by Tokischa: 117,256,646 streams
On August 27, 2021, Dominican rapper Tokischa released the single “Linda” under the labels Rimas Music and Sony Music Latin. This track features a blend of Latin trap and reggaeton music genres and was produced by Dominican producer Bipo Montana. Moreover, the lyrics of “Linda” describe a woman who is confident in her appearance and is not afraid to show it off. Additionally, the music video for the song, directed by Jocelyn Cooper, debuted simultaneously as a single and attracted millions of views on YouTube.
‘Linda’ by Projota: 96,346,234 streams
The Hip-Hop/Rap song called “Linda” was created and sung in Portuguese by Projota. The song’s lyrics revolve around the singer’s admiration for a woman named Linda, praising her beauty and personality. Fans of the artist and genre alike widely favor the track, available on various music streaming platforms.
Juliet – Appears In 459 Song Titles
‘Check Yes, Juliet’ by We The Kings: 234,979,068 streams
“We The Kings” is the artist behind the single “Check Yes, Juliet,” which came out in 2007 as part of the band’s self-titled debut album. Travis Clark, the band’s lead vocalist, and Sam Hollander, a songwriter and producer, wrote the single. “Check Yes, Juliet” is a pop-punk and power pop song with upbeat guitar riffs and catchy lyrics. It received significant airplay on alternative radio stations and peaked at number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s popularity helped the band gain a dedicated following and establish themselves as a prominent name in the pop-punk music scene.
‘Romeo and Juliet’ by Dire Straits: 230,039,431 streams
Dire Straits, a British rock band, released their single “Romeo and Juliet” in 1981 from their album “Making Movies.” Written by Mark Knopfler, the song tells the story of two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, who cannot be together due to their feuding families. It features Knopfler’s signature guitar-playing style and has become one of the band’s most popular and enduring hits. In addition, “Romeo and Juliet” peaked at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart and remains a staple on classic rock radio stations.
Carmen – Appears In 440 Song Titles
‘Carmen’ by Lana Del Rey: 137,697,825 streams
Lana Del Rey, an American singer-songwriter, released the single “Carmen” in 2012 as part of her debut studio album, “Born to Die.” It was also released as a promotional single in the United States in 2013. The song was written by Lana Del Rey and Justin Parker and produced by Emile Haynie. “Carmen” features Del Rey’s signature dreamy vocals and explores love, addiction, and fame themes. This track received positive reviews from music critics and high marks for its cinematic quality and evocative lyrics.
‘Carmen’ by Stromae: 57,302,993 streams
“Carmen” by Belgian musician Stromae was released on March 31, 2014, and is part of Stromae’s second studio album, “Racine Carrée.” The song’s lyrics refer to the character Carmen from the opera of the same name and address social media addiction and its adverse effects on society. The track has a mix of electronic, hip-hop, and traditional African music elements; the music video features an animated depiction of the character Carmen and her relationship with social media. “Carmen” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including Belgium, France, and Switzerland.
Carolina – Appears In 439 Song Titles
‘Carolina’ by Harry Styles: 181,229,423 streams
The English singer and songwriter Harry Styles released the single song “Carolina” as part of his self-titled debut album “Harry Styles” on May 12, 2017, through Erskine Records and Columbia Records. Written by Harry Styles, Thomas Hull, Mitch Rowland, and Tyler Johnson and produced by Jeff Bhasker, Tyler Johnson, and Alex Salibian, “Carolina” received positive reviews from music critics for its upbeat rock sound, catchy melody, and lyrics.
Additionally, the song features a guitar riff reminiscent of the classic rock band, The Rolling Stones. As a result, Harry Styles has performed “Carolina” during his solo concerts and time with the band One Direction.
‘Carolina’ by Taylor Swift: 40,055,359 streams
Let me tell you about another amazing song! Taylor Swift’s “Carolina” is a pop/country track released on her sixth studio album, “Reputation,” in 2017. This song was written by Taylor Swift and co-written and produced by the talented Max Martin and Shellback. Critics couldn’t help but rave about “Carolina,” praising its infectious melody and Swift’s powerful vocals.
This song tells the story of Taylor becoming infatuated with a girl named Carolina at a party. The guitar riffs and upbeat tempo perfectly complement the lively lyrics, making it impossible not to dance along. Although “Carolina” didn’t debut as an official single, it still received significant airplay on radio stations and quickly prevailed on the album.
Lil Wayne recently sat in as a featured guest on Culture Millennials, addressing many current topics. His net worth was among the topics he addressed, as it is reported on the web. According to Lil Wayne, people must think twice about what they see online. In Wayne’s words,
“I don’t have a cent close to that s***.”
Is it Smoke and Mirrors?
A simple comparison of multiple sites covering the same topic can yield hundreds of different perspectives. It’s almost a no-brainer for most that you can’t believe everything you see. It is the reality of living in a society that is flooded with so much information. Unfortunately, an even greater issue is the tendency of people to run with the first piece of information they come across. It is so easy to lean on slant. So, when someone can bring clarity to a topic wherein they are the focus, it enables people to regain perspective. This is what Lil Wayne did today. As clarity reduces the possibility that others will misinterpret findings.
Net worth and Hip-hop
When considering an artist’s status, one of the most frequently discussed topics is their net worth, which is often used to determine their success. Those who dominate the headlines regarding net worth and status in the hip-hop community are Kanye West, P. Diddy, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and Master P. Invariably; this is how outsiders measure these artists’ worth in the industry: through a volleying of the ideologies of wealth, success, and enterprise.
Hip Hop Heavy Hitters
Many articles have recently examined how hip-hop moguls’ net worth has risen and fallen. Jay-Z recently made headlines for entering new strata based on his net worth, putting him in line as one of the wealthiest people on the planet. While Kayne reportedly fell from his position in the ranking because of many events in his life. It has caused many to ask how? How can so much wealth be lost and gained overnight, and how can so much be gained? It makes one wonder if the information is accurate.
Lil Wayne Gets Real
Lil Wayne has clarified that people cannot believe everything they come across. Why? Besides the obvious reasons, realistically, net worth does not equivocate to cash on hand. As Wayne says in his interviews,
“When you go check a Muthaf****’ s net worth, that s*** be saying some crazy numbers, I don’t have a cent close to that s***”
For sure, such a statement may leave many shaking their heads and questioning, but how?
Wayne Highlights the Importance of Fiscal Knowledge
This is something that is best answered by a course in financial literacy. However, a person’s net worth includes all their assets, and not all of those assets are liquid. That means they cannot be easily converted into cash. As the Cambridge Dictionary notes,
“liquidity refers to the fact of being available as money rather than investments or property or of being able to be changed into money easily.
While a person may have an astronomical net worth on paper, it doesn’t mean they are highly liquid. Wayne explained,
“Yeah, I don’t have that, but I guess they be meaning that’s what I’m worth?”
That is true. And that is misleading for many people.
Conclusion
Because so many are prone to assuming everything at face value, greater knowledge impartation is necessary. For a society to grow, knowledge must be revealed and applied. Those who listened to Wayne on Culture of Millennials, if attentive, learned something new. Although clarifying what is valid and what isn’t is unnecessary, it helps others become more cognizant of what they choose to believe in the future.
Birdman. Image source: Matt Winkelmeyer, Getty Images for BET.
Birdman still wants his respect. He says on Instagram that executives should be recognized too.
“Im confused about 50 yrs of hip hop where they salute legendary artists which is well respeked. Also I think CEOs who kept these artists alive to be great showed them how to keep hip hop alive should be saluted in a major way.”
Cash Money/Young Money
A few people agreed with the Cash Money boss, including Quality Control CEO “P” and Snoop Dogg, highlighting that Birdman and his brother Slim put in the work.
You do have to admit that Birdman and Slim put together a label that ran in the late 90s and early 2000s. The label had Lil Wayne, who had the game in the palm of his hands for years.
Ultimately, he paved the way for Drake and Nicki Minaj to be the stars that they are. Birdman has seen a lot of success with these three artists alone.
Here’s our list of the top 10 Hip-Hop Record Label CEOs. What are your thoughts? pic.twitter.com/8hwdogebgK
Labels have always impacted Hip Hop immensely; therefore, Stunna does have a point. Cash Money/Young Money shifted the culture more than a few times.
The popular financial podcast Earn Your Leisure released its list of top ten CEOs in Hip Hop history. Birdman is at the top of their CEO list. Next are Diddy, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Russell Simmons, Master P, LA Reid, Dame Dash, Jermaine Dupri, and Suge Knight. The Cash Money boss saw the list and said “P” from Quality Control should also be on the list.
“P from @QC should be 2nd no doubt noshade jus being real gangsta CMRG.”
Birdman’s Innstagram post screenshot. Image source: Instagram.
It looks like Birdman has liked this list since being number one, but there’s no doubt he still wants that official list from Billboard.
B.G. Almost Home
Just last week, the Cash Money CEO gave an update on rapper B.G. as he is serving time behind bars. Birdman took to Instagram to post the picture of his friend with the caption, “Be home in a minute.” B.G. ‘s scheduled release is for April of 2024, but Stunna has been hinting at an early release for a while.
Billboard’s selection of the top 50 Rappers has caused quite a stir. Given Melle Mel’s current stream of public statements, he agrees on little regarding the ranking. Mel Melle is now headlining for his sentiments on Lil Wayne’s Billboard rankings.
Melle Mel’s Previous Argument
March 7 FM Hip Hop provided coverage of Fat Joe’s and Papoose’s response to Melle Mel’s feelings about Eminem being in the top five of Billboard’s top 50 rappers. Eminem was not the only one with whom Melle Mel had a problem. He seems also to take issue with Lil Wayne.
The Art of Dialogue Hosts Melle Mel
The Hip Hop forerunner(Melle Mel) appeared on a March 3 episode of the Art of Dialogue. During his interview, talks steered back towards the Billboard list. During the convo, Mel spoke on recent comments made by Lil Wayne, who took the number seven spot on the list.
Wayne also addressed the ranking recently. According to Wayne, he deserves the #1 spot. In the words of Lil Wayne,
“I will tell you that I am a mutha f***** one. Everybody whose names you named also knows I’m number one. Go ask ’em.”
That is a pretty bold statement. However, it was all in good humor. According to Wayne’s earlier statement, this is about creativity and artistry, not competition.
Mel’s Response to Wayne
While those listed before Wayne have yet to issue a response, more specifically, a reaction to Wayne’s placement, Melle Mel has. Melle Mel has clearly indicated he doesn’t think Wayne should even be on the list, let alone number one. Mel told Art of Dialogue listeners.
“If you have five capable so-called great rappers on a panel, I guarantee you Lil Wayne would not be no.1.” That’s a cold statement.
Lil Wayne, the Record Breaker
Wayne is a clear success. Just like Eminem has proved this. And the fans love him, and they see greatness in him. According to Hip Hop Scriptures, Wayne showed greatness straight out of the gate. Hip Hop Scriptures notes, even Wayne’s Debut Album “The Block is Hot” went double platinum after its release.
In 2011, Wayne started making a name for himself as the record breaker. According to Billboard,
“On September 17, 2011, Wayne did something no solo artist had done before. That week, he notched 12 concurrent singles on the Billboard Hot 100 — the single-most songs on the chart simultaneously by a solo act. Only the Beatles have had more singles on the chart simultaneously.”
In 2012, Wayne broke a record that the King of Rock and roll, Elvis Presley, set. And that is only a tiny snippet of Lil Wayne’s achievement.
What is Mel’s Argument
Mel’s big point of contention was that Wayne couldn’t be at the top because he uses auto tune. In Mel’s words,
“Lil Wayne’s rap skills are questionable because people don’t even know his real voice.”
Without a doubt, that is an interesting point to make. Does using auto tune exclude someone from being a rapper or even being seen as one of the best? That is the question.
Not a Good Look for Melle Mel
For many, these sentiments are coming off as mad rants. Mel came in at number 48, which makes it appear that his perspective is shadowed by a bit of jealousy. Is this the case? Well, that, too, is arguable. Mel’s sense of distaste stems more from the source of the list. He outright discredits Billboard’s credibility. In his sentiments, the idea that there are even 50 great emcees is ludicrous. And there is no denying he does have some valid points. But one can’t help but wonder, If Mel had made it in the top five, would this conversation be headlining news? Would this conversation even exist?
The Facts Please
There is plenty of support to prove that these artists have earned their spots as Billboard determines it. Of course, not everyone will agree with the ranking, but Billboard has specific criteria they used for their selection. Other than containing the set to a particular geographical location, the other factors of selection included:
body of work/achievements (charted singles/albums, gold/platinum certifications), cultural impact/influence (how the artist’s work fostered the genre’s evolution), longevity (years at the mic), lyrics (storytelling skills) and flow (vocal prowess).
This information was collected from existing data and more tangible factors the organization has accrued.
Everyone has their own preferences. And everyone may disagree based on their proscribed determinants.
The Bigger Question
Eminem and Lil Wayne haven’t been the only targets. Mel had a little something to say about Kendrick Lamar as well. While the focus has mostly been on who Mel believes shouldn’t be on the list, we do have an idea of who he thinks should be, and Busta Rhymes got a mention. For now, one simply has to look at Mel’s perspectives as that. He has a history in the industry, he’s an icon, and he’s got a right to his opinion.
Early November always excites American sports fans. The culmination of the World Series, coupled with the NBA and NHL going into full swing, makes it a fun time for many. However, eclipsing all of that is football. Fans watch as their favorite teams go into a make-or-break mentality. Often disappointment is the result. Even successful musicians find pain in an underperforming team. Lil Wayne experienced this feeling recently. Wayne, a noted sports fanatic, took to Twitter in order to vent frustrations regarding the current Green Bay Packers season. His frustrations aimed squarely ar quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Wayne wasted no time letting the four time MVP and Super Bowl champion know his feeling about his latest performances. Lil Wayne tweeted, “RIP to the season we should’ve gotten rid of 12 [Rodger’s jersey number] before the season.”
Packers Disappoint Wayne
This sentiment is one common among Green Bay fans as the historic team continues to struggle well into the season. Currently they sit at a fifth straight loss, made even worse by the fact that it came from perennial NFL also-ran team the Detroit Lions. Wayne’s love of the team is well documented, even finding its way into his music. As such his strong feelings should come as no shock. The feeling of loss presumably hit harder after another one of Lil Wayne’s football sqauds, the LSU Tigers, won a nailbiter upset victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide. The rapper also took to Twitter to share his elation over the Tiger’s victory.
Lil Wayne’s Long Love of Sports
To some Wayne’s sports affiliations may seem odd, but the rapper has long rallied behind teams of every sport. In the past Wayne cited the Boston Red Sox, Las Angeles Lakers, and of course the Green Bay Packers. Wayne’s intense love of sports is well known among many of his fans. The intensity of Wayne’s passion for sports plays a large role in his massive popularity. Few industries are bigger in America than high-level sports, either on the professional or collegiate level. As such Wayne’s passion for his teams is something many relate to. His celebrations upon their victory and his hatred of underperformance are not tempered by his celebrity. It reminds many of their own friends and relatives, making his actions and music both comforting and relatble to many. Conscious of it or not his sporting love is a large factor in his prolonged success.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 20: Jadakiss attends the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 20, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Nas and Hit-Boy are dropping King’s Disease III soon and we can’t wait! Series in hip hop are almost absolute. A lot of rappers have done sequels, prequels, and trilogies. For example, Yo Gotti has made 10 Cocaine Muzik projects! Series can be sometimes like a stamp for a rapper. It’s like this is what they are known for. Let’s take a look at the best project series in rap history.
10. French Montana- Mac & Cheese
In April of 2009, French Montana dropped his mixtape, Mac Wit Da Cheese. Hosted by Big Mike, the Bronx rapper took off with this one. Already being linked to Harlem rapper Max B, French featured him on a couple songs off this project along with Gucci Mane, Beanie Sigel, and Jadakiss. The following year, he dropped Mac & Cheese 2 where he went off prominent beats such as “Maybach Music” and “In the Paint”. Two years later, in 2012, Montana comes with Mac & Cheese 3. This might have been the biggest tape out of the series, as it went Diamond after achieving 1 million downloads! It has a star studded lineup with the likes of Future, Chinx Drugz, Mase, Wale, J.Cole, Rick Ross, and Fabolous. French took a hiatus from his Mac & Cheese series but came back in 2015 for MC4. French also tapped on a bunch of his friends for the tape as well, with Drake, Jeezy, Ye, Kodak Black, and Nas making appearances.
9. Migos- Culture
Migos started their Culture albums in 2017. Culture was the second official album by the Atlanta trio. “Bad and Boujee” & “T-Shirt” were the lead singles for the album. This was the first Migos album to be number one on both Billboard 200 and top of the US R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart. The album went platinum and was Grammy nominated. Exactly 364 days later, the trio drops Culture II. Migos dropped a double album with this one and was executive produced by Quavo. The album went number one again with guest appearances from Drake, 2 Chainz, Nick Minaj, and Cardi B to name a few. After 3 years, the trio put out Culture III. It was received well and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. NBA Youngboy, Drake, and Cardi B all have verses on this third installment.
The Mixtape About Nothing was the first installment of Wale’sSeinfeld themed mixtapes. Wale found a love for the classic sitcom, Seinfeld and claims he has seen every episode. He samples skits from the show throughout the mixtape. Released early in his career, he managed to get feature verses from The Roots, Bun B, Pusha T, and Lil Wayne. Two years later, in 2010, Wale releases the mixtape, More About Nothing with more Seinfeld references. The D.C. rapper’s third installment of this series turned out to be an album. After recording it for 2 years with the help of Jerry Seinfeld himself, in 2015 Wale dropped The Album About Nothing. The album features Jerry Seinfeld, Jeremih, Usher, SZA, and J.Cole. It debuted at number one, selling 100,000 copies the first week!
7. Yo Gotti- Cocaine Muzik
Yo Gotti has 11 albums, 22 mixtapes, and a slew of singles. His series, Cocaine Muzik is what he became famous for. He started with Cocaine Muzik in 2008 and just ended with CM10: Free Game earlier this year. Gotti is now retired since dropping his latest installment. After dropping the first one in 2008, the Memphis artist dropped Cocaine Muzik 2 and 3 in 2009. In 2010, he released Cocaine Muzik 4, Cocaine Muzik 4.5: Da Documentary, and Cocaine Muzik 5: White Friday. Cocaine Muzik 6: Gangster of the Year came out in 2011 and Cocaine Muzik 7: The World Is Yours was released in 2012. Gotti took a 3-year break and released Cocaine Muzik 8: Any Hood America in 2015 followed by White Friday (CM9) the following year. Clearly, Cocaine Muzik is Gotti’s stamp!
Draymond Green ended his availability shouting out Young Dolph and Memphis rap music. The Warriors played three Dolph songs during practice and Green said it’s by design to play local music on a trip.
Meek Mill started his Dreamchasers series in 2011 after signing to Maybach Music. Hits like “House Party”, “Ima Boss” and “Tony Story” made the mixtape popular. Rick Ross, Beanie Sigel, Young Chris, and Yo Gotti make the tape. Less than a year later, the Philadelphia rapper put out Dreamchasers 2, which might be the most popular of them all. It was downloaded over 2 million times in one day causing DatPiff to crash. The star-studded track list includes Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, and Fabolous to name a few. Dreamchasers 3 came a year later in 2013 and featured the likes of Travis Scott, Diddy, Nicki Minaj, Fabolous, and Jadakiss. Like Wale and Yo Gotti, Meek Mill’s last installment of his mixtape series turned into an album. In 2016, the album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart. Tory Lanez, Lil Uzi Vert, and Quavo are some of the artists to have guest verses.
5. Jadakiss- The Champ Is Here
Jadakiss dropped his first official mixtape in 2004, The Champ Is Here. Five years later, he dropped Kiss My Ass: The Champ Is Here Part 2. The Yonkers rapper has always produced great mixtapes for the streets and his true fans. Part 2 of the series includes fan favorites like “Big Dog Status” and “Letter to Big”. For the last installment, he grabbed DJ Drama for a Gangsta Grillz production. Jadakiss flourishes over hit instrumentals like “Somehow Some Way” and “Who Shot Ya” on The Champ Is Here 3. Nicki Minaj and his fellow D-Block members are featured on this tape.
In 2011, Fabolous dropped the first of three S.O.U.L. tapes. Fans loved it instantly as the Young OG rapped over hit songs like “In The Morning” and “Phone Numbers”. He called on Lil Wayne, Trey Songz, and Red Café for features. The next year, he dropped the much aniticipated follow up, The S.O.U.L. Tape 2. He certainly didn’t disappoint again with features from J.Cole, Wale, Pusha T, and Joe Budden to name a few. Fab didn’t wait again as he delivered The S.O.U.L. Tape 3 in 2013, this time on Christmas Day. The third installment birthed hits like “Cuffin Season”, “Thim Slick”, and “Situationships”.
3. Young Jeezy- Trap or Die
Back when he still had the Young in front of his name, Jeezy had the streets going crazy with his Trap or Die mixtape. He linked with DJ Drama and the two made history. Five years later, in 2010, the Snowman linked with Don Cannon forTrap or Die 2. Fans loved this follow up as it has hits like “Lose My Mind”, “Grape”, and “Camaro”. After a six-year hiatus, Jeezy continued his Trap or Die series with Trap or Die 3. It was turned into an album and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
Lil Wayne is truly a mixtape king! In 2005, he linked with DJ Drama as they started theirDedication series. Wayne rapped over hit songs, old beats, and original sounds. The industry was already on Wayne, but he reached another level of fame when he dropped Dedication. After Dedication 2, he had the game in his hands. From 2005-2017, Drama and Wayne gave us 6 Dedication mixtapes. I think it’s safe to say Dedication 2 will forever be a staple in hip hop.
1. Jay-Z – The Blueprint
On a tragic day in American History, arguably the greatest rapper dropped one of the greatest music albums of all time. Jay-Z dropped The Blueprint on September 11, 2001. Jay-Z went solo on all the songs, except for one. Eminem helped him out on “Renegade” while Kanye West introduced himself as an amazing producer alongside Just Blaze. This was the fourth number one album for the Brooklyn rapper. The next year, he released The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse. This album was a double album! Disc one was The Gift and disc two was The Curse. Jay-Z went number one again and the album was 3x platinum. Seven years later, he comes back with The Blueprint 3! Another number one album for Hov as he makes several hits for this album. Songs included were, “D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune), “Run This Town”, and “Empire State of Mind”. The Blueprint still can be played 20 years later!
21 years ago today JAY-Z released his sixth studio album “The Blueprint” featuring “Izzo (H.O.V.A.),” “Song Cry,” & more. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 selling 427,000 copies first week and is certified 2x platinum. pic.twitter.com/xpT5ehvKet
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 08: (Editorial Use Only) Cardi B performs on the main stage during Wireless Festival at Finsbury Park on July 08, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)
Cardi B just got some new ink, and she’s been showing it off to the world. The Bronx artist revealed her fresh tattoos via Instagram Live. She tatted the names of her children, Kulture and Wave, on her face. Cardi has her son, Wave, on the side of of it in red ink. Kulture’s name is tattooed on her arm in a similar fashion. It’s funny because last year the 29-year-old rapper was grateful that she never got a face tattoo as a teenager. Then, earlier this year, she hinted at getting a face tattoo on Twitter. I guess the birth of her son changed her mind. Tattoo artist, Robinson De Los Santos did the work.
As we all know, Cardi is no stranger to getting tattoos. She has a name tattoo of her husband, Offset, on the back of her thigh. She also has a name tattoo of her sister, Hennessey, on her bicep. These are just some of the many tattoos she has. In hip-hop, tattoos on faces are a thing and have been for a while. From Gucci Mane and Lil Wayne to Lil Uzi Vert and Trippie Redd many artists have tattoos on their face. Drake has even joined the club. Celebrity tattoo artist Noah Lee did the honors. Just like Cardi, the 6 God honored someone near and dear to him. He got the initials “s.g” under his eye in red ink as well. S.G. stands for Sandra Graham, who is his mother.
Trendsetter
Cardi B is a trendsetter, so I expect more women to follow suit in getting their faces tatted. She also may make Duck nails a thing again. The nails started trending on TikTok again recently and Cardi B has been involved. Last week, the Grammy winning artist took to Instagram to show off her new nails. She displayed French tips with cherry decals and red gems. Also called “Jersey nails,” Cardi has elevated the craze of Duck nails. We will be seeing Duck nails and face tattoos everywhere now.
