Lil Wayne

Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. was born on September{{spaces}}27, 1982, and spent his first few years in the impoverished Hollygrove neighborhood of Uptown New Orleans, Louisiana's 17th Ward.{{cite web|last=Jeffries|first=David|title=Lil Wayne – Biography|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p384397|pure_url=yes}}|publisher=AllMusic|year=2010|access-date=June 18, 2010}} His mother, a cook, gave birth to him when she was 19 years old. His parents divorced when he was two and his father permanently abandoned the family. In a 2009 interview, CBS News anchor Katie Couric asked the rapper why he used the name Wayne instead of his given name. Carter replied, "I’ll tell you why I dropped the D right here on TV. I dropped the D because I am a junior. My father, he’s livin', and he is not in my life and he’s never been in my life. So I don't wanna be Dwayne. I’d rather be Wayne.” Couric asked if his father knew that, and Carter, chuckling, said, “He knows it now.”{{cite news|last=Couric|first=Katie|author-link=Katie Couric|date=February 4, 2009|title="All Access:" Lil' Wayne|publisher=CBS News|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/all-access-lil-wayne/|access-date=February 7, 2009}} Carter has said that he considers his deceased stepfather Reginald "Rabbit" McDonald to be his real father. Carter has a tattoo dedicated to McDonald.{{cite news|date=October 28, 2011|title=Lil Wayne on his Biological Father: 'He Don't Give A Sh*t About Me & I Don't Give A Sh*t About Him'|website=Hot107.9|url=http://hotspotatl.com/2599792/lil-wayne-on-his-biological-father-he-dont-give-a-sht-about-me-i-dont-give-a-sht-about-him/|access-date=March 16, 2013}}

Carter was enrolled in the gifted program at Lafayette Elementary School. He later attended Eleanor McMain Secondary School for two years, where he was an honor student and a member of the drama club, playing the Tin Man in the school's production of The Wiz.{{cite magazine|last=Tyrangiel|first=Josh|date=July 3, 2008|title=Lil Wayne: The Best Rapper Alive|magazine=Time|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1820148,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704172726/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1820148,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 4, 2008|access-date=November 17, 2008}}{{cite magazine|last=Hoard|first=Christian|date=May 1, 2008|title=Best MC: Lil Wayne|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/20274122/best_mc_lil_wayne/print|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506084617/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/20274122/best_mc_lil_wayne/print|archive-date=May 6, 2008|url-status=dead|magazine=Rolling Stone}}{{cite news|first1=Maria C.|last1=Montoya|first2=Keith|last2=Spera|url=http://www.nola.com/music/index.ssf/2008/02/lil_wayne_goes_back_to_school.html|title=Lil Wayne goes back to school|newspaper=New Orleans Times Picayune|date=February 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018122119/http://www.nola.com/music/index.ssf/2008/02/lil_wayne_goes_back_to_school.html|archive-date=October 18, 2012|access-date=March 16, 2013}} Despite matriculating to Marion Abramson Senior High School, Carter left during his tenth grade year to pursue a GED. Carter’s mother made the decision to remove him from school for his safety. At 15, Carter was already finding success in the music industry; his mother decided he needed to leave high school after discovering the gun he packed in his school bag for protection.{{Cite web |last=Crabtree |first=Erin |date=2022-03-24 |title=Stars Who Never Graduated High School: Jennifer Lawrence, More |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/stars-who-never-graduated-high-school/# |access-date=2025-02-15 |website=Us Weekly |language=en-US}}

Carter wrote his first rap song at age eight.{{cite news|date=May 31, 2006|title=Lil' Wayne wants respect for Southern rap|website=Today.com|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/lil-wayne-wants-respect-southern-rap-wbna12992671|access-date=February 7, 2009}} In the summer of 1991, he met rapper and Cash Money Records co-founder Bryan "Baby" Williams (known currently as Birdman), who mentored him and encouraged his love of hip-hop; Birdman included Carter on several Cash Money tracks, and he (in return) would often record freestyle raps on Williams' answering machine.{{cite magazine|last=Frere-Jones|first=Sasha|title=High and Mighty|url=https://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/musical/2007/08/13/070813crmu_music_frerejones?currentPage=all|magazine=The New Yorker|date=August 13, 2007|access-date=March 28, 2008|archive-date=April 3, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403211750/http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/musical/2007/08/13/070813crmu_music_frerejones?currentPage=all|url-status=dead}}

In 1994, at age 12, Carter suffered a near-fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.{{cite news|last=Vargas|first=Ramon Antonio|date=April 9, 2009|title=Lil Wayne saved by alert off-duty cop|newspaper=New Orleans Times-Picayune|url=http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2009/04/how_a_big_cop_saved_a_young_li.html|access-date=April 24, 2011}} At the time, he said the injury was accidental. However, in September 2018, Carter claimed in interviews that it was an attempted suicide after he was told by his mother that he would have to end his rap-related associations.{{Cite news|title=Lil Wayne tells 'Billboard': I attempted suicide at 12 years old|work=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2018/09/13/lil-wayne-reveals-he-attempted-suicide-12/1296868002/|date=September 13, 2018|access-date=September 19, 2018}} Carter credits off-duty police officer Robert Hoobler (1956–2022),{{Cite magazine |last=Mamo |first=Heran |date=2022-07-25 |title=Lil Wayne Mourns 'Uncle Bob,' Former Cop Who Saved Rapper's Life Following Suicide Attempt |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/lil-wayne-mourns-uncle-bob-saved-rappers-life-following-suicide-attempt-1235117716/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Lil Wayne Pays Tribute to New Orleans Cop Who Saved His Life as a Child: 'Refused to Let Me Die' |url=https://people.com/music/lil-wayne-pays-tribute-new-orleans-cop-who-saved-his-life-as-a-child/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=People.com |language=en}} who he calls "Uncle Bob", with saving his life by insisting the dying child be driven immediately to hospital in a police car rather than waiting for an ambulance to become available.{{cite web|last=Scott|first=Katie|date=October 13, 2016|title=Lil Wayne clarifies what he meant by saying there's 'no such thing as racism'|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/3000598/lil-wayne-clarifies-what-he-meant-by-saying-theres-no-such-thing-as-racism/|access-date=August 5, 2020|website=Global News}} Other accounts indicate that several officers played a part in deciding on and implementing that course of action.

After recovering from his self-inflicted gunshot wound, Carter linked with Christopher Dorsey, a local New Orleans rapper known as B.G., his longtime friend, future Cash Money labelmate and Hot Boys bandmate. They would later form their duo, the B.G.'z, with B.G. being named "Lil Doogie" and Carter being "Baby D".{{Cite web |date=2011-06-30 |title=FACT OF THE DAY: Lil Wayne & B.G. Were Once A Group Called The B.G.'Z |url=https://foxync.com/2391162/fact-of-the-day-lil-wayne-b-g-was-once-a-group-called-the-b-g-z/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Foxy 107.1-104.3 |language=en-US}} They only released one album under the group name, True Story (1995).

In 1997, Carter and Dorsey then joined the hip-hop quartet, the Hot Boys, along with rappers and labelmates, Juvenile, and Turk. Having joined at age 14, Carter was the youngest member at the time. Hot Boys' debut album, Get It How U Live!, was released the same year, followed in 1999 by the group's major-label debut Guerrilla Warfare, which respectively reached number one on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number five on the Billboard 200. During their career, the Hot Boys had two charting singles, "We on Fire" from Get It How U Live! and "I Need a Hot Girl" from Guerrilla Warfare.{{cite web|title=The Hot Boys – Billboard Singles|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p278459|pure_url=yes}}|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=September 13, 2008}} The group shared a track, "Bling Bling", alongside another Cash Money group, duo Big Tymers (consisting of Birdman and producer Mannie Fresh). Carter's verse appeared only on the radio version of the song, while on the album version he performed on the chorus. "Bling Bling" appeared on Hot Boys member B.G.'s solo album, Chopper City in the Ghetto, released in April 1999.{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Alyson |date=2024-04-20 |title='Bling Bling': How B.G.'s 'Chopper City In The Ghetto' Became Famous |url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/b-g-chopper-city-in-the-ghetto-bling-bling-feature/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=uDiscover Music |language=en-US}} Carter was also featured on Juvenile's single "Back That Azz Up", which reached number eighteen on the Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks.[{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p92107|pure_url=yes}} Juvenile – Billboard Singles]. AllMusic

Let 'Em Burn, a compilation album of unreleased tracks recorded by the quartet during 1998 and 2000, was released in March 2003, several years after the group disbanded.{{cite web|last=Birchmeier|first=Jason|title=Let 'Em Burn – Overview |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r633952|pure_url=yes}}|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=September 13, 2008}} It reached number three on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, but underperformed on the Billboard 200 at number fourteen.{{cite web|title=The Hot Boys – Billboard Albums|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p278459|pure_url=yes}}|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=September 13, 2008}}

Carter's debut solo album, Tha Block Is Hot, was released on November 2, 1999, when he was 17 and featured significant contributions from the Hot Boys. It debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and was later certified platinum by the RIAA in December 1999, less than a month after its release.{{cite web |title=Complete Lil Wayne Discography (Mixtapes, Albums, Singles, and Features) – Tea & Weed |url=https://teaandweed.com/lil-wayne-discography-mixtapes-albums-singles-and-features/#tha-block-is-hot |access-date=March 14, 2022 |website=teaandweed.com|date=January 8, 2021 }} The album earned Carter a 1999 Source magazine nomination for "Best New Artist",{{cite web|title=Lil Wayne – Tha Carter II|url=http://www.lilwayne-online.com/bio.asp|publisher=Cash Money Records|year=2005|access-date=March 29, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080322174356/http://www.lilwayne-online.com/bio.asp |archive-date = March 22, 2008}} and also became a Top Ten hit. The lead single was the album's title track, which its chorus was performed 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 the level of success achieved by his debut, but was certified gold by RIAA in June 2001, nearly six months after its release.{{cite web|title=Gold and Platinum – Lil Wayne|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Lil%20wayne&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2010&sort=CertificationDate&perPage=50|publisher=Recording Industry Association of America|access-date=June 18, 2010}} Critics noted the lack of coherent narratives in his verses as evidence that he had yet to mature to the level of his fellow Hot Boys.{{cite web|last=Juon|first=Steve|title=Lil Wayne – "Lights Out"|url=http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2001_01_lightsout.html |work=RapReviews.com|date=January 6, 2001|access-date=April 15, 2008}} The lead single was "Get Off the Corner", which was noticed for an improvement in its lyrical content and style. The second single, which received less attention, was "Shine" featuring the Hot Boys. Near the release of Lights Out, Carter was featured on the single, "Number One Stunna" with Big Tymers and Juvenile, which peaked at number 24 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart. The track, originally featured on Big Tymers' I Got That Work, would be used for the Spike Lee-directed comedy film, The Original Kings of Comedy.

Carter's third album, 500 Degreez, was released in August 2002. It followed the format of his previous two, with significant contributions from the Hot Boys and Mannie Fresh. While being certified gold like its predecessor, it also failed to match the success of his debut. The title was a reference to the recently estranged Hot Boys member Juvenile's debut solo studio album, 400 Degreez (1998).{{cite web|last=Bush|first=John|title="500 Degreez" – Overview|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r597992|pure_url=yes}}|publisher=AllMusic|year=2002|access-date=April 20, 2008}}{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|title=For Lil' Wayne, Bling Bling Still A 'Way Of Life'|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1453944/05132002/lil_wayne.jhtml|publisher=MTV News|date=May 14, 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021104053834/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1453944/05132002/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-date=November 4, 2002|access-date=June 29, 2024|url-status=dead}} Its lead single was "Way of Life", featuring Birdman and singer TQ with narration by its producer, Mannie Fresh; it reached number 71 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 23 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/lil-wayne/chart-history/|title=Chart History: Lil Wayne|publisher=Billboard|access-date=June 29, 2024}} The single featured a sample of Tupac Shakur's diss track towards 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 failure, John Bush of AllMusic praised 500 Degreez, while calling "Way of Life" an "infectious party hit". After the release of 500 Degreez, Carter was featured on the single "Neva Get Enuf" by 3LW, and later appeared on his future girlfriend, singer Nivea's single, "Ya Ya Ya".{{cite news|last=Moss|first=Corey|title=Remaining 3LW Pair Too Busy To Hold Auditions For New Member|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1457967/20021004/3lw.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021017212936/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1457967/20021004/3lw.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 17, 2002|publisher=MTV News|date=October 4, 2002|access-date=April 20, 2008}}

On June 29, 2004, Carter's fourth studio album, Tha Carter, was released, marking what critics considered advancement in his rapping style and lyrical themes.{{cite web|last=Kellman|first=Andy|title=Tha Carter > Overview|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r694680|pure_url=yes}}|publisher=AllMusic|date=June 29, 2004|access-date=September 13, 2008}}{{cite magazine|last=Hoard|first=Christian|title=Lil Wayne: Tha Carter|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/lilwayne/albums/album/6041342/review/6294718/tha_carter|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=August 5, 2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071113085401/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/lilwayne/albums/album/6041342/review/6294718/tha_carter|archive-date=November 13, 2007}} In addition, the album's cover art featured the debut of Wayne's now-signature dreadlocks. Tha Carter gained Wayne significant recognition, selling 878,000 copies in the United States, while the single "Go DJ" became a top five hit on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.{{cite magazine|last=Hope|first=Clover|title=Lil Wayne Nabs Kurupt, Lil' Mo For New CD|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/60816/lil-wayne-nabs-kurupt-lil-mo-for-new-cd|magazine=Billboard|date=November 3, 2005}} After the release of Tha Carter, Lil Wayne was featured on Destiny's Child's single "Soldier" alongside Atlanta rapper T.I., which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.{{cite web|title=Destiny's Child – Billboard Singles|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p278369|pure_url=yes}}|publisher=AllMusic|year=2006|access-date=March 28, 2008}}

In 2005, Carter appeared on a remix of singer Bobby Valentino's "Tell Me", which rose to number thirteen on the U.S. Hot R&B Songs chart. That same year, Carter was named the president of Cash Money Records, but was later granted his own label; he founded Young Money Entertainment as an imprint of Cash Money and Universal Music Group.{{cite web |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |date=July 24, 2006 |title=Lil Wayne: Lil Big Man |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/l/lil_wayne/qa_feature_072406/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026041154/http://www.mtv.com/bands/l/lil_wayne/qa_feature_072406/ |archive-date=October 26, 2006 |access-date=April 22, 2011 |publisher=MTV News}} However, as of late 2007, Carter reported having stepped down from the management of both labels and handed management of Young Money over to his longtime manager, Cortez Bryant.{{cite web |last=Checkoway |first=Laura |date=October 2, 2007 |title=Weezy F. Baby: Uncut |url=http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2007/10/lil_wayne_excerpts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611145950/http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2007/10/lil_wayne_excerpts/ |archive-date=June 11, 2008 |work=Vibe}}

Tha Carter II, the sequel to 2004's Tha Carter, was released on December 6, 2005. Mannie Fresh was not involved in the production of the album, as he had left the label prior, due to financial issues.{{Cite web |last=Rys |first=Dan |date=2015-03-30 |title=The History of Cash Money's Internal Beefs Through the Years - XXL |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/cash-money-internal-beef-history/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=XXL Mag |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=In Mannie Fresh's 2005 Cover Story, The Super-Producer Finds Freedom After Cash Money |url=https://www.thefader.com/2015/09/18/mannie-fresh-2005-cover-story |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=The FADER |language=en}} Tha Carter II sold more than 238,000 copies in its first week of release, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200; the album went on to sell two million copies worldwide. The lead single, "Fireman", became a hit in the U.S., peaking at 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Other singles included "Grown Man" with Currensy, "Hustler Musik", and "Shooter" with R&B singer Robin Thicke.

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

File:LIL' WAYNE.jpg

Instead of a follow-up solo album, Carter began to reach his audience through a plethora of mixtapes and guest appearances on a variety of pop, R&B and hip hop singles. Of his many mixtapes, Dedication 2 and Da Drought 3 received the most media exposure and critical review. Dedication 2, released in 2006, paired Carter with DJ Drama and contained the acclaimed socially conscious track, "Georgia Bush", a remix of Field Mob and Ludacris' "Georgia", in which Carter critiqued former U.S. president George W. Bush's response to the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the city of New Orleans. Da Drought 3 was released the following year and was available for free legal download. It contained Carter rapping over a variety of beats from recent hits by other musicians. A number of prominent hip hop magazines such as XXL{{cite web|last=Hope|first=Clover|title=Lil Wayne: Last Time I Checked|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=16889|work=XXL|date=December 3, 2007}} and Vibe{{cite web |last=Checkoway |first=Laura |date=November 2007 |title=The Art of Storytelling |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mSYEAAAAMBAJ |work=Vibe |pages=116–123 |volume=15 |issue=11}} covered the mixtape. Christian Hoard of Rolling Stone magazine considered the mixtapes Da Drought 3 and The Drought Is Over 2 (The Carter 3 Sessions) "among the best albums of 2007".{{cite magazine|last=Hoard|first=Christian|title=Best MC: Lil Wayne|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/20274122/best_mc_lil_wayne/print|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=May 1, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506084617/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/20274122/best_mc_lil_wayne/print|archive-date=May 6, 2008}}

Despite no album release for two years, Carter appeared in numerous singles as a featured performer, including in 2006 with the remix to "Gimme That" by Chris Brown, "Make It Rain" by Fat Joe and "You" by Lloyd, and in 2007 with "We Takin' Over" by DJ Khaled (also featuring Akon, T.I., Rick Ross, Fat Joe, and Birdman), "Duffle Bag Boy" by Playaz Circle, "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)" by Wyclef Jean (also featuring Akon), and the remix to "I'm So Hood" by DJ Khaled (also featuring T-Pain, Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Fat Joe, Birdman, and Rick Ross). All these singles charted within the top 20 spots on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Rap Tracks, and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. On Birdman's 2007 album, 5 * Stunna, Carter appeared on the singles "100 Million" and "I Run This" among several other tracks. Carter also 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 It Rain" (2006), a Scott Storch production that peaked at number thirteen on the Hot 100 and number two on the Hot Rap Tracks chart,{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r930481|pure_url=yes}}|title=Me, Myself and I – Charts & Awards – Billboard Singles|year=2006|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=February 5, 2009}} was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for 2008.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1567466_20010832_20164511,00.html|title=The Grammy Nominees Are...|date=December 5, 2007|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=February 5, 2009|archive-date=January 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125140302/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1567466_20010832_20164511,00.html|url-status=dead}}

Vibe magazine ranked a list of 77 of Lil Wayne's songs from 2007 and ranked his verse in DJ Khaled's "We Takin Over" as his best of 2007, with "Dough Is What I Got" (a freestyle over the beat of Jay-Z's "Show Me What You Got") from Da Drought 3. At the end of 2007, an MTV poll selected Lil Wayne as "Hottest MC in the Game",{{cite web|title=Lil Wayne – Can't Front on Fire |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/h/hip_hop_week/2007/hottest/index12.jhtml |publisher=MTV News |year=2007 |access-date=March 28, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080316054025/http://www.mtv.com/bands/h/hip_hop_week/2007/hottest/index12.jhtml |archive-date=March 16, 2008 }} The New Yorker magazine ranked him "Rapper of the Year", and GQ magazine named him "Workaholic of the Year".{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1574723&pid=2674268 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104121240/http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1574723&pid=2674268 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 4, 2009 |title=Lil Wayne: Workaholic of the year |publisher=MTV |access-date=May 22, 2011}} In 2008, he was named "Best MC" by Rolling Stone. Another article, built around Lil Wayne's 2007 mixtape work, cites his creative practice as an example of post-performance creative practice.{{cite journal|first=Matthew D. |last=Thibeault |url=https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/handle/2142/43341 |title="Hip-Hop, Digital Media, and the Changing Face of Music Education". General Music Today. October 2010 24: 46–49|journal=General Music Today |year=2010 |volume=24 |issue=1 |doi=10.1177/1048371310379097 |publisher=Gmt.sagepub.com |s2cid=145580033 |access-date=October 26, 2010 | issn = 2752-7646}}

File:Lil Wayne (cropped).jpg in Vancouver, Canada, January 2009|left]]

In 2007, Carter stated that he would reunite with Hot Boys, with plans to release an album after B.G.'s solo album Too Hood to Be Hollywood was completed.{{cite web|author=Jason|title=Turk Confirms Hot Boys Reunion From Behind Bars|url=http://www.rapbasement.com/news/lil-wayne/turk-confirms-hot-boys-reunion-from-behind-bars.html|work=Rap Basement|date=September 27, 2007}}{{cite web|last=Bennett|first=Miles|title=B.G., Lil Wayne Confirm Hot Boys Reunion|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2007/10/08/bg-lil-wayne-confirm-hot-boys-reunion/|work=Baller Status|date=October 8, 2007}}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web|last=Dallas|first=Krush|title=BG Speaks of HotBoyz Reunion|url=http://www.defsounds.com/news/Bg_speaks_of_hotboyz_reunion|work=Def Sounds|date=October 9, 2007|access-date=July 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916173405/http://www.defsounds.com/news/Bg_speaks_of_hotboyz_reunion|archive-date=September 16, 2008|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|author=Jason|title=Hot Boys Reunion Canceled After Shooting|url=http://www.rapbasement.com/news/lil-wayne/hot-boys-reunion-canceled-after-shooting.html|work=Rap Basement|date=February 19, 2008}} Tha Carter III was originally scheduled to be released in 2007, but it was delayed after several recordings were leaked and distributed through mixtapes, including The Drought Is Over Pt. 2 and The Drought Is Over Pt. 4. Lil Wayne initially planned to release The Leak, a separate album with leaked songs and four additional tracks, on December{{spaces}}18, 2007, with Tha Carter III delayed to March{{spaces}}18, 2008.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119042148/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1579833/20080117/blige_mary_j.jhtml|archive-date=January 19, 2008|title=Mary J. Blige 'Lives' Again On TV Soap; Plus Remy Ma, Lil Wayne, Nelly, Amy Winehouse, Scarlett Johansson, Zac Efron & More, In For The Record|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1579833/20080117/blige_mary_j.jhtml|publisher=MTV News|access-date=June 29, 2024|url-status=dead}} Instead, The Leak became an EP with five songs and was released digitally on December{{spaces}}25, 2007.{{cite web|title=Lil' Wayne – The Leak EP|url=http://www.djbooth.net/index/albums/review/lil-wayne-the-leak-ep/|publisher=The DJ Booth|access-date=May 28, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110802032700/http://www.djbooth.net/index/albums/review/lil-wayne-the-leak-ep/|archive-date=August 2, 2011}}

Tha Carter III was released on June{{spaces}}10, 2008, with first-week sales of over 1 million copies, the first to do so since 50 Cent's The Massacre (2005).{{cite magazine|last=Mayfield|first=Geoff|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003817568|title=Lil Wayne Cracks 1 Million With 'Tha Carter III'|magazine=Billboard|date= June 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622120945/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003817568|archive-date=June 22, 2008|access-date=June 29, 2024|url-status=dead}} The album's first single, "Lollipop", featuring Static Major, became the Carter's most successful song at the time, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming his first top ten single as a solo artist and his first number one on the chart. The third single "Got Money", featuring T-Pain, peaked at number thirteen on the Billboard 100. Tha Carter III went on to win four Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song, which he won for "Lollipop". On July{{spaces}}14, 2008, the Recording Industry Association of America certified Tha Carter III two times platinum.[http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Tha%20Carter,%20Vol.%203&artist=Lil%20Wayne&format=ALBUM&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 Lil Wayne – Tha Carter, Vol. 3 – Gold & Platinum] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818035230/http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Tha%20Carter%2C%20Vol.%203&artist=Lil%20Wayne&format=ALBUM&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |date=August 18, 2013 }}. Recording Industry Association of America In October 2008, Lil Wayne announced plans to MTV News to re-release the album with new tracks, including a duet with Ludacris and remixes of "A Milli".{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597594/20081021/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022210350/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597594/20081021/lil_wayne.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 22, 2008|title=Lil Wayne Calls His Carter III Do-Over 'The Birth of a New Beginning'|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=October 21, 2008|publisher=MTV News|access-date=June 29, 2024}}

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

Throughout 2008, Carter performed at the Voodoo Experience in October in New Orleans, which was described by Jonathan Cohen of Billboard as his biggest hometown headlining set of his career.{{cite magazine|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|title=Lil Wayne Suits Up For Voodoo Experience|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044969/lil-wayne-suits-up-for-voodoo-experience|magazine=Billboard|date=June 26, 2008}} He also performed at the Virgin Mobile Music Fest with Kanye West, where they performed the remix of "Lollipop" and lip-synced to Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You".{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1592577/20080811/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828040600/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1592577/20080811/lil_wayne.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 28, 2008|title=Kanye West Joins Lil Wayne, Bemoans Nine Inch Nails Face-Off at Virgin Fest|last=Upmalis|first=Jordan|date=August 11, 2008|publisher=MTV News|access-date=June 29, 2024}} Lil Wayne also performed at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards with Kid Rock ("All Summer Long"), Leona Lewis ("DontGetIt (Misunderstood)") and T-Pain ("Got Money") and performed "Lollipop" and "Got Money" on the season premiere of Saturday Night Live.{{cite episode |title= Michael Phelps/Lil Wayne|series= Saturday Night Live |network=NBC |airdate= September 13, 2008 |season=34 |number=1}} He later performed at the homecoming rally at Vanderbilt University{{cite web|last=Paulson|first=Dave|title=Lil Wayne headlines Vandy homecoming|url=http://nashville.metromix.com/music/article/lil-wayne-headlines-vandy/697428/content|work=Metromix Nashville|access-date=April 24, 2011|date=October 20, 2008}} and the 2008 BET Hip Hop Awards, where he received 12 nominations.{{cite news|url=http://www.sohh.com/2008/10/lil_wayne_the_game_young.html|title=Lil Wayne, The Game, & Young Jeezy to Perform at the BET Hip Hop Awards|last=Langhorne|first=Cyrus|date=October 8, 2008|work=SOHH|access-date=February 7, 2009|archive-date=February 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215154053/http://www.sohh.com/2008/10/lil_wayne_the_game_young.html|url-status=dead}} He won eight awards at the BET Hip Hop Awards, one of which included the "MVP" title.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597431/20081020/lil_wayne.jhtml|title=Lil Wayne Named MVP at BET Hip-Hop Awards; T-Pain Fills in For Katt Williams As Host|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=October 20, 2008|publisher=MTV News|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081023031211/http://www.mtv.com:80/news/articles/1597431/20081020/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-date=October 23, 2008}}{{cite web|last=Adaso|first=Henry|title=2008 BET Hip Hop Awards Nominees and Winners|url=http://rap.about.com/od/awards/a/HipHopAwards08.htm|publisher=About.com|year=2008|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-date=September 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920044123/http://rap.about.com/od/awards/a/HipHopAwards08.htm|url-status=dead}} After M.I.A. dropped out of performing on Carter's I Am Music Tour due to her pregnancy, Jay-Z performed "Mr. Carter" with Lil Wayne at select shows.{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|title=Lil Wayne To Perform 'Mr. Carter' With Jay-Z For The First Time, Hitting The Studio With Hot Boys|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597799/20081023/lil_wayne.jhtml|publisher=MTV News|date=October 24, 2008|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090105134105/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597799/20081023/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-date=January 5, 2009|url-status=dead}}

After Tha Carter III sold over 3 million copies and became the best-selling record of 2008, Carter re-signed with Cash Money Records for a multi-album deal.{{cite web |url=http://www.hiphoppress.com/2008/09/cash-money-re-s.html |title=Cash Money Re-Signs Lil Wayne to Multi-Album Deal |publisher=MarketWatch.com |date=September 15, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120406195000/http://www.hiphoppress.com/2008/09/cash-money-re-s.html |archive-date=April 6, 2012 }}

On November{{spaces}}11, 2008, Carter became the first hip hop act to perform at the Country Music Association Awards, playing "All Summer Long" alongside Kid Rock, in which Carter inaudibly strummed guitar strings alongside the guitarist in Kid Rock's band.{{cite web|last=Reid |first=Shaheem |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1599254/20081113/lil_wayne.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212170639/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1599254/20081113/lil_wayne.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 12, 2008 |title=Lil Wayne Performs With Kid Rock at CMA Awards – But Doesn't Say A Word|publisher=MTV News|date=November 13, 2008|access-date=December 29, 2009}} Shortly after, Wayne was nominated for eight Grammys – the most for any artist nominated that year.{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/05/arts/music/05arts-GRAMMYSLIKEL_BRF.html | work=The New York Times | title=Grammys Like Lil Wayne | first=Dave | last=Itzkoff | date=December 5, 2008 | access-date=April 4, 2010}} He was then named the first MTV Man of the Year at the end of 2008.{{cite web|last=Montgomery |first=James |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1601619/20081218/lil_wayne.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220155418/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1601619/20081218/lil_wayne.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 20, 2008 |title=Lil Wayne's Response To Being MTV News' 2008 Man Of The Year: 'Happy Holidays!'|publisher=MTV |date=December 19, 2008 |access-date=December 29, 2009}} He won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for "A Milli", Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for his appearance on T.I.'s single "Swagga Like Us", and Best Rap Song for "Lollipop". Tha Carter III won the award for Best Rap Album.{{cite web|url=http://www.grammy.com/grammy_awards/51st_show/list.aspx|title=The 51st Annual Grammy Awards Winners List|year=2009|publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091105212925/http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/51st_show/list.aspx|archive-date=November 5, 2009}} MTV News listed Carter number two on their 2009 list of the Hottest MCs in the Game.{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|title=Lil Wayne Rocks The Hottest MCs in the Game At #2!|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1622981/20091003/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091006060818/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1622981/20091003/lil_wayne.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 6, 2009|publisher=MTV News|access-date=April 22, 2011|author2=Rodriguez, Jayson |date=October 4, 2009}}

Prior to the 2009 Grammy Awards, Wayne was featured in an interview with Katie Couric.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/all-access-lil-wayne/|title="All Access:" Lil' Wayne|last=Couric|first=Katie|date=February 4, 2009|publisher=CBS News|access-date=February 7, 2009}} On February{{spaces}}7, 2009, he presented the Top Ten List on CBS's Late Show with David Letterman.{{cite episode|title=Show #3060|url=http://www.cbs.com/late_night/late_show/video/?pid=9YMe_fye4T2ULMAdzewcG5fMDmqI27jk|series=Late Show with David Letterman|network=CBS|airdate=February 5, 2009}} (video) Text format: "[http://www.cbs.com/late_night/late_show/top_ten/top_ten_popup.php?origin=&year=2009&month=02&day=05&elm=7&cat=content_top_ten Top Ten Reasons I'm Looking Forward To The Grammy Awards] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012105431/http://www.cbs.com/late_night/late_show/top_ten/top_ten_popup.php?origin=&year=2009&month=02&day=05&elm=7&cat=content_top_ten |date=October 12, 2011 }}" On April{{spaces}}24, 2009, he appeared on The View, discussing his GED and addictions.{{cite web|last=Reid |first=Shaheem |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1610007/20090424/lil_wayne.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427060740/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1610007/20090424/lil_wayne.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 27, 2009 |title=Lil Wayne Charms The Ladies Of 'The View' |publisher=MTV News |date=April 24, 2009|access-date=December 29, 2009}} In September 2009, Carter was profiled in an episode of VH1's Behind the Music{{cite web|last=Rodriguez |first=Jayson |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1607377/20090319/lil_wayne.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090320105744/http://www.mtv.com//news//articles//1607377//20090319//lil_wayne.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 20, 2009 |title=Lil Wayne To Appear in VH1's 'Behind The Music'|publisher=MTV News |date=March 19, 2009|access-date=December 29, 2009}} and was a presenter of the 2009 MTV Movie Awards.{{cite web|last=Ditzian |first=Eric |url=http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1611016/20090511/story.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090514123507/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1611016/20090511/story.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 14, 2009 |title=Lil Wayne, Will Ferrell Announced As MTV Movie Awards Presenters – Show Story {{pipe}} Headlines |publisher=MTV |date=May 11, 2009 |access-date=December 29, 2009}} In film, Carter produced and composed music for and starred in the direct-to-video film Hurricane Season. A documentary of Carter, titled The Carter, was released at the Sundance Film Festival.{{cite web|last=Ford|first=Tracey|title=Lil Wayne Documentary in the Works|url=http://www.theboombox.com/2008/07/09/lil-wayne-documentary-in-the-works/|work=The Boombox|date=July 9, 2008}}

On December{{spaces}}23, 2009, Carter released his label, Young Money's first compilation album, We Are Young Money, with its lead single being "Every Girl".{{cite web |url=http://realtalkny.uproxx.com/2009/02/topic/topic/pictures/lil-wayne-on-the-set-of-every-girl-1st-single-off-of-young-money-album/ |title=Lil Wayne on the Set Of, "Every Girl" (1st Single Off of Young Money Album) {{pipe}} RealTalkNY Brought To You By Nigel D |publisher=Realtalkny.uproxx.com |date=February 16, 2009 |access-date=December 29, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219163554/http://realtalkny.uproxx.com/2009/02/topic/topic/pictures/lil-wayne-on-the-set-of-every-girl-1st-single-off-of-young-money-album/ |archive-date=February 19, 2009 }} The second single was "BedRock", featuring Lloyd, with the third being "Roger That". On May{{spaces}}24, 2010, the album was certified gold by the RIAA with over 500,000 copies sold.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH |title=Gold & Platinum – October 26, 2010 |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |access-date=October 26, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626050454/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH |archive-date=June 26, 2007 }} Carter is featured on the song, "Revolver", with Madonna for her greatest hits album, Celebration (2009). He was also featured on a Weezer song, "Can't Stop Partying", on Raditude (2009).{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1622477/20090928/weezer.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930222514/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1622477/20090928/weezer.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 30, 2009|title=Exclusive: Weezer Team Up With Lil Wayne For 'Can't Stop Partying'|publisher=MTV News|date=September 28, 2009|access-date=July 10, 2010}} In late 2008, Carter announced plans to reissue Tha Carter III with leftover recordings, and was to be titled Rebirth, originally scheduled to be released on April{{spaces}}7, 2009, before being delayed several times.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597594/20081021/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022210350/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597594/20081021/lil_wayne.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 22, 2008|title=Lil Wayne Calls His Carter III Do-Over 'The Birth of a New Beginning'|first=Shaheem|last=Reid|publisher=MTV News|date=October 21, 2008|access-date=July 5, 2010}} Rebirth instead became his sixth solo studio album, re-recorded with replaced material and later released on February{{spaces}}2, 2010. The album received negative reviews from fans and critics, considering it Carter's worst album released since 500 Degreez (2002).{{Cite web |title=Is Rebirth by Lil Wayne the worst rap rock album of all time? |url=https://www.loudandquiet.com/short/is-lil-wayne-rebirth-the-worst-rap-rock-album-of-all-time-not-even-close/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Loud And Quiet |language=en-US}}

To support its release and that of We Are Young Money, Carter was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone{{cite web|last=Reid |first=Shaheem |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1622981/20091003/story.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008001458/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1622981/20091003/story.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 8, 2009 |title=Lil Wayne Rocks The Hottest MCs in the Game At #2!|publisher=MTV |date=October 4, 2009 |access-date=December 29, 2009}} and headlined the 'Young Money Presents: America's Most Wanted Music Festival', a United States and Canada–only concert tour which began on July{{spaces}}29, 2009. "Prom Queen", the first official single, debuted on January{{spaces}}27, 2009, immediately after a live Internet broadcast of his concert in San Diego on Ustream (now IBM Cloud Video).{{cite news|url=http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1100465 |title=Lil Wayne unveils 'Prom Queen' live on Ustream |date=January 27, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131032623/http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1100465 |archive-date=January 31, 2009 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1603446/20090123/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090127042846/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1603446/20090123/lil_wayne.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 27, 2009|title=Lil Wayne's Rock LP, Rebirth, Due April 7|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=January 23, 2009|publisher=MTV News|access-date=January 23, 2009}} It peaked at number fifteen on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. On December{{spaces}}3, 2009, the second single, "On Fire", produced by Cool & Dre, was released.{{cite web|last=Reid |first=Shaheem |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1627696/20091204/lil_wayne.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091207015803/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1627696/20091204/lil_wayne.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 7, 2009 |title=Lil Wayne's 'On Fire' Inspired By 'Scarface,' Producer Dre Says |publisher=MTV News |date=December 4, 2009 |access-date=December 29, 2009}} Based on a sample of Amy Holland's "She's on Fire" from the soundtrack to the 1983 film, Scarface, "On Fire" peaked at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. "Drop the World", which features Eminem, was the album's third single; it was produced by a then-unknown Hit-Boy.

In an interview on MTV's Mixtape Monday, Carter hinted at the release of Tha Carter IV.[https://web.archive.org/web/20080916022134/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1594678/20080912/lil_wayne.jhtml Lil Wayne Preps Mixtape And Tha Carter IV; Juelz Santana Plans Skull Gang Takeover: Mixtape Monday.] MTV. Retrieved September 15, 2008. He later announced that it would be released in late 2009 before the holiday season.[http://www.rap-up.com/2009/02/12/lil-wayne-to-release-two-albums-this-year/ Lil Wayne to Release Two Albums This Year.] Rap-Up. Retrieved February 12, 2009. Birdman had previously stated that Tha Carter IV would be packaged with Rebirth as a double disc album.[http://www.rap-up.com/2009/10/09/lil-wayne-to-drop-3-albums-this-year/ Lil Wayne to Drop 3 Albums This Year?] Rap-Up. Carter denied this, saying that "Tha Carter IV deserves Tha Carter IV", adding that We Are Young Money may be packaged with Rebirth.[http://www.rap-up.com/2009/10/10/lil-wayne-denies-double-album-reports-discusses-retirement/ Lil Wayne Denies Double Album Reports, Discusses Retirement.] Rap-Up. Retrieved October 13, 2009.[https://web.archive.org/web/20091017210849/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1623871/20091014/lil_wayne.jhtml Lil Wayne Says Rebirth, Young Money LP May Be A Double Album.] MTV News. These albums were eventually released separately.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}

Carter released his eighth album, I Am Not a Human Being, on his 28th birthday, September{{spaces}}27, 2010. The album was released during Carter's incarceration on a weapon possession charge.{{Cite web |last=Kramer |first=Kyle |date=2016-11-29 |title=A Year of Lil Wayne: "I Am Not a Human Being" |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/a-year-of-lil-wayne-i-am-not-a-human-being/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=VICE |language=en-US}} The album has sold over 953,000 copies in the U.S.{{Cite web|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/74408/week-ending-sept-5-2011-albums-weezy-does-it/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013084110/http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/74408/week-ending-sept-5-2011-albums-weezy-does-it/|url-status=dead|title=Week Ending Sept. 4, 2011. Albums: Weezy Does It - Chart Watch|archivedate=October 13, 2011|website=new.music.yahoo.com}} and spawned the successful single "Right Above It", which peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. The album also debuted at number two, but later climbed to number one on the Billboard 200, making Carter the first rapper while incarcerated (since Tupac Shakur's Me Against the World, released in 1995) to have a number one album.{{Cite magazine |agency=Associated Press |date=2010-11-01 |title=Lil Wayne Redefines Stardom Behind Bars |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lil-wayne-redefines-stardom-behind-bars-952126/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2010-11-01 |title=Lil Wayne Releases First Number One Album From Jail Since 2Pac |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.12816/title.lil-wayne-releases-first-number-one-album-from-jail-since-2pac |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}} File:Lil Wayne in Concert.jpgTha Carter IV was delayed into 2011, after Lil Wayne began recording from scratch after his release from prison.{{cite magazine|last=Kuperstein |first=Slava |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12277/title.lil-wayne-to-start-from-scratch-on-carter-iv |title=Lil Wayne To 'Start From Scratch' On "Carter IV"|magazine=HipHopDX |date=September 19, 2010 |access-date=October 26, 2010}} He described his first song since his release as "a 2010 version of A Milli on steroids". The lead single from Tha Carter IV, "6 Foot 7 Foot" featuring Cory Gunz, was released on December{{spaces}}15, 2010.{{cite web|title=Lil Wayne's '6 Foot, 7 Foot' Producer Bangladesh Says He Hasn't Been Compensated|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1662974/lil-wayne-6-foot-7-foot-bangladesh.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501015743/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1662974/lil-wayne-6-foot-7-foot-bangladesh.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 1, 2011|publisher=MTV News|access-date=May 27, 2011}} On March{{spaces}}8, Carter released another song, "We Back Soon", though it was not included on the official track listing of Tha Carter IV.{{cite web|title=Lil Wayne – We Back Soon|url=http://www.lilwaynehq.com/2011/03/08/lil-wayne-we-back-soon/|publisher=Lil Wayne HQ|access-date=April 16, 2011|date=March 8, 2011}} The second single, "John", featuring Rick Ross, was released on March{{spaces}}24.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} In an interview on March{{spaces}}29, Carter announced that he would retire at age 35; saying that "I would feel selfish still going to the studio when it's such a vital point" in the lives of his four children.{{cite web |last=Martinez |first=Angie |date=March 29, 2011 |title=Weezy's first radio interview |url=http://www.hot97.com/Channels/newonhot/Story.aspx?ID=1393228 |access-date=April 1, 2011 |work=Lil Wayne on the Angie Martinez show [video] |publisher=Hot 97}}

Throughout a two-year period between 2010 and 2012, Carter has been featured in many hit singles such as "I Made It (Cash Money Heroes)" by Kevin Rudolf, "Miss Me", "The Motto", and "HYFR (Hell Ya Fucking Right)" by Drake, "No Love" by Eminem, "Hit the Lights" by Jay Sean, "Look at Me Now" by Chris Brown, "Welcome to My Hood", "I'm on One", "Take It 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 Only Imagine" by David Guetta, "Faded" by Tyga, "Pop That" by French Montana, and "Bandz a Make Her Dance" by Juicy J. File:Lil Wayne Camp Flog Gnaw 2012.jpg

The artwork for Tha Carter IV was unveiled on April{{spaces}}20. Originally scheduled to be released on May{{spaces}}16,{{cite web |date=March 17, 2011 |title=Lil Wayne Says Tha Carter IV Is Done & Announces Release Date! |url=http://www.lilwaynehq.com/2011/03/17/lil-wayne-says-tha-carter-iv-is-done-announces-release-date/ |access-date=May 22, 2011 |publisher=Lil Wayne HQ}} it was delayed several times until being confirmed for release on August 29, 2011.{{cite web|last=Markman|first=Rob|date=July 11, 2011|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1667052/lil-wayne-tha-carter-iv.jhtml|title=Lil Wayne's Carter IV 'Totally Done' |publisher=MTV News|access-date=June 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712232935/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1667052/lil-wayne-tha-carter-iv.jhtml|archive-date=July 12, 2011|url-status=dead}} On May{{spaces}}26, the album's third single, "How to Love", was released. He released another track, "Dear Anne (Stan Part 2)", in June.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} In preparation for Tha Carter IV, Carter released a mixtape, Sorry 4 the Wait, in similarity to his mixtape No Ceilings (2009); the mixtape was re-released on streaming services in January 2022 with four additional tracks.{{Cite web |last=Shutler |first=Ali |date=2022-01-17 |title=Lil Wayne releases 'Sorry 4 The Wait' mixtape on streaming with four new tracks |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/lil-wayne-releases-sorry-4-the-wait-mixtape-on-streaming-with-four-new-tracks-3139353 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}

Finally released on August 29, 2011, Tha Carter IV debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 964,000 copies (overshadowing the first-week sales of Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne),{{Cite web |last=Greenburg |first=Zack O'Malley |title=Why Lil Wayne's 'Carter IV' Outsold Jay-Z and Kanye's 'Throne' |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2011/09/07/why-lil-waynes-carter-iv-outsold-jay-z-and-kanyes-throne/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Forbes |language=en}} making it Carter's third chart-topping album of his career. On January{{spaces}}8, 2012, according to Nielsen SoundScan, Carter was the seventh all-time best-selling artist for digital track sales with 36,788,000 million to the end of 2011.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}

In October 2011, it was reported that Carter was working on sequels to both I Am Not a Human Being and Rebirth.{{cite web |last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.17267/title.lil-wayne-to-release-i-am-not-a-human-being-rebirth-sequels |title=Lil Wayne To Release 'I Am Not A Human Being' & "Rebirth" Sequels {{pipe}} Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |publisher=HipHop DX |date=October 17, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120071549/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.17267/title.lil-wayne-to-release-i-am-not-a-human-being-rebirth-sequels |archive-date=November 20, 2011 |url-status=dead }} In January 2012, Birdman announced that he and Carter had finished recording Like Father, Like Son 2.{{cite web |last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.18436/title.lil-wayne-to-release-i-am-not-a-human-being-2-in-summer-2012 |title=Lil Wayne To Release 'I Am Not a Human Being II' In Summer 2012 {{pipe}} Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |publisher=HipHop DX |date=January 26, 2012 |access-date=March 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415084931/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.18436/title.lil-wayne-to-release-i-am-not-a-human-being-2-in-summer-2012 |archive-date=April 15, 2012 |url-status=dead }} On November{{spaces}}22, 2012, Carter announced that Tha Carter V would be his final album, as he wanted to pursue other interests.{{cite web | last =Markman | first =Rob | title = Lil Wayne: Tha Carter V Is 'My Last Album' | url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1697850/lil-wayne-tha-carter-v-last-album-mtv-first.jhtml | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121127173323/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1697850/lil-wayne-tha-carter-v-last-album-mtv-first.jhtml | url-status = dead | archive-date = November 27, 2012 | publisher = MTV | date = November 23, 2012 }}{{cite web |title=Lil Wayne Says He Will Retire After Releasing 'Tha Carter V' |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.21976/title.lil-wayne-says-he-will-retire-after-releasing-tha-carter-v |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127172519/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.21976/title.lil-wayne-says-he-will-retire-after-releasing-tha-carter-v |archive-date=November 27, 2012 |access-date=November 23, 2012 |work=HipHopDX}}

After a one-year delay, I Am Not a Human Being II was released on March{{spaces}}26, 2013, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 selling 217,000 copies in its first week;{{cite web |url=http://www.hitsdailydouble.com/news/newsPage.cgi?news09342 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411023013/http://www.hitsdailydouble.com/news/newsPage.cgi?news09342 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 11, 2013 |title=News |publisher=HITS Daily Double |date=April 2, 2013 |access-date=April 11, 2013 }} "My Homies Still", "Love Me", and "No Worries" were released as singles prior to its release. The album was met with generally mixed reviews, with most critics noticing the declining quality of his releases. Carter toured North America with 2 Chainz and T.I. on the second America's Most Wanted Festival.{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.21292/title.lil-wayne-i-am-not-a-human-being-ii-release-date|title=Lil Wayne 'I Am Not A Human Being II' Release Date|work=HipHopDX|access-date=November 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124235332/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.21292/title.lil-wayne-i-am-not-a-human-being-ii-release-date/|archive-date=November 24, 2012|url-status=dead}} On May{{spaces}}3, 2013, Pepsi dropped Carter, who was a spokesperson for Mountain Dew, due to him performing offensive lyrics about civil rights icon Emmett Till on the remix to rapper Future's single, "Karate Chop".{{cite news|title=PEPSICO CUTS TIES WITH LIL WAYNE OVER CRUDE LYRICS|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/pepsico-ending-ties-lil-wayne|agency=Associated Press|access-date=May 3, 2013|archive-date=May 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130505093428/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/pepsico-ending-ties-lil-wayne|url-status=dead}} On September{{spaces}}1, 2013, Carter released Dedication 5, the fifth instalment of the Dedication mixtape series. The mixtape featured 29 tracks, with guest appearances from several members of Young Money.{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/09/lil-wayne-releases-new-mixtape-dedication-5/ |title=Lil Wayne Releases New Mixtape, 'Dedication 5' – XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=September 1, 2013 |access-date=December 5, 2013}}

File:Lil Wayne (23513397583).jpg

On October{{spaces}}18, 2013, former Cash Money Records vice president of promotion Mel Smith, tweeted: "Happy Friday!! New YMCMB music coming soon!! Carter 5."{{cite web |url=http://canisiusgriffin.com/lifestyle/tha-carter-v-almost-finished-surprise-drop-coming-soon |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140225002406/http://canisiusgriffin.com/lifestyle/tha-carter-v-almost-finished-surprise-drop-coming-soon |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 25, 2014 |title=canisiusgriffin.com |publisher=canisiusgriffin.com |access-date=October 14, 2015 }} Nearly four months later, in an interview with The Griffin, released on February{{spaces}}14, 2014, Smith spoke on the upcoming album: "We're very close to dropping the album. It's going to be a huge surprise to everyone ... I can't release the date because he wants to surprise people." On February{{spaces}}15, during Drake's performance at the NBA All-Star Weekend festivities in New Orleans, Carter appeared as a guest performer before announcing that Tha Carter V would be released on May{{spaces}}5, 2014.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/02/lil-wayne-carter-v-may-5th-release-date-drake-all-star-weekend |title=Drake Announces a Release Date For Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter V" |magazine=Complex |date=February 15, 2014 |access-date=October 14, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.illroots.com/read/lil-wayne-announces-carter-v-release-date |title=Lil' Wayne Announces 'Carter V' Release Date |publisher=Illroots |date=February 15, 2014 |access-date=October 14, 2015}} In March 2014, Carter again said during an interview at SXSW that Tha Carter V would be his last album.{{cite news |last=Brown |first=August |date=March 14, 2014 |title=SXSW 2014: Lil Wayne, EDM and the future of African digital music |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-sxsw-2014-lil-wayne-edm-and-the-future-of-african-digital-music-20140314,0,4181172.story |access-date=March 21, 2014 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}

On March{{spaces}}27, 2014, Carter's manager Cortez Bryant announced that the album had been delayed.{{cite magazine |last=Harling |first=Danielle |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/m/index.php?s=news&id=28085 |title=Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter V" Not Dropping May 5 {{pipe}} Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |magazine=HipHopDX |date=March 27, 2014 |access-date=October 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814194103/http://www.hiphopdx.com/m/index.php?s=news&id=28085 |archive-date=August 14, 2014 |url-status=dead }}{{cite magazine|last=Ortiz |first=Edwin |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/03/lil-wayne-manager-says-tha-carter-v-will-not-be-released-on-may-5 |title=Lil Wayne's Manager Cortez Bryant Says "Tha Carter V" Will Not Be Released on May 5 |magazine=Complex |date=March 27, 2014 |access-date=October 14, 2015}} Carter then serviced released a single "Believe Me", which features vocals from Drake, to mainstream urban radio in the United States on May{{spaces}}6, 2014.{{cite web |url=http://frequencynews.com/musiclibrary_detail.cfm?LabelID=180&ArtistID=278&AlbumID=1231&SingleID=4067 |title=Frequency News |publisher=Frequency News |date=May 6, 2014 |access-date=October 14, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706155706/http://frequencynews.com/musiclibrary_detail.cfm?LabelID=180&ArtistID=278&AlbumID=1231&SingleID=4067 |archive-date=July 6, 2015 }} Three more singles, "Krazy", "Grindin'" (featuring Drake) and "Start a Fire" (featuring Christina Milian), were also released, but ultimately scrapped from the album.{{Cite magazine |last=Grow |first=Kory |date=2014-08-11 |title=Lil Wayne Goes 'Over the Cuckoo's Nest' in 'Krazy' Clip |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lil-wayne-goes-over-the-cuckoos-nest-in-krazy-clip-50425/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Pelly |first=Jenn |date=2014-08-08 |title=Drake and Lil Wayne Team for "Grindin" |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/56236-drake-and-lil-wayne-team-for-grindin/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2014-11-24 |title=Lil Wayne – "Start A Fire" (Feat. Christina Milian) |url=https://www.stereogum.com/1720889/lil-wayne-start-a-fire-feat-christina-milian/news/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Stereogum |language=en}}

Carter and Drake embarked on their joint tour, Drake vs. Lil Wayne (running from August 8 to September 28, 2014), determining who is "the best rapper on tour and in the world".{{Cite web |last=Aceto |first=Matt |date=2014-08-15 |title=Whose Side Are You On? "Drake Vs. Lil Wayne" Concert Recap |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/24247-whose-side-are-you-on-drake-vs-lil-wayne-concert-recap-news |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}} The concept of the tour was based on the Street Fighter franchise.{{Cite web |last=Bristout |first=Ralph |title=The Lil Wayne vs. Drake show is now the biggest Hot 100 storyline |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2017-02-06/24037/the-lil-wayne-vs-drake-show-is-now-the-biggest-hot-100-storyline |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=REVOLT}}{{Cite web |last=Kramer |first=Eric Sundermann and Kyle |date=2014-08-20 |title=Drake Vs. Lil Wayne: Everyone Won |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/drake-vs-lil-wayne-tour-review-1/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=VICE |language=en-US}} It was the third-largest grossing hip hop concert tour of 2014 behind Eminem and Rihanna's Monster Tour, and Jay-Z and Beyoncé's On the Run Tour.{{Cite web |last=Lawrence |first=Jesse |title=Drake Vs. Lil Wayne Tickets On Pace To Be Top Price Hip-Hop Collaboration Tour |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jesselawrence/2014/06/19/drake-vs-lil-wayne-tickets-on-pace-to-be-top-price-hip-hop-collaboration-tour/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=VIBE |date=2014-12-19 |title=Who Ran The World? A 2014 Joint Tour Ranking |url=https://www.vibe.com/gallery/2014-joint-tour-ranking/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=VIBE.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2014-07-29 |title=Top Billin': 10 Must See Tours Of 2014 |url=https://hiphopdx.com/editorials/id.2484/title.top-billin-10-must-see-tours-of-2014 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}}

In late 2014, Carter claimed that the album's release was postponed due to his financial disputes with Cash Money.{{cite web |last1=Grow |first1=Kory |date=December 4, 2014 |title=Lil Wayne Blasts Cash Money: 'I Want Off This Label' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lil-wayne-blasts-cash-money-i-want-off-this-label-20141204 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205041822/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lil-wayne-blasts-cash-money-i-want-off-this-label-20141204 |archive-date=December 5, 2014 |access-date=December 4, 2014 |agency=Wenner Media LLC |magazine=Rolling Stone |location=United States}}

On January{{spaces}}20, 2015, Carter self-released Sorry 4 the Wait 2, a sequel to his 2011 mixtape, to compensate for the continued delay of Tha Carter V.{{cite web|last1=Minsker|first1=Evan|title=Lil Wayne Drops Sorry 4 the Wait 2|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/58108-lil-wayne-drops-sorry-4-the-wait-2/|website=Pitchfork|date=January 20, 2015|access-date=January 21, 2015}}{{cite magazine|last1=Regan|first1=Helen|title=Lil Wayne Just Dropped His New Mixtape Sorry 4 the Wait 2|url=https://time.com/3675848/lil-wayne-mixtape-sorry-4-the-wait-2/|magazine=Time|access-date=January 21, 2015}} In February 2015, due to Tha Carter V{{'}}s delay, Carter announced that a free album would be released prior to the fifth installment in his popular series.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6465165/lil-wayne-free-weezy-album |title=Lil Wayne Announces 'The Free Weezy Album' |magazine=Billboard |date=February 5, 2015 |access-date=October 14, 2015}} In June 2015, Carter joined Jay-Z's TIDAL, as an artist owner, kicking off the partnership by exclusively releasing a single on the service titled "Glory".{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-wayne-says-he-signed-a-deal-with-jay-z-news.15947.html |title=Lil Wayne Says He Signed A Deal With Jay Z |date=June 14, 2015 |publisher=Hotnewhiphop.com |access-date=October 14, 2015}} He also announced plans on his own TIDAL X concert series.{{cite web |url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/06/04/lil-wayne-joins-tidal/ |title=Lil Wayne Joins TIDAL |publisher=BallerStatus.com |date=June 4, 2015 |access-date=June 4, 2015 |archive-date=July 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701030602/https://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/06/04/lil-wayne-joins-tidal/ |url-status=dead }} On July{{spaces}}4, 2015, Carter released Free Weezy Album, exclusively through TIDAL, under Young Money and Republic Records.{{cite magazine|last=Kreps |first=Daniel |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lil-wayne-drops-free-weezy-album-on-tidal-20150704 |title=Lil Wayne Drops 'Free Weezy Album' on Tidal |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=July 4, 2015 |access-date=October 14, 2015}} On January{{spaces}}27, 2016, when rapper 2 Chainz released his "Felt Like Cappin" EP, Carter is featured on the lead single titled "Back on That Bullshit".{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} On March{{spaces}}4, 2016, 2 Chainz released his third studio album, ColleGrove. The album was initially a collaborative effort between 2 Chainz and Carter, but due to his record label issues, only 2 Chainz was credited as the primary artist.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}} On June{{spaces}}28, 2016, Carter was one of several artists who appeared on the track "Sucker for Pain" for the film Suicide Squad.{{Cite web |last=Slingerland |first=Calum |date=June 23, 2016 |title=Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/lil_wayne_wiz_khalifa_and_imagine_dragons-sucker_for_pain_ft_logic_ty_dolla_ign_x_ambassadors_video |access-date=2024-12-05 |website=Exclaim! |language=en}} In September 2016, Carter tweeted "I AM NOW DEFENSELESS and mentally DEFEATED", followed by stating "I'm done", hinting at a possible retirement. Many rappers responded with respect and encouragement.{{cite web |last=Walker |first=Angus |date=September 3, 2016 |title=Lil Wayne hints at a retirement from rapping |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/artists-react-to-possibility-of-lil-waynes-retirement-news.23891.html|access-date=September 9, 2016 |website=Hotnewhiphop.com}}

In 2017, Carter announced he had signed with Jay-Z's Roc Nation,{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/04/lil-wayne-roc-nation|title=Lil Wayne Announces He's a Member of Roc Nation – XXL|website=XXL Mag|date=April 11, 2017 |access-date=November 23, 2017}} although he later stated that there was no official paperwork that he signed to the label.{{Cite web |last= |date=April 21, 2017 |title=Lil Wayne denies being signed to Roc Nation: "We haven't done that yet" |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2017-04-21/26793/lil-wayne-denies-being-signed-to-roc-nation-we-havent-done-that-yet |access-date=2024-12-05 |website=REVOLT}} On August{{spaces}}8, 2017, he released the song "Like a Man" with sound engineer Onhel.{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/new-music/2017/08/lil-wayne-new-song-like-a-man/|title=Hear Lil Wayne's New Song 'Like a Man'|website=XXL Mag|date=August 8, 2017 |access-date=August 19, 2017}} On June{{spaces}}7, 2018, it was announced that Carter had been released from Cash Money Records and would be releasing Tha Carter V via Young Money and Republic Records.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8459879/lil-wayne-wins-lawsuit-cash-money-birdman |title=Lil Wayne Reaches Settlement in Lawsuit Against Cash Money |last=Penrose |first=Netisha |date=June 7, 2018 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 29, 2018}}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8464108/lil-wayne-teases-tha-carter-v-release-date |title=Lil Wayne Teases Upcoming Release of 'Tha Carter V' |last=Saponara |first=Michael |date=July 5, 2018 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 29, 2018}}

In September 2016, Carter's song, "No Mercy", debuted as the theme song for Skip and Shannon: Undisputed, a sports talk show on FS1.{{Cite web |date=2016-09-07 |title=Check Out "No Mercy," Lil Wayne's Theme Song For 'Skip And Shannon: Undisputed' |url=https://hypebeast.com/2018/9/lil-wayne-no-mercy-theme-song-skip-and-shannon-undisputed |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Hypebeast}}{{Cite magazine |last=Platon |first=Adelle |date=2016-08-31 |title=Lil Wayne Helms Theme Song for Fox Sports' 'Skip and Shannon: Undisputed': Exclusive |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/lil-wayne-no-mercy-theme-song-fox-sports-undisputed-skip-bayless-shannon-sharpe-7494680/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} On Christmas Day 2017, Carter released the mixtape Dedication 6, the sixth installment of the "Gangsta Grillz" chronology. The second part was released on January{{spaces}}26, 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-waynes-dedication-6-is-coming-news.20910.html|title=Lil Wayne's "Dedication 6" Is "Coming"|website=HotNewHipHop.com|last=Schwartz|first=Danny|date=April 4, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-waynes-d6-reloaded-drops-tomorrow-heres-the-tracklist-news.42872.html|title=Lil Wayne's "D6: Reloaded" Drops Tomorrow, Here's The Tracklist|website=HotNewHipHop.com|date=January 25, 2018}}

Tha Carter V was finally released on September{{spaces}}27, 2018, the day of Carter's 36th birthday, debuting at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 with 480,000 album-equivalent units, including 140,000 pure album sales. It is the second-largest streaming week for an album behind former Young Money labelmate Drake's Scorpion with 433 million streams. It is also Carter's fourth number-one Billboard 200 album.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8478576/lil-waynes-tha-carter-v-no-1-billboard-200|title=Lil Wayne's 'Tha Carter V' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 With Second-Largest Streaming Week Ever for an Album|magazine=Billboard|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=October 7, 2018|access-date=October 8, 2018}} Every song on the album charted on the Billboard 100, while simultaneously charting 4 songs in the top 10, also becoming the first artist to debut two songs in the top five.{{cite web |title=Lil Wayne Charts 22 Songs From 'Tha Carter V' on Billboard Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8478856/lil-wayne-charts-22-songs-tha-carter-v-billboard-hot-100 |magazine=Billboard|date=October 8, 2018 }}{{cite web |title=Maroon 5 & Cardi B's 'Girls Like You' Leads Hot 100 for Third Week, Lil Wayne Is First to Debut Two Songs in Top Five |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8478688/lil-wayne-carter-v-hot-100-debuts |magazine=Billboard|date=October 8, 2018 }} One of the album's singles, "Uproar", produced by Swizz Beatz, was its leading, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100; it features a sample from rapper G. Dep's 2001 single, "Special Delivery".{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Da’Shan |title=Why Lil Wayne and Swizz Beatz's "Uproar" is a meaningful single for the culture |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2018-10-05/99333/why-lil-wayne-and-swizz-beatzs-uproar-is-a-meaningful-single-for-the-culture |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=REVOLT}} Tha Carter V has since been certified 2× platinum by the RIAA.{{Cite web |last=Mendez |first=Marisa |date=2019-01-14 |title=Lil Wayne Nicki Minaj's Newest Albums Go Platinum the Same Day - XXL |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/lil-wayne-nicki-minaj-tha-carter-5-platinum-queen-platinum-same-day/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=XXL Mag |language=en}}

While Carter was working on Tha Carter V, it was announced that his next album would be titled Funeral.{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/11/lil-waynes-new-funeral-project-on-the-way/|title=Lil Wayne's New 'Funeral' Project Is on the Way – XXL|first=Peter A.|last=Berry|website=XXL Mag|date=November 28, 2016 }} On January{{spaces}}23, 2020, he revealed the album's release date and album artwork.{{cite web |title=Lil Wayne to Drop New Album Funeral Next Friday |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2020/01/lil-wayne-funeral-album-release-date/ |website=XXL |date=January 23, 2020 |access-date=January 25, 2020}}{{cite web |title=Lil Wayne Shares 'Funeral' Album Release Date |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8548903/lil-wayne-funeral-album-release-date |magazine=Billboard |date=January 24, 2020 |access-date=January 25, 2020}} Funeral was released on January{{spaces}}31, and debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, with 139,000 album-equivalent units, becoming his fifth U.S. number-one album.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8550510/lil-wayne-funeral-fifth-no-1-billboard-200-album-chart|title=Lil Wayne Achieves Fifth No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With 'Funeral'|magazine=Billboard|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=February 9, 2020|access-date=February 10, 2020}} The album received generally mixed-to-positive reviews from music critics.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/funeral/lil-wayne|title=Funeral by Lil Wayne Reviews and Tracks -Metacritic|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=March 3, 2020}} On February{{spaces}}2, 2020, Lil Wayne competed in season three of The Masked Singer after the Super Bowl LIV as "Robot". He was the first to be eliminated. Carter featured on Lil Baby's track "Forever", a track from Baby's second studio album, My Turn, which was released on February{{spaces}}28, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-baby-joins-lil-wayne-on-new-song-forever-new-song.1986342.html|title=Lil Baby & Lil Wayne Unite on New Song "Forever"|last=Findlay|first=Mitch|date=February 28, 2020|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=March 3, 2020}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9327623/lil-baby-lil-wayne-forever-video|title=Lil Baby & Lil Wayne Team Up for Dynamic 'Forever' Video|last=Aniftos|first=Rania|date=March 3, 2020|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 4, 2020}} The song's music video was released on March{{spaces}}3, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/music/lil-baby-lil-wayne-forever-video/|title=Lil Baby And Lil Wayne Defy The Devil in the Fiery 'Forever' Video|last=Williams|first=Aaron|date=March 3, 2020|website=UPROXX|access-date=March 3, 2020}} This marked the second collaboration for the two artists in 2020, with the first being on Carter's single, "I Do It".

On April{{spaces}}24, 2020, Lil Wayne, along with Litt Live (formerly at the time, Dash Radio), launched his own radio show, Young Money Radio, on Apple Music through its subdivision Apple Music 1. Wayne described the show as having "heavyweights calling in discussing sports, music, comedy, everything!".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/amp/articles/columns/hip-hop/9363199/lil-w|title=Lil Wayne Launching Young Money Radio|magazine=Billboard|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|date=April 22, 2020|access-date=July 15, 2020}} On July{{spaces}}3, Lil Wayne released his eleventh studio album, Free Weezy Album (2015) on streaming services to commemorate its five-year anniversary. The album charted at number 77 on the Billboard 200 the following week.{{cite magazine|title=Lil Wayne Drops Revamped 'Free Weezy Album' on Project's 5th Anniversary: Stream it Here|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9413357/lil-wayne-drops-revamped-free-weezy-album-on-projects-5th-anniversary-stream-it-here|magazine=Billboard|date=July 3, 2020|access-date=July 15, 2020}} On May{{spaces}}29, Wayne released the deluxe edition of Funeral featuring artists such as Doja Cat, Tory Lanez, Lil Uzi Vert, Benny The Butcher, Conway the Machine and Jessie Reyez.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/lil-wayne-shares-deluxe-version-of-funeral-featuring-new-collaborations-with-doja-cat-lil-uzi-vert-and-more-2679175|title=Lil Wayne shares deluxe version of 'Funeral' featuring new collaborations with Doja Cat, Lil Uzi Vert and more|website=NME|last=Krol|first=Charlotte|date=May 30, 2020|access-date=October 23, 2020}} On August{{spaces}}28, Wayne released another old project, his 2009 mixtape No Ceilings, for commercial release. He also celebrated the release by collaborating with ASAP Ferg on the song "No Ceilings".{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/28/entertainment/lil-wayne-no-ceilings-trnd/index.html|title=Lil Wayne drops 'No Ceilings' mixtape on streaming services 11 years after its release|publisher=CNN|last= Respers France|first=Lisa|date=August 28, 2020|access-date=August 29, 2020}} Wayne was featured on YoungBoy Never Broke Again's album Top on the track "My Window", released on September{{spaces}}11. His verse received praise from critics.{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2098270/youngboy-never-broke-again-top-review/franchises/columns/status-aint-hood/|title=NBA YoungBoy Is A Bleak Rap Star for a Bleak World|work=Stereogum|last=Breihan|first=Tom|date=September 16, 2020|access-date=October 29, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/nba-youngboy-and-lil-wayne-stay-protected-on-my-window-new-song.1988567.html|title=NBA Youngboy & Lil Wayne Stay Protected On "My Window|work=HotNewHipHop|last=Zidel|first=Alex|date=September 11, 2020|access-date=October 29, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/best-new-music-this-week-conway-the-machine-james-blake-nba-youngboy|title=Best New Music This Week: Conway the Machine, NBA YoungBoy, James Blake|work=Complex|last=McKinney|first=Jessica|date=September 11, 2020|access-date=October 29, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2020/09/album-review-youngboy-never-broke-again-top/|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again's Top Hints at a Next Level: Review|work=Consequence of Sound|last=Jones|first=Okla|date=September 13, 2020|access-date=October 29, 2020}} On September{{spaces}}25, he released the deluxe edition of his twelfth album Tha Carter V, to celebrate the album's second anniversary; it consists of songs that did not make the cut on the original album.{{cite web|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2020/09/24/lil-wayne-tha-carter-v-deluxe-tracklist/|title=Lil Wayne Reveals 'Tha Carter V (Deluxe)' Tracklist|work=Rap-Up|date=September 24, 2020|access-date=October 29, 2020}}

On November{{spaces}}27, 2020, Lil Wayne released the mixtape, No Ceilings 3, while announcing the album, I Am Not a Human Being III, for 2021,{{cite web |title=LIL WAYNE DROPS 'NO CEILINGS 3,' ANNOUNCES 'I AM NOT A HUMAN BEING III' |url=https://2dopeboyz.com/2020/11/27/lil-wayne-no-ceilings-3-mixtape-stream/ |website=2dopeboyz}} although it would not be released that year due to delays. On October{{spaces}}1, 2021, Wayne and Rich the Kid released a collaborative mixtape titled Trust Fund Babies, along with a music video for the single "Feelin' Like Tunechi". The mixtape took roughly a month and a half to record. On their working relationship, Wayne said, "For me, it's the chemistry, it's the camaraderie because first of all, Rich like my little bro and me and Rich been rockin' for a minute".{{cite web|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2021/09/30/lil-wayne-rich-the-kid-trust-fund-babies-stream/|title=Lil Wayne and Rich the Kid Drop Joint Mixtape 'Trust Fund Babies|work=Rap-Up|date=October 9, 2021|access-date=September 30, 2021}}

On March{{spaces}}31, 2023, Wayne dropped his first ever greatest hits album titled I Am Music.{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/lil-wayne-i-am-music-compilation-stream|title=Lil Wayne Releases Career-Spanning 'I Am Music' Compilation|work=Complex|last=William Cowen|first=Trace|date=March 31, 2023|access-date=March 31, 2023}} It included the then-unreleased "Kant Nobody", featuring DMX, whose song, "Niggaz Done Started Something" (1998), was sampled through.{{Cite web |last=II |first=C. Vernon Coleman IIC Vernon Coleman |date=2023-02-23 |title=Lil Wayne, DMX 'Kant Nobody' Lyrics |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/lil-wayne-dmx-kant-nobody-lyrics/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=XXL Mag |language=en}} Wayne and DMX previously collaborated on "Dogs Out", a track from the latter's posthumous album, Exodus, which was released a month after his death in 2021.{{Cite web |last=Amorosi |first=A. D. |date=2021-05-14 |title=DMX's Posthumous Album, 'Exodus,' Features Guests Jay-Z, Nas, Bono, More |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/dmxs-album-exodus-jay-z-nas-bono-1234973748/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} Wayne released a single titled "Kat Food" on September{{spaces}}1, 2023. That October, Lil Wayne released a mixtape, Tha Fix Before Tha VI.{{Cite web |last=Westlake |first=Wyatt |date=2023-09-29 |title=Lil Wayne's "Tha Fix Before Tha VI" Mixtape Review |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/719015-lil-wayne-tha-fix-before-tha-vi-review |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}} On November{{spaces}}3, 2023, Wayne was featured on the remix to Ciara and Chris Brown's single "How We Roll".{{cite web|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2023/11/ciara-lil-wayne-chris-brown-how-we-roll-remix/|title=Lil Wayne Joins Ciara and Chris Brown on 'How We Roll (Remix)'|website=Rated R&B|last=Samuels|first=Keithan|date=November 3, 2023|access-date=November 3, 2023}} That same month, he and 2 Chainz released a collaborative album, Welcome 2 Collegrove.{{Cite web |last=Inman |first=DeMicia |date=2023-11-14 |title=2 Chainz And Lil Wayne Share 'Welcome 2 ColleGrove' Trailer, Narrated By 50 Cent |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/50-cent-narrates-2-chainz-lil-wayne-welcome-2-collegrove-trailer-1234812561/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=VIBE.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Rindner |first=Grant |date=2023-11-17 |title='Welcome 2 Collegrove' Reminds Us That Lil Wayne and 2Chainz Are #FriendshipGoals |url=https://www.gq.com/story/lil-wayne-and-2chainz-are-friendshipgoals |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=GQ |language=en-US}} A sequel to 2 Chainz's 2016 album, ColleGrove, Wayne was credited as a co-leading artist as he was previously unable to receive credit for its predecessor, due to his prior legal issues involving his Cash Money dispute.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

On February 6, 2025, during an advert for Cetaphil, Wayne announced that Tha Carter VI would be released on June 6, 2025.{{Cite magazine |last=Saponara |first=Micahel |date=February 6, 2025 |title=Lil Wayne Reveals 'Tha Carter VI' Release Date in New Ad |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/lil-wayne-tha-carter-vi-teaser-release-cetaphil-ad-1235894574/ |access-date=February 9, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US }} On February 17, after being critical of his "Mona Lisa" collaborator Kendrick Lamar replacing him as the headliner of the Super Bowl LIX halftime show,{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=Adam |title=Lil Wayne Responds to Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show Remarks on 'GNX' |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10144500-lil-wayne-responds-to-kendrick-lamars-super-bowl-halftime-show-remarks-on-gnx |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=bleacherreport.com |language=en}} Carter performed for the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special.{{Cite web |last=Ardrey |first=Taylor |title=Lil Wayne's 'SNL 50' performance reignites Super Bowl discourse on social media |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/2025/02/17/lil-wayne-snl-50-super-bowl/78964421007/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}

File:Lil Wayne - Beacon Theatre.jpg in 2007|left]]

Carter has announced several possible upcoming projects, including a collaborative album entitled I Can't Feel My Face with Harlem-based rapper Juelz Santana, that has been in production for several years.{{cite news|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|title=Lil Wayne, Juelz Santana May Turn Upcoming Mixtape into Full LP|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1535532/20060630/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060718134109/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1535532/20060630/lil_wayne.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 18, 2006|publisher=MTV News|date=July 5, 2006|access-date=March 28, 2008}}{{cite news|last=Reid |first=Shaheem |title=Lil Wayne Plans His Own Leak; Cassidy's Live-From-Jail Rhymes |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/061107/ |work=Mixtape Monday |publisher=MTV News |date=June 11, 2007 |access-date=March 28, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412193956/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/061107/ |archive-date=April 12, 2008 }} In late 2011, it was announced by Mack Maine that Carter and Juelz Santana had gone back to work on their collaborative album I Can't Feel My Face, which had been delayed for a few years due to "label politics".{{cite web|url=http://www.lilwaynehq.com/2011/09/22/lil-wayne-back-working-on-collabo-album-with-juelz-santana/ |title=Lil Wayne Back Working on Collabo Album With Juelz Santana |date=September 22, 2011 |publisher=Lil Wayne HQ |access-date=November 13, 2011}}

On June{{spaces}}19, 2008, Carter and T-Pain formed a duo called T-Wayne{{cite web|author=Jason|title=Lil Wayne And T-Pain Form Supergroup|url=http://www.rapbasement.com/lil-wayne/lil-wayne-and-t-pain-form-supergroup.html|work=Rap Basement|date=June 18, 2008|access-date=June 19, 2008|archive-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630220657/http://www.rapbasement.com/lil-wayne/lil-wayne-and-t-pain-form-supergroup.html|url-status=dead}} with plans to release an album, titled He Raps, He Sings;{{cite magazine|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2012/08/50-unreleased-albums-that-wed-kill-to-hear/twayne-he-raps-he-sings |title=T-Wayne He Raps, He Sings – 50 Unreleased Albums We'd Kill To Hear |magazine=Complex |date=August 8, 2012 |access-date=October 14, 2015}} however, those plans have died down due to much of the material recorded for the album being leaked.{{cite web|author=Jason|title=T-Pain talk Collab Album With Lil Wayne|url=http://www.rapbasement.com/t-pain/072208-t-pain-talks-collab-album-with-lil-wayne.html|work=Rap Basement|date=July 22, 2008|access-date=July 24, 2008|archive-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630205702/http://www.rapbasement.com/t-pain/072208-t-pain-talks-collab-album-with-lil-wayne.html|url-status=dead}} T-Pain ultimately released T-Wayne as a mixtape in 2017.{{Cite magazine |last=Penrose |first=Nerisha |date=2017-05-18 |title=The Wait Is Over: Stream Lil Wayne & T-Pain's 'T-Wayne' Album Now |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/lil-wayne-t-pain-t-wayne-album-7800896/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}

According to an interview with Drake, in the December 2011 issue of XXL, plans for an upcoming album with Carter had been scrapped for the time being because of the Jay-Z and Kanye West collaboration album Watch the Throne (2011).{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2011/11/lil-wayne-drake-scrap-joint-lp-because-of-jay-z-kanye-west/|title=Lil Wayne & Drake Scrap Joint LP Because of Jay-Z & Kanye West|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=November 8, 2011}}{{cite web|last=Kuperstein |first=Slava |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12980/title.birdman-talks-lil-wayne-drake-collaboration-album |title=Birdman Talks Lil Wayne, Drake Collaboration Album|publisher=HipHop DX |date=November 14, 2010 |access-date=May 22, 2011}}

In April 2012, on the premiere of MTV's Hip Hop POV, Carter sat down with Amanda Seales and spoke briefly about an album he put together titled Devol (loved, backwards), an album full of "love songs" that he wrote during his imprisonment at Rikers Island. In May 2013, he confirmed the album will still be released.{{cite web|last=Markman |first=Rob |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1682950/lil-wayne-devol-album.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413225552/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1682950/lil-wayne-devol-album.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 13, 2012 |title=Lil Wayne Reveals New Album, Devol, On Way|publisher=MTV News|date=April 11, 2012 |access-date=March 16, 2013}}{{cite magazine |url=http://www.vibe.com/photo-gallery/5-things-lil-wayne-should-avoid-doing-his-love-album-devol/?page=1 |title=5 THINGS LIL WAYNE SHOULD AVOID DOING ON HIS LOVE ALBUM, 'DEVOL' |magazine=Vibe |date=April 18, 2012 |access-date=March 16, 2013 |archive-date=November 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115111934/http://www.vibe.com/photo-gallery/5-things-lil-wayne-should-avoid-doing-his-love-album-devol/?page=1 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/907189/lil-wayne-still-plans-on-dropping-devol.jhtml#id=1706973 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607080635/http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/907189/lil-wayne-still-plans-on-dropping-devol.jhtml#id=1706973 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |title=Lil Wayne Still Plans on Dropping 'Devol' {{pipe}} News Video |publisher=MTV |date=May 8, 2013 |access-date=May 21, 2013}}

Carter's once ongoing litigation with Cash Money prevented numerous completed projects from being released. In January 2017, Young Money revealed the title of a planned Carter album called Velvet.{{cite web |title=Lil Wayne Is Prepping A New Project Called 'Velvet' |url= https://theboombox.com/lil-wayne-prepping-new-project-velvet/ |website=The Boom Box|date= January 6, 2017 }} The album ended up leaking online in November 2018.{{cite web |title=An Album's Worth of Unreleased Lil Wayne Music Has Hit the Internet |url=https://hypebeast.com/2018/10/lil-wayne-velvet-sessions-album-songs-surface |website=Hypebeast.com|date=October 26, 2018 }}

Known for his creative lyrical ability—which often uses punchlines, homonyms, word play—and braggadocio, Carter's music often deals with the subjects of wealth, drugs, and sex.{{cite web | url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2016/09/124164/lil-wayne-songs-crazy-lyrics | title=The 30 Grossest Things Lil Wayne Has Ever Said About Vaginas & Other Stuff }}{{cite web | url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/habdurraqib/best-lil-wayne-lines | title=Lil Wayne's 35 Best Lines | website=Complex Networks }}

Carter has cited rapper Missy Elliott as his biggest musical inspiration, saying "she's a huge influence of everything I've ever done".{{Cite magazine |date=May 6, 2022 |title=Lil Wayne Calls Missy Elliott the Best Rapper Ever & She's Forever 'Grateful' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/lil-wayne-missy-elliott-best-rapper-1235067608/ |access-date=August 25, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}} Another one of his major influences is American hip hop group Goodie Mob.{{Cite web |last=Sacher |first=Andrew |date=January 9, 2023 |title=Lil Wayne names his top 5 rappers of all time |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/lil-wayne-names-his-top-5-rappers-of-all-time/ |access-date=August 25, 2023 |website=BrooklynVegan}} In an interview with Genius, Carter said "I've been listening to Goodie Mob since I was in the 7th grade".{{Cite web |title=Watch Lil Wayne pay homage to a legend by spitting a classic verse |url=https://genius.com/a/watch-lil-wayne-spit-a-classic-verse-and-pay-homage-to-a-hip-hop-legend |access-date=August 25, 2023 |website=genius.com}} For his MTV Unplugged special, Carter paid tribute to Tupac by covering his music.{{Cite web |last=Markman|first=Rob|title=Lil Wayne Covers Tupac's 'Perfect Verse' On 'Unplugged' |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1665279/lil-wayne-unplugged-tupac.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903152615/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1665279/lil-wayne-unplugged-tupac.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 3, 2011 |access-date=June 29, 2024 |publisher=MTV News}} He also pulled inspiration from Tupac's "Keep Ya Head Up" for his 2011 single "How to Love".

Additionally, he has mentioned T-Pain, Prince, Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, and Lenny Kravitz as influences, stating "I viewed them seriously and was like, 'Wow, I could do that without being totally them."{{Cite web |title=New Music: Lil Wayne – 'A Millie' |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2008/03/17/new-music-lil-wayne-a-millie/ |access-date=August 25, 2023 |website=Rap-Up}}{{Cite web |last=Reid|first=Shaheem|title=Lil Wayne Previews Exclusive New Song; Fat Joe Explains His Falling-Out With Kay Slay: Mixtape Monday|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1583394/20080314/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080326001053/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1583394/20080314/lil_wayne.jhtml|date=March 17, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 26, 2008 |access-date=June 29, 2024 |publisher=MTV News }} Carter and rapper Calboy paid homage to Hill on their 2021 single "Miseducation" titled after Hill's 1998 album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.{{Cite web |last=Aubrey |first=Elizabeth |date=March 22, 2021 |title=Calboy and Lil Wayne pay homage to Lauryn Hill in new song, 'Miseducation' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/calboy-and-lil-wayne-pay-homage-to-lauryn-hill-in-new-song-miseducation-2905731 |access-date=August 25, 2023 |website=NME}}

According to American Songwriter, Carter credits Jay-Z for inspiring him to freestyle rhymes while recording over an instrumental, as opposed to writing down his lyrics.{{Cite web |last=Galindo |first=Thomas |date=July 12, 2023 |title=Lil Wayne Stopped Writing Down Lyrics Because of Jay-Z |url=https://americansongwriter.com/lil-wayne-stopped-writing-down-lyrics-because-of-jay-z/ |access-date=August 25, 2023 |website=American Songwriter}} Carter also credits The Notorious B.I.G. as an influence.{{Cite magazine |last=Mamo |first=Heran |date=August 2, 2023 |title=Lil Wayne Reveals His Own Greatest Rappers List: See His Top Five |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/lil-wayne-greatest-rappers-list-top-5/ |access-date=January 11, 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}{{Cite web |date=May 5, 2022 |title=Lil Wayne's Top Five Rappers Include Biggie, Jay-Z, And Missy Elliott |url=https://uproxx.com/music/lil-waynes-top-five-rappers-biggie-jay-missy/ |access-date=January 11, 2024 |website=UPROXX}}

Lil Wayne is claimed to be "one of the most influential artists in the 21st century" and is many times called as "the greatest rapper of his generation", as well as one of the greatest rappers of all time.{{Cite web |last=High |first=Kemet|date=September 26, 2022 |title=Inside the World of Lil Wayne's Influence |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/lil-wayne-influence/ |access-date=June 9, 2023 |website=XXL Mag}}{{Cite web |last=Bowser |first=Edward |date=September 2, 2020 |title=Is Lil Wayne the Most Influential Artist of This Era?: Head to Head with Edd |url=https://www.soulinstereo.com/2020/09/is-lil-wayne-the-most-influential-artist-of-this-era-head-to-head-with-edd.html |access-date=June 9, 2023 |website=Soul in Stereo}} His musical style and usage of autotune influenced modern sound of hip-hop music and its subgenres, especially the development of trap.{{Cite web |last=High |first=Kemet|date=September 26, 2022 |title=Inside the World of Lil Wayne's Influence |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/lil-wayne-influence/ |access-date=June 10, 2023 |website=XXL Mag}}

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Many rappers and musicians have cited Lil Wayne as an influence on their careers and musical style, including Nicki Minaj,{{Cite web |date=March 25, 2011 |title=Nicki Minaj on Lil Wayne |url=https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/nicki-minaj-on-lil-wayne |access-date=June 9, 2023 |website=Interview}} Drake,{{Cite web |last=Levine |first=Nick |date=September 13, 2016 |title=Lil' Wayne 'will tell fans if he's retiring' later today |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/lil-wayne-1200683 |access-date=June 9, 2023 |website=NME}} Fall Out Boy,{{Cite web |title=Pete Wentz Says: Don't Expect A Fall Out Boy Album This Year |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/q4aijw/pete-wentz-says-dont-expect-a-fall-out-boy-album-this-year |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005195826/https://www.mtv.com/news/q4aijw/pete-wentz-says-dont-expect-a-fall-out-boy-album-this-year |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |access-date=June 12, 2023 |publisher=MTV }} Kendrick Lamar,{{Cite web |date=April 3, 2015 |title=Kendrick Lamar Wants To Rap With Jay-Z & Nas, Says He's "On Their Toes" {{!}} Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales {{!}} HipHopDX |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22299/title.kendrick-lamar-wants-to-rap-with-jay-z-nas-says-hes-on-their-toes |access-date=June 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403052738/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22299/title.kendrick-lamar-wants-to-rap-with-jay-z-nas-says-hes-on-their-toes |archive-date=April 3, 2015 }}{{Cite web |last=II |first=C. Vernon Coleman IIC Vernon Coleman |date=August 22, 2019 |title=A History of Rappers Paying Homage to Lil Wayne |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/history-rappers-paying-homage-lil-wayne/ |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=XXL Mag}} 2 Chainz, Tyga, Future,{{Cite web |date=October 21, 2019 |title=How Future Rewrote Rap in His Own Image |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/article/2010s-decade-in-future-rapper/ |access-date=June 12, 2023 |website=Pitchfork}} Lil B, Young Thug,{{Cite web |title=Lil Wayne's Influence on Young Thug |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2014/05/lil-waynes-influence-on-young-thug |access-date=June 9, 2023 |website=Complex}} Trippie Redd,{{Cite web |last=Weinstein |first=Max|date=July 22, 2017 |title=The Break Presents: Trippie Redd – XXL |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/trippie-redd-interview-break/ |access-date=June 10, 2023 |website=XXL Mag}} Lil Skies,{{Cite magazine |last=Schiller |first=Rebecca |date=March 12, 2018 |title=Get to Know 'Nowadays' Rapper Lil Skies |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/lil-skies-interview-nowadays-rapper-video-8240344/ |access-date=June 9, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}} Playboi Carti,{{Cite web |date=March 2, 2021 |title=Lil Wayne Inspired Playboi Carti To Freestyle All His Raps |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.60859/title.lil-wayne-inspired-playboi-carti-to-freestyle-all-his-raps |access-date=June 9, 2023 |website=HipHopDX}} YoungBoy Never Broke Again,{{Cite magazine |last=Garvey |first=Meaghan |date=February 1, 2023 |title=The Secret Life, House Arrest and Rebirth of YoungBoy Never Broke Again |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/features/youngboy-never-broke-again-cover-story-interview-1235208827/ |access-date=June 9, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}} Lil Baby,{{Cite magazine |last=Gage |first=Dewayne |date=November 24, 2020 |title=Musicians on Musicians: Lil Wayne & Lil Baby |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/lil-wayne-lil-baby-musicians-on-musicians-1091166/ |access-date=June 9, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone}} DaBaby,{{Cite web |title=DaBaby boom: meet the controversial rapper taking over America {{!}} Rap {{!}} The Guardian |url=https://theguardian.com/music/2020/jan/10/dababy-boom-controversial-rapper-taking-over-america |access-date=June 9, 2023 |website=The Guardian|date=January 10, 2020 |location=London}} Polo G,{{Cite web |last=III |first=Robby Seabrook IIIRobby Seabrook |date=March 20, 2019 |title=Polo G Names Lil Wayne as One of His Biggest Rap Influences – XXL |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/polo-g-interview-lil-wayne/ |access-date=June 9, 2023 |website=XXL Mag}} BlocBoy JB, NLE Choppa,{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Kyann-Sian |date=September 16, 2020 |title=NLE Choppa: Memphis rap hero with the golden touch |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-radar/nle-choppa-memphis-rap-hero-with-the-golden-touch-2753578 |access-date=June 12, 2023 |website=NME}}{{Cite news |last=P. |first=Milca |date=May 4, 2019 |title=NLE Choppa Returns On 'Blocc Is Hot' |work=hotnewhiphop.com |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1536625/pete-wentz-says-dont-expect-a-fall-out-boy-album-this-year/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723065130/http://www.mtv.com/news/1536625/pete-wentz-says-dont-expect-a-fall-out-boy-album-this-year/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 23, 2014 |access-date=June 12, 2023}} Flo Milli,{{Cite web |last=Alexandria |first=Lavender |date=August 16, 2023 |title=Flo Milli Lists Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne Among Her Biggest Influences |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/703586-flo-milli-nicki-minaj-lil-wayne-biggest-influences-hip-hop-news |access-date=January 14, 2024 |website=HotNewHipHop}} and The Kid Laroi.{{Cite web |date=September 13, 2021 |title=The Evolution of The Kid LAROI |url=https://vmagazine.com/article/vman47-kid-laroi/ |access-date=June 9, 2023 |website=V Magazine}} His lyrics have also been criticized for their controversial subject matter.{{Cite web |title=Rapper Lil Wayne Says He Doesn't Feel Connected to the Black Lives Matter Movement |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/rapper-lil-wayne-doesnt-feel-connected-black-lives/story?id=43247469 |access-date=August 17, 2023 |publisher=ABC News|location=United States}}{{Cite web |date=February 16, 2013 |title=Stevie Wonder criticises Lil Wayne for controversial lyric about civil rights hero Emmett Till |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/stevie-wonder-15-1251746 |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=NME}}

In November 2024, Lil Wayne, during the Lil WeezyAna Fest, received a Key to the City from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. In the same tribute, Master P announced the creation of the NOLA Walk of Fame and presented Wayne with a fleur-de-lis plaque to mark this honor. Additionally, February 6–7 will now be celebrated as "Lil Wayne Day" in New Orleans.{{cite web |last1=Ali |first1=Amina |title=Lil Wayne Honored With Key To New Orleans |url=https://www.hot97.com/news/lil-wayne-honored-with-key-to-new-orleans/# |website=Hot 97 |publisher=WQHT |access-date=5 November 2024 |date=4 November 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Reed |first1=Farrah |title=Lil Wayne to receive key to the city during Lil Weezyana Fest |url=https://www.wdsu.com/article/lil-wayne-to-receive-key-to-the-city-during-lil-weezyana-fest/62786085 |access-date=5 November 2024 |publisher=Hearst Television, Inc. |date=1 November 2024}}

Carter has four children. His first child, daughter Reginae, was born November{{spaces}}29, 1998, when he was 16,{{cite web|url=https://lilweezy.net/lil-waynes-children/|title=How Many Kids Does Lil Wayne Have?|publisher=lilweezy.net|date=June 24, 2016|access-date=October 12, 2018|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803081526/https://lilweezy.net/lil-waynes-children/|url-status=dead}} to his high school sweetheart and later ex-wife Toya Johnson. Internet rumors circulated in August 2008 that Carter's daughter had died in an auto accident; he immediately dispelled them.{{cite web|title=Lil Wayne Clears Up Daughter's Death Reports|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/lil-wayne-clears-up-daughters-death-reports_1077211|work=Contact Music|date=August 13, 2008|access-date=June 18, 2010}} His second child, son Dwayne III, was born on October{{spaces}}22, 2008, at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597681/20081022/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024093034/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597681/20081022/lil_wayne.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 24, 2008|title=Lil Wayne Welcomes A Baby Boy|last=Harris|first=Chris|date=October 22, 2008|publisher=MTV News|access-date=February 7, 2009}} to former radio personality Sarah Vivan.{{cite magazine|url=http://thesource.com/2014/07/18/her-source-exclusive-sarah-vivan-dishes-on-her-radio-career-lil-wayne-and-her-kids/ |title=Her Source Exclusive {{pipe}} Sarah Vivan Dishes on Her Radio Career, Lil Wayne, And Her Kids |magazine=The Source |date= July 19, 2014|access-date=October 14, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.lilwaynehq.com/family/ |title=Lil Wayne's Family Members |date=September 6, 2013 |publisher=Lilwaynehq.com |access-date=October 14, 2015}} His third child, son Cameron,{{cite magazine|url= https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/lauren-london/bio/279412/|title=Lauren London|magazine=TV Guide|access-date=April 3, 2019}} was born to actress Lauren London on September{{spaces}}9, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://celebrity-babies.com/2009/09/14/lauren-london-and-lil-wayne-welcome-a-son/ |title=Lauren London and Lil Wayne Welcome a Son |work=People |access-date=December 29, 2009|archive-date=September 22, 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090922183917/http://celebrity-babies.com/2009/09/14/lauren-london-and-lil-wayne-welcome-a-son/|url-status=dead|quote=In a statement to 'People', a rep for the 24-year-old ... actress confirms the birth, revealing that a "healthy baby boy" arrived on Wednesday, September 9.}} His fourth child, son Neal, was born on November{{spaces}}30, 2009, to singer Nivea.{{cite web|url=http://www.americansuperstarmag.com/news/lil-wayne-expecting-baby-with-nivea|title=Lil Wayne Expecting Baby with Nivea|last=Bunker|first=Chloe|date=October 15, 2009|work=American Superstar Magazine|access-date=October 15, 2009}}

Carter met his high school sweetheart Toya Johnson, when he was 15 and she was 14, respectively. After dating on and off for seven years, they married on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2004 and divorced in January 2006.{{cite news |last=Odum |first=Shanel |date=October 1, 2007 |title=Toya Carter Speaks Out (Part 2)- |url=http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2007/10/toya_carter_2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822030345/http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2007/10/toya_carter_2/ |archive-date=August 22, 2008 |work=Vibe}} Johnson cited her inability to cope with his lifestyle and the fact he had communicated with his other former romantic partners prior. More specifically, his career kept him away from their home for long periods of time. Despite being divorced, the two have remained good friends and continued to jointly support their daughter, Reginae.{{Cite web |title=How Lil Wayne Is Helping Ex Toya Wright Through Her Family's Tragedy: 'It Didn't Surprise Me That He Showed Up' |url=https://people.com/crime/how-lil-wayne-is-helping-ex-toya-wright-through-her-familys-tragedy-it-didnt-surprise-me-that-he-showed-up/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=People.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=All About Lil Wayne's Daughter Reginae Carter |url=https://people.com/all-about-lil-wayne-daughter-reginae-carter-8666555 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=People.com |language=en}}

In February 2002, after he first broke up with Johnson, he began dating singer Nivea.{{Cite web |last=M |first=Sara |date=2022-12-24 |title=Lil Wayne's Dating History: The Woman He Nearly Married to His Slew of Exes and Rumored Romances |url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2022/12/24/lil-waynes-dating-history-his-exes-and-rumored-romances/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Atlanta Black Star |language=en-US}} On the 2007 song "Something You Forgot", he explained his feelings for Nivea, whom he got engaged to in December 2002 but broke off the engagement with in August 2003. Nivea stated that Carter tried to make her quit doing music so that he could take care of her,{{Cite web |date=2021-07-13 |title=Nivea Says Lil Wayne Convinced Her To Quit Music After He Promised To Take Care Of Her |url=https://www.hot97.com/news/nivea-says-lil-wayne-convinced-her-to-quit-music-after-he-promised-to-take-care-of-her/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=HOT 97 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2021-07-13 |title=Nivea Talks Same Lil Wayne Complaints The-Dream Predicted In His Songs |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.63170/title.nivea-talks-same-lil-wayne-complaints-the-dream-predicted-in-his-songs |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}} but also acknowledged that the song was written about her.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKRmhhrfY50 |title=Nivea Reveals What Really Happened With Lil Wayne In #FindingBET Unseen Footage |date=2020-05-08 |last= |type=Video |publisher=BET Networks (Paramount) |access-date=2024-10-10 |via=YouTube}}

Previously having known each other since 1999, Carter and Lauren London reconciled following his divorce from Johnson in 2006, but broke up again in 2009, after London found out that she was pregnant at the same time as Carter's ex-girlfriend, Nivea.{{Cite web |title=Singer Nivea Says She and Lauren London Became 'Very Close' While Both Pregnant By Lil Wayne |url=https://people.com/music/nivea-lauren-london-friends-pregnant-by-lil-wayne/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=People.com |language=en}} In a May 2011 radio interview, London said of her relationship with Wayne and his fatherhood, "I met Wayne when I was 15 years old. I've known him a very long time, and we were in a relationship that didn't make it. We tried more than once to revive it, and we were engaged briefly years ago, but we eventually parted ways. People see the 'Lil Wayne' personality and think they know who he really is. My son's father is an intelligent, loving, and lovable person who will always be a dear friend. And that will never change. That is all."{{Cite web |date=2024-10-10 |title=NecoleBitchie |url=https://necolebitchie.com |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=NecoleBitchie |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Lil Wayne and Lauren London: A Brief History {{!}} TicketX Magazine |url=https://ticketx.com/magazine/music/lil-wayne-and-lauren-london |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=ticketx.com}} On the 500 Degreez track, "Young'n Blues", he discussed his breakup with Toya Johnson and his issues with London, while he nicknamed the latter "young Cali sweet thing".{{Cite web |last=Kramer |first=Kyle |date=2017-06-10 |title=Looking Back at Lil Wayne's "Young N' Blues" |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/looking-back-at-lil-waynes-young-n-blues/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=VICE |language=en-US}}

Carter began dating rapper Trina in 2005, after featuring on her single, "Don't Trip". The two were discussing future plans for engagement and moving to Florida to live together. However, in 2006, after Trina suffered a miscarriage from what was later confirmed to be her and Carter's unborn child, they have grown distant from one another. It was during that time when Trina developed an affair with Carter's would be rival, rapper Young Buck.{{Cite web |date=2007-11-12 |title=LINK: Young Buck On His Relationship With Trina - XXL |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/link-young-buck-on-his-relationship-with-trina/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=XXL Mag |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Berrios |first=Martin |date=2013-10-16 |title=9 Celebrities Romantically Linked To Trina aka "Da Baddest B*tch" |url=https://hiphopwired.com/260068/10-celebrities-trina-romantically-linked/4/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Hip-Hop Wired |language=en-US}} In October 2007, the relationship ended after Trina realized that it was not properly empathized.{{Cite web |last=Trapp |first=Malcolm |title=Trina reveals Lil Wayne is one of the most honest men she's ever known |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2022-07-16/180715/trina-reveals-lil-wayne-is-one-of-the-most-honest-men-shes-ever-known |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=REVOLT}}{{Cite web |last=Blake |first=Cole |date=2022-07-17 |title=Trina Reflects On Lil Wayne Relationship: "I'm Always Gonna Speak Positively Of Him" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/427510-trina-reflects-on-lil-wayne-relationship-i-m-always-gonna-speak-positively-of-him-news |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}} According to her, it was the cause of the pair "being young and not knowing what [we were] doing".{{Cite web |title=Trina Reveals Why She Broke It Off With Lil Wayne |url=https://www.bet.com/article/zaw7f2/trina-reveals-why-she-broke-it-off-with-lil-wayne |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=BET |language=en}} The two reunited to collaborate for the 2013 single, "Wowzerz", and 2019's "Situation", and remain on good terms.

Carter and Nivea reconciled in early 2008, following Nivea's divorce from singer-songwriter The-Dream.{{Cite web |last=Duncan-Smith |first=Nicole |date=2023-11-04 |title='I Love Your Girl': Fans Shook to Learn Messy Love Triangle With Nivea Led to The Dream's 2007 Smash Hit Actually Being a Diss Track to Lil Wayne |url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2023/11/04/lil-wayne-the-dream-sending-shots-over-nivea/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Atlanta Black Star |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Love Jones: Stars Who Took Multiple Trips Down the Aisle |url=https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/hgjq09/love-jones-stars-who-took-multiple-trips-down-the-aisle/5ga7rd |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=BET |language=en}} Both were re-engaged in 2009, but Nivea decided to end her relationship with Carter while pregnant with their son and they called off their engagement for the second time in June 2010, in the midst of Carter's prison sentence.{{cite web |last1=Tracy |first1=Brianne |title=Singer Nivea Says She and Lauren London Became 'Very Close' While Both Pregnant by Lil Wayne |url=https://people.com/music/nivea-lauren-london-friends-pregnant-by-lil-wayne/ |website=People}}

He dated model Karrine Steffans (on and off) from 2007 to 2014.{{Cite web |title=Karrine Steffans Speaks On Dating Lil Wayne And Bow Wow While Being Married |url=https://nowdecatur.com/2022/05/19/karrine-steffans-speaks-on-dating-lil-wayne-and-bow-wow-while-being-married/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=NowDecatur.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Exclusive: Karrine Steffans Clears The Air About Lil Wayne's "Mona Lisa" |url=https://www.bet.com/article/dh7gv6/karrine-steffans-speaks-rumors-over-lil-wayne-s-mona-lisa |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=BET |language=en}} Carter briefly dated Dana Lee in 2012.

He entered into an intimate relationship with glamour model Tammy Torres from 2009 to 2010. While imprisoned, Drake encouraged him not to rekindle his relationship with Torres, due to him already having had an encounter with her.{{Cite web |last=Paul |first=Bryson "Boom" |date=2024-05-06 |title=Tammy Torres Resurface As Lil Wayne's Girlfriend Drake Slept With |url=https://www.hot97.com/news/tammy-torres-video-vixen-resurface-as-lil-waynes-girlfriend-drake-slept-with-during-battle/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=HOT 97 |language=en-US}} After ending his relationship with Torres and mending over his falling out with Drake, Carter later got involved with Dhea Sodano from 2011 to 2019.{{Cite web |date=2018-09-26 |title=5 Details About Lil' Wayne's Girlfriend Of 6 Years And Their Secretive Relationship |url=https://www.yourtango.com/2018317445/5-details-about-lil-wayne-girlfriend-dhea-sodano-their-secretive-relationship |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=YourTango |language=en}}

In July 2014, it was rumored that Carter was dating singer Christina Milian, with whom he attended the ESPY Awards.{{cite web |date=July 18, 2014 |title=Lil Wayne Attends The 2014 ESPY Awards With Christina Milian To Watch Stuart Scott Receive The Jimmy V Award |url=https://www.lilwaynehq.com/2014/07/lil-wayne-attends-2014-espys-christina-milian-watch-stuart-scott-jimmy-v-award/ |website=Lil Wayne Fansite {{pipe}} Weezy Blog}} They later confirmed their relationship in mid-2015,{{cite web |date=April 7, 2015 |title=Christina Milian Dating Lil Wayne: 'I Love Him' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6524346/christina-milian-dating-lil-wayne |magazine=Billboard}} after which they received criticism from their interconnected exes, singer Nivea{{cite web |date=November 25, 2015 |title=Nivea Dishes about Her Feelings on Lil Wayne, Christina Milian (Watch) – EURweb |url=http://www.eurweb.com/2015/11/nivea-dishes-about-her-feelings-on-lil-wayne-christina-milian-watch/}} and songwriter The-Dream.{{cite web |title=The-Dream Addresses Rumored Lil Wayne, Christina Milian Relationship |url=https://www.bet.com/article/qrjf74/the-dream-talks-lil-wayne-christina-milian-rumor |website=BET.com}} They split in August 2015,{{cite web |date=September 15, 2015 |title=It's Over! Christina Milian, Lil Wayne Split |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/christina-milian-and-lil-wayne-split-after-dating-for-over-a-year-2015149}}{{Cite news |last=Tardio |first=Andres |title=Christina Milian Really Thought She Might Marry Lil Wayne |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2508647/christina-milian-lil-wayne-engagement-wish/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120035748/http://www.mtv.com/news/2508647/christina-milian-lil-wayne-engagement-wish/ |archive-date=November 20, 2015 |publisher=MTV News}} having collaborated on multiple singles, videos, and concert dates.

Wayne was engaged to model La'Tecia Thomas but called off the engagement in May 2020.{{cite web |last=S. |first=Madusa |date=June 15, 2020 |title=Instagram Gallery: Lil Wayne's Girlfriend Denise Bidot |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/instagram-gallery-lil-wayne-s-girlfriend-denise-bidot-news.112568.html |access-date=June 17, 2020 |work=HotNewHipHop}} A month later, it was announced that Wayne had started dating Denise Bidot, another model.{{cite web |date=June 23, 2020 |title=Lil Wayne Professes Love for Girlfriend Denise Bidot |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2020/06/23/lil-wayne-girlfriend-denise-bidot-in-love/ |website=Rap-Up}} In November 2020, they reportedly broke up over Wayne's endorsement of Donald Trump.{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Hunter |date=November 3, 2020 |title=Lil Wayne's Trump Endorsement Got Him Dumped |url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/11/lil-wayne-dumped-trump-endorsement.html |access-date=November 3, 2020 |website=Vulture.com}} Shortly after, it was reported that the couple had reconciled.{{cite web |date=December 2020 |title=Lil Wayne & Denise Bidot Spent Thanksgiving Together: "Just Perfect" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-wayne-and-denise-bidot-spent-thanksgiving-together-just-perfect-news.122126.html |website=HotNewHipHop}}{{cite web |date=December 2020 |title=Lil Wayne and girlfriend appear to reconcile post breakup due to political differences |url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lil-wayne-and-girlfriend-appear-to-reconcile-post-breakup-due-to-political-differences-346625 |publisher=WION}}{{cite web |date=December 1, 2020 |title=Donald Trump Can't Keep Lil Wayne Away From His Love, Denise Bidot |url=https://allhiphop.com/news/donald-trump-lil-wayne-denise-bidot/}}{{cite web |date=December 1, 2020 |title=Is Denise Bidot back together with Lil Wayne? |url=https://us.hola.com/celebrities/20201201ftl1ietrf2/lil-wayne-back-together-denise-bidot |website=HOLA! USA}} Wayne and Bidot later broke up again in January 2022.{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2022 |title=Exclusive: Single, happy and with a new look, Denise Bidot moves back to New York! |url=https://www.hola.com/us/celebrities/20220124307514/denise-bidot-single-happy-new-look-new-york/ |access-date=March 19, 2024 |website=HOLA}}{{Cite web |title=Who Is Lil Wayne's Ex-Girlfriend? All About Denise Bidot |url=https://people.com/music/who-is-denise-bidot-lil-wayne/ |access-date=March 19, 2024 |website=Peoplemag}}

On October 18, 2024, Carter began dating chef LeahAngelie Murphy.{{Cite web |last=Schube |first=Will |date=2024-10-21 |title=Lil Wayne Reportedly Has A New Girlfriend: His Live-In Chef |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/lil-wayne-new-girlfriend-chef |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}}

Carter's son, Neal Carter, currently performs music under the alias, Lil Novi.{{Cite web |title=Lil Wayne Makes Surprise Cameo In His Son Lil Novi's Upcoming Music Video |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2025-01-27-lil-wayne-makes-surprise-cameo-in-his-son-lil-novis-upcoming-music-video/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=iHeart |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Lil Wayne's Son Lil Novi Shares His Thoughts About His Dad's Best Album |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2024-12-03-lil-waynes-son-lil-novi-shares-his-thoughts-about-his-dads-best-album/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=iHeart |language=en}}

In an interview with Blender, Carter said that one of his favorite bands from childhood was rock group Nirvana, and cites them as a major influence in his music.{{cite web|last=Springer|first=Anthony Jr.|title=Lil Wayne Talks 50 Cent, Cocaine & Rock Music|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6908/title.lil-wayne-talks-50-cent-cocaine-rock-music|work=HipHopDX.com|date=May 9, 2008|access-date=May 11, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610104107/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6908/title.lil-wayne-talks-50-cent-cocaine-rock-music|archive-date=June 10, 2011|url-status=dead}}

File:Lil Wayne.jpg

Carter got his first tattoo at age 14 of his dad's name and his second was "Cash Money" across his stomach.{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2013/01/40-things-you-didnt-know-about-lil-wayne/|title=40 Things You Didn't Know About Lil Wayne|website=Complex.com}} His tattoos have grown to include a Jay-Z verse on his leg, "I Am Music" on his forehead and teardrops on his cheeks among many others. His most recent one is "Baked" on his forehead stylized as the Baker Skateboards logo.{{As of?|date=December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/lil-wayne-got-the-word-baked-tattooed-on-his-face-1798235469|title=Lil Wayne got the word "BAKED" tattooed on his face|website=The A.V. Club|date=January 3, 2013}}{{cite news|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/26/arts/music/26wayn.html?_r=3&oref=slogin&oref=slogin|first=Kelefa|last=Sanneh|title=Savoring a Moment in the Sun, Despite a Court Date|work=The New York Times|quote=Lil Wayne had three things to explain. No. 1, a religious confession: "I believe in God and his son, Jesus. Do you?" He interpreted the roar as an affirmative response. No. 2, a professional confession: He said he was nothing without the fans, adding, "Make some noise for what you created!" Noise was made. No. 3: Same as No. 2. More noise.|access-date=December 2, 2010|date=February 26, 2008}}

Carter identifies as a Catholic.{{Cite web |title=40 Things You Didn't Know About Lil Wayne |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2013/01/40-things-you-didnt-know-about-lil-wayne |access-date=February 7, 2023 |website=Complex}}{{Cite book |last=Ferrier |first=Morwenna |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1245529994 |title=Lil Wayne : takin' the rap |date=2012 |isbn=9780857752796 |location=London |pages=100 |oclc=1245529994}}{{Cite web |title=Holy Cross: Celebrities Who Are Catholic |url=https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/ai88my/holy-cross-celebrities-who-are-catholic/gyt5kl |access-date=February 7, 2023 |website=BET}} While playing in Newark Symphony Hall, Carter professed his belief "in God and His son, Jesus". During his 2011 tour in Australia with Eminem, before beginning his bracket he proclaimed his belief in God.{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/eminem-rap-inferno-lifts-roof-20111202-1oart.html |title=Eminem concert Australia {{pipe}} Melbourne {{pipe}} Sydney |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=December 2, 2011 |access-date=December 10, 2011}}

After earning his GED, Carter enrolled at the University of Houston in January 2005. He dropped out in the same year due to his conflicting schedule.{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/8-rappers-honorary-college-degrees/|title=9 Rappers With Honorary College Degrees – XXL|website=XXL Mag|date=February 12, 2015 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.theboombox.com/2009/04/24/lil-wayne-talks-god-higher-education-on-the-view/|title=Lil' Wayne Talks About Higher Education On "The View"|last=Ford|first=Tracy|date=April 24, 2009|publisher=The Boom Box|access-date=June 12, 2010}} He also stated on The View that he switched to the University of Phoenix and majored in psychology taking online courses. An article in Urb magazine in March 2007 asserted that Carter had been earning high grades at Houston.{{cite news|url=http://www.urb.com/2007/03/28/lil-wayne-industrial-psychology/|title=Lil Wayne: Industrial Psychology|last=Perkins|first=Brandon|date=March 28, 2007|work=Urb|access-date=April 22, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011113238/http://www.urb.com/2007/03/28/lil-wayne-industrial-psychology/|archive-date=October 11, 2011}}

In 2016, Carter purchased Player's Rep. Sports Agency, and became Young Money APAA sports, which hired NFL's first female sports agent, Nicole Lynn. She currently represents Seth Roberts, Corey Nelson, Jordan Evans, Malik Jefferson, Erik Harris, Quinnen Williams, as well as NCAA coaches, and two former No. 1 Pro Softball draft picks.Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/wuEv7LPyL38 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200129044353/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuEv7LPyL38 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|title=From Poverty to Representing the # 3 Overall NFL Draft Pick: Nicole Lynn's Story| date=December 23, 2019 |via = YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuEv7LPyL38|access-date=January 12, 2020}}{{cbignore}}

On October{{spaces}}29, 2020, less than a week before the presidential election, Carter posted an image of him and President Donald Trump to Twitter. In the caption for the photo, Carter stated that he and Trump had recently met to discuss criminal justice reform and Trump's Platinum Plan, an initiative which aims to raise access to capital in Black communities by almost $500 billion. Carter claimed Trump "listened to what we had to say today and assured he will and can get it done".{{cite web|date=October 29, 2020 |title=Lil Wayne Meets with Donald Trump |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2020/10/29/lil-wayne-meets-with-donald-trump/|url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101183424/https://www.rap-up.com/2020/10/29/lil-wayne-meets-with-donald-trump/ |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |access-date= |work=Rap-Up}}

On October{{spaces}}25, 2012, Carter's private jet, bound for Los Angeles, made an emergency landing in Texas due to an in-flight medical episode. Lil Wayne was transferred to a local hospital upon arrival.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1696290/lil-wayne-seizure-like-symptoms-in-flight.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028162500/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1696290/lil-wayne-seizure-like-symptoms-in-flight.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 28, 2012|title=Lil Wayne 'Doing Better' After In-Flight Medical Scare|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|date=October 26, 2012|publisher=MTV |access-date=March 17, 2013}} TMZ and other media sources said that Carter had suffered a seizure aboard the plane.{{cite news|url=https://www.tmz.com/2012/10/25/lil-wayne-hospitalized-seizure-mid-flight-texas/|title=Lil Wayne Hospitalized After In-Flight Med Emergency|date=October 25, 2012|work=TMZ|access-date=March 17, 2013}} His publicist denied this, saying that he was in fact treated for "a severe migraine and dehydration".{{cite news|url=https://www.spin.com/2012/10/lil-wayne-second-seizure-airplane-hospitalized/|title=Lil Wayne's Seizures Not Cooperating With His Reps' Denials|date=October 26, 2012|work=Spin)|access-date=March 17, 2013}}

The following day, while flying from Texas to Los Angeles, Carter's private jet was reportedly again forced to make an emergency landing, this time in Louisiana, after he suffered a second seizure and required further hospitalization.{{cite news|url=https://www.tmz.com/2012/10/26/lil-wayne-second-seizure-louisiana-hospital-flight-weezy-carter/|title=Lil Wayne Hospitalized – SECOND SEIZURE|date=October 26, 2012|work=TMZ|access-date=March 17, 2013}} His representative said that the reports of Carter's condition had been exaggerated, and that he was resting at his Louisiana home.{{cite news|url=http://ca.eonline.com/news/357815/lil-wayne-s-camp-shoots-down-second-seizure-report|title=Lil Wayne's Camp Shoots Down Second Seizure Report|first=Natalie|last=Finn|date=October 26, 2012|publisher=E!|access-date=March 17, 2013}} In a November 2012 interview with MTV, Carter stated that he was taking seizure medication, on doctors' orders, due to the aforementioned incidents.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1697854/lil-wayne-seizure-medicine-mtv-first.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127173339/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1697854/lil-wayne-seizure-medicine-mtv-first.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 27, 2012|title=Lil Wayne Taking Seizure Medication After Health Scare|first=Nadeska|last=Alexis|date=November 22, 2012|publisher=MTV |access-date=March 17, 2013}}

On March{{spaces}}14, 2013, TMZ reported that Carter had been treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on the evening of March{{spaces}}12, after having seizures while on a music video set with Young Money rapper Nicki Minaj. He was reportedly released in the early hours of March{{spaces}}13.{{cite news|url=https://www.tmz.com/2013/03/14/lil-wayne-hospitalized-seizures/|title=Lil Wayne – Hospitalized Again for Seizures|date=March 14, 2013|work=TMZ|access-date=March 17, 2013}} On March{{spaces}}15, TMZ published a second story, claiming that hours after his release on March{{spaces}}13, Carter was found unconscious after experiencing further seizures, and was brought back to Cedars-Sinai, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit in critical condition.{{cite news|url=https://www.tmz.com/2013/03/18/lil-wayne-intensive-care-unit-hospital-los-angeles/|title=Lil Wayne – Day 6 in Intensive Care|date=March 18, 2013|work=TMZ|access-date=March 18, 2013}}{{cite news|url=https://www.tmz.com/2013/03/15/lil-wayne-seizures-hospitalized-drugs-sizzurp-critical-condition-icu/|title=Lil Wayne Hospitalized – In Critical Condition After More Seizures|date=March 15, 2013|work=TMZ|access-date=March 17, 2013}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lil-wayne-receives-hospital-visits-from-drake-nicki-minaj-and-more-20130318|title=Lil Wayne Receives Hospital Visits from Drake, Nicki Minaj and More|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=March 18, 2013}} The article alleged the latest seizures were found to be linked to high amounts of codeine in Carter's system, possibly due to bingeing on purple drank after his initial hospital release.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1552435/lil-wayne-gets-hospital-visits-from-drake-birdman|title=Lil Wayne Gets Hospital Visits From Drake, Birdman|date=March 17, 2013|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 17, 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/lil-wayne-is-not-close-to-death-but-drank-too-much-sizzurp-2013163|title=Lil Wayne Is "Not Close to Death," But "Drank Too Much Sizzurp"|work=Us Weekly|date=March 16, 2013|access-date=March 18, 2013}} Multiple celebrities, including Drake and Birdman, were photographed on March{{spaces}}15 and 16 visiting Carter at Cedars-Sinai.

Several members of Young Money Entertainment, including president Mack Maine, criticized media reports on Carter's hospitalization, particularly those of TMZ, alleging that they exaggerated the severity of his condition and falsely implied that he was on his deathbed (such as by saying that he was in a medically induced coma),{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1703819/lil-wayne-hospital-visit-drake-birdman.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320015211/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1703819/lil-wayne-hospital-visit-drake-birdman.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 20, 2013|title=Lil Wayne Gets Hospital Visits From Drake And Birdman|date=March 16, 2013|publisher=MTV |access-date=March 17, 2013}} triggering what the Washington Post called "the most overheated celebrity deathwatch in recent years".{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reliable-source/wp/2013/03/17/lil-wayne-survives-the-weekend-but-tone-loc-and-morrissey-arent-doing-so-well-either/|title=Lil Wayne survives the weekend, but Tone Loc and Morrissey aren't doing so well either|first=Amy|last=Argetsinger|date=March 17, 2013|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=March 17, 2013}} In separate interviews on March{{spaces}}18, Mack Maine and Birdman disputed TMZ's reports, and stated that in fact there were not multiple seizures or multiple hospital visits. They explained that after Carter began seizing on the way to the music video shoot on March{{spaces}}12, an ambulance was called and he was transported to the hospital, where he was admitted and remained continuously thereafter.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1703910/lil-wayne-birdman-seizures-drugs.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130321035614/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1703910/lil-wayne-birdman-seizures-drugs.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 21, 2013|title=Lil Wayne's Seizures Not Drug-Related, Birdman Says|first=Rob|last=Markman|date=March 18, 2013|publisher=MTV |access-date=March 18, 2013}} They also refuted the claims that Carter's seizures are drug-induced, saying that they are an ongoing problem for which doctors have been unable to identify a cause.{{cite news|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/03/exclusive-mack-maine-is-not-sure-whether-lil-wayne-sent-out-post-seizure-tweet/|title=EXCLUSIVE: Mack Maine Is "Not Sure" Whether Lil Wayne Sent Out Post-Seizure Tweet|first=Sean|last=Ryon|date=March 18, 2013|work=XXL|access-date=March 18, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130321060741/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/03/exclusive-mack-maine-is-not-sure-whether-lil-wayne-sent-out-post-seizure-tweet/|archive-date=March 21, 2013}}

Carter was released from the hospital late on March{{spaces}}18, following a six-day stay.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1703919/lil-wayne-hospital-release.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322053945/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1703919/lil-wayne-hospital-release.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 22, 2013|title=Lil Wayne Heads Home After Six-Day Hospital Stay|first=Rob|last=Markman|date=March 18, 2013|publisher=MTV |access-date=March 18, 2013}} He addressed his condition via a vlog, on March{{spaces}}21 saying he was more than good.{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23305/title.lil-wayne-updates-health-status-in-video-confirms-summer-tour-with-t-i-|title=Lil Wayne Updates Health Status in Video, Confirms Summer Tour With T.I.|work=HipHopDX|access-date=March 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324201707/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23305/title.lil-wayne-updates-health-status-in-video-confirms-summer-tour-with-t-i-|archive-date=March 24, 2013|url-status=dead}}

Carter had two seizures in June 2016, during a cross-country flight from Wisconsin to California, and landed in Omaha, Nebraska.{{cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2016/06/13/lil-wayne-seizure-emergency-landing/ |title=Lil Wayne receives two seizures on flight to California |date=June 13, 2016 |access-date=July 12, 2016}} His plane was only two minutes in the air when the second seizure occurred, forcing the plane to land in Omaha once again. Less than a month later, he had another seizure, supposedly due to not taking his epilepsy medication.{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-wayne-on-latest-reported-seizure-im-good-news.22810.html|title=Lil Wayne survives another seizure |last=Schwartz |first=Danny |website=HNHH |date=July 12, 2016 |access-date=July 12, 2016}}

Carter canceled a Las Vegas show on September{{spaces}}3, 2017, having had a seizure in a Chicago hospital earlier that day, where he was brought after being found unconscious in a hotel room.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lil-wayne-suffers-multiple-seizures-cancels-las-vegas-show-w501099 |title=Lil Wayne Hospitalized With Multiple Seizures, Cancels Las Vegas Show |last=Kreps |first=Daniels |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=September 3, 2017}}

In June 2023, Carter acknowledged that he now had trouble remembering his songs due to memory problems caused by his epilepsy.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/lil-wayne-says-cant-remember-songs-due-memory-loss-rcna88828|title=Lil Wayne says he can’t remember his own songs anymore due to memory loss|first=Becca|last=Wood|publisher=Today|date=July 12, 2023|accessdate=April 15, 2025}}

On February{{spaces}}19, 2008, Carter and his manager Cortez Bryant revisited their alma mater McMain Secondary School to get students to design an invitation to the gala introducing Carter's nonprofit One Family Foundation.{{cite web|last=Spera|first=Keith C.|title=Lil Wayne goes back to school (story and video)|url=http://www.nola.com/music/index.ssf/2008/02/lil_wayne_goes_back_to_school.html|work=New Orleans Times-Picayune|access-date=June 18, 2010|date=February 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018122119/http://www.nola.com/music/index.ssf/2008/02/lil_wayne_goes_back_to_school.html|archive-date=October 18, 2012|url-status=dead}}

{{main|Young Money Entertainment}}

Carter wrote a memoir of his experience in Rikers Island called Gone Til' November: A Journal of Rikers Island that was released October{{spaces}}11, 2016.{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/new-excerpts-from-lil-waynes-memoir-detail-life-at-rikers-news.24317.html|title=Lil Wayne releases memoir about time in Rikers Island |last=Smith |first=Trevor |date=September 25, 2016 |website=Hotnewhiphop.com |access-date=September 25, 2016}}

In December 2019, Carter announced his own cannabis brand under the name of GKUA Ultra Premium.{{cite web|url=https://www.allcitycanvas.com/en/lil-wayne-new-brand-of-cannabis|title=LIL WAYNE'S NEW CANNABIS BRAND|last=Zuriaga|first=David|date=December 6, 2019|website=AllCityCanvas.com|access-date=March 3, 2020}}

On September{{spaces}}24, 2008, Carter published his first blog for ESPN in their issue, ESPN The Magazine. Carter said that he was a fan of tennis, the Green Bay Packers, the Boston Bruins, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Red Sox. To commemorate the Packers' making it to Super Bowl XLV, he spoofed Wiz Khalifa's hit song "Black and Yellow" (which were the colors of the Packers' opponents, the Pittsburgh Steelers) in a song titled "Green and Yellow".{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/lil-wayne/news/45468-lil-wayne-talks-sport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303070139/http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/lil-wayne/news/45468-lil-wayne-talks-sport|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 3, 2009|title=Lil Wayne Talks Sport|date=September 26, 2008|publisher=MTV News UK|access-date=April 24, 2011}} He released a second version of the song in 2021, which was requested by the Packers, and updated with the current roster.{{cite web|date=January 17, 2021|title=Lil Wayne releases new version of NFL anthem 'Green And Yellow'|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/lil-wayne-releases-new-version-of-nfl-anthem-green-and-yellow-2858227|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=NME}} Carter has continued writing for ESPN, notably reporting at the ESPN Super Bowl party.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/espnmag/story?id=3878291|title=From Super Bowl XLIII: Lil Wayne and Rick Reilly|author1=Lil Wayne|last2=Reilly|first2=Rick|date=February 2, 2009|work=ESPN the Magazine|access-date=February 7, 2009}}

On January{{spaces}}6, 2009, Carter was a guest debater against Skip Bayless on the "1st & 10" segment of ESPN First Take.{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3814076|title=Lil Wayne Debates Skip|date=January 6, 2009|publisher=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122021943/http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3814076|archive-date=January 22, 2009}} On February{{spaces}}10, 2009, he appeared on ESPN's Around the Horn and beat out veterans Woody Paige, Jay Mariotti and fellow New Orleanian Michael Smith to win that show's episode.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espnradio/podcast/archive?id=2839445|title=Around The Horn Archived Podcasts|date=February 10, 2009|publisher=ESPN|access-date=February 10, 2009}}

Carter made his debut on ESPN's daily sports round table show Around The Horn on February{{spaces}}10, 2009.{{cite web |last=Mooney |first=Michael J. |url=http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/juice/2009/02/lil_wayne_wears_a_lil_wade_aid.php |title=Lil Wayne Wears a Lil Wade, Aids in Heat Win |work=The Juice |publisher=BrowardPalmBeach.com |date=February 25, 2009 |access-date=December 29, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100228165111/http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/juice/2009/02/lil_wayne_wears_a_lil_wade_aid.php |archive-date=February 28, 2010 }} Carter created the intro song "No Mercy" for the Fox Sports 1 sports debate show Undisputed. After Shannon Sharpe's departure from the show, Carter created a new theme song for Undisputed: "Good Morning".{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/watch/play-69b0aa13800102c|title= 'Good Morning,' Undisputed's new theme song |work=Fox Sports|date=August 28, 2023|accessdate=August 28, 2023}} Carter also joined the series as a regular guest opposite Bayless.{{cite web|last=Griffin|first=Marc|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/lil-wayne-set-join-skip-161535852.html|title=Lil Wayne Set To Join Skip Bayless As 'Undisputed' Regular|publisher=Yahoo!|date=August 4, 2023|accessdate=August 28, 2023}}

Carter has mentioned being a fan of Latvian tennis player Jelena Ostapenko, and was extended an invite to the 2024 US Open. Carter also thanked Ostapenko, who attended Drake's tour featuring Lil Wayne.{{cite web|url=https://www.tennis.com/baseline/articles/quote-of-the-day-lil-wayne-accepts-jelena-ostapenko-s-tennis-invite-ima-have-to-pull-up|title=Quote of the Day: Lil Wayne accepts Jelena Ostapenko's tennis invite: "Ima have to pull up"|publisher=Tennis Channel|date=4 July 2024|accessdate=25 January 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4051183/is-rapper-lil-wayne-ostapenkos-biggest-fan-yes|title=Is rapper Lil Wayne Ostapenko's biggest fan? Yes.|publisher=Women's Tennis Association|date=9 July 2024|accessdate=25 January 2025}}

On July{{spaces}}22, 2007, Carter was arrested in New York City following a performance at the Beacon Theatre; the New York City Police Department discovered Carter and another man smoking marijuana near a tour bus. After taking Carter into custody, police discovered a .40 caliber pistol near his person. The gun, which was registered to his manager, was in a bag located near the rapper.{{cite web|first=Jayson |last=Rodriguez |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1632931/20100301/lil_wayne.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304005412/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1632931/20100301/lil_wayne.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 4, 2010 |title=Lil Wayne To Be Sentenced, Begin Jail Term Today |publisher=MTV News |date=March 2, 2010 |access-date=March 9, 2010}} He was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and marijuana.{{cite web|last=Shepherd|first=Julianne|title=Lil Wayne, Ja Rule Arrested After NY Performance|url=http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2007/07/wayne_ja_rule_arrested/|work=Vibe|date=July 23, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415212128/http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2007/07/wayne_ja_rule_arrested/|archive-date=April 15, 2008}}{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/23/rappers.arrested/index.html|title= 2 hip-hop stars arrested in New York after concert|last=Brunswick|first=Deborah|date=July 23, 2007|publisher=CNN|access-date=January 21, 2010}}

Following a performance at Qwest Arena in Boise, Idaho, Carter was arrested October{{spaces}}5, 2007, on felony fugitive charges after Georgia authorities accused the rapper of possessing a controlled substance.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/06/AR2007100601122.html|title=Lil Wayne Arrested After Idaho Concert|date=October 6, 2007|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=November 29, 2010|agency=Associated Press}} The incident was later described as a "mix-up" and the fugitive charges were dropped.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1571373/20071008/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011005213/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1571373/20071008/lil_wayne.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 11, 2007|title=Lil Wayne Arrest Mostly A Paperwork Mix-Up, Lawyer Says|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|date=October 8, 2007|publisher=MTV News}}

On January{{spaces}}23, 2008, Carter was arrested alongside two others. His tour bus was stopped by Border Patrol agents near Yuma, Arizona. A K-9 Unit recovered {{convert|105|g|oz}} of marijuana, almost {{convert|29|g|oz}} of cocaine, {{convert|41|g|oz}} of ecstasy, and $22,000 in cash. Carter was charged with four felonies: possession of narcotic drug for sale, possession of dangerous drugs, misconduct involving weapons and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was granted permission to travel outside of the state and remain out of custody on the $10,185 bond he posted.{{cite web|url=http://lil-wayne-news.newslib.com/story/10288-556/|title=YumaSun.com|publisher=Lil-wayne-news.newslib.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714174233/http://lil-wayne-news.newslib.com/story/10288-556/|archive-date=July 14, 2011|url-status=dead|access-date=October 26, 2010}}

On May{{spaces}}6, 2008, Carter returned to court in Arizona to plead not guilty to the charges.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1587007/20080507/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510113957/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1587007/20080507/lil_wayne.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 10, 2008|title=Lil Wayne Enters Not Guilty Plea in Arizona Drug Case|last=Harris|first=Chris|date=May 7, 2008|publisher=MTV News|access-date=June 18, 2010}} A bench warrant was issued on March{{spaces}}17, 2010, when Carter did not show for a final trial management conference.{{cite news|url=http://www.yumasun.com/news/warrant-57015-yuma-court.html|title=Warrant issued for Lil' Wayne in Yuma case|last=Gilbert|first=James|date=March 16, 2010|newspaper=Yuma Sun|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105162121/http://www.yumasun.com/news/warrant-57015-yuma-court.html|archive-date=January 5, 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2010-03-16-lil-wayne-warrant_N.htm?csp=34|title=Warrant issued for Lil Wayne in Arizona case|date=March 16, 2010|newspaper=USA Today}} However, he was already incarcerated, serving a one-year sentence on Rikers Island on weapons charges. On June{{spaces}}22, 2010, Carter pleaded guilty to the charges. As part of the plea deal he was able to serve 36 months of probation, which he was sentenced to on June{{spaces}}30, 2010.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/06/22/lil.wayne.plea/index.html|title=Lil' Wayne pleads guilty to Arizona drug charge|date=June 22, 2010|access-date=June 22, 2010|publisher=CNN}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957561/lil-wayne-gets-probation-in-az-drug-case|title=Lil Wayne Gets Probation in AZ Drug Case|date=June 30, 2010|magazine=Billboard|access-date=June 30, 2010}}

On December{{spaces}}18, 2009, Carter and 11 others were detained at the Falfurrias, Texas, border patrol checkpoint after an unknown amount of marijuana was found on two of his tour buses.{{cite web|url=http://www.themonitor.com/articles/detained-33692-border-patrol.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091220193640/http://www.themonitor.com/articles/detained-33692-border-patrol.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 20, 2009|title=Rapper Lil Wayne detained at Falfurrias checkpoint|last=Ley|first=Ana|date=December 18, 2009|publisher=The Monitor|access-date=February 15, 2010}}

On October{{spaces}}22, 2009, Carter pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon. He was due for sentencing in February 2010 and was expected to receive a one-year county jail sentence,{{cite news|first=Vanessa|last=Juarez|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/10/22/new.york.lil.wayne/index.html|title=Lil Wayne pleads guilty to weapons charge|publisher=CNN|date=October 22, 2009|access-date=February 15, 2010}} but on February{{spaces}}9, 2010, Carter's attorney announced that the sentencing was delayed until March{{spaces}}2 due to dental surgery,{{cite web|first=Jayson|last=Rodriguez|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1631576/20100209/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211141817/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1631576/20100209/lil_wayne.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 11, 2010|title=Lil Wayne Sentencing Delayed Due To Dental Surgery|publisher=MTV News|date=February 9, 2010|access-date=February 15, 2010}} which was performed on February{{spaces}}16. The surgery included eight root canals, the replacement of several tooth implants, as well as the addition of a few new implants and work on his remaining original teeth.{{cite web|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1632239/20100219/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103230522/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1632239/20100219/lil_wayne.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 3, 2013|title=Lil Wayne Gets Eight Root Canals in One Day|publisher=MTV News|date=February 19, 2010|access-date=March 9, 2010}} On March{{spaces}}2, 2010, sentencing was postponed again when the courthouse reported a fire in the basement.{{cite web|first=Jennifer|last=Peltz|url=http://www.wdtn.com/dpps/entertainment/celebrity/lil-wayne-sentencing-postponed-due-to-court-fire-_3257686|title=Lil Wayne sentencing postponed|publisher=WDTN|date=March 2, 2010|access-date=March 2, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110621224845/http://www.wdtn.com/dpps/entertainment/celebrity/lil-wayne-sentencing-postponed-due-to-court-fire-_3257686|archive-date=June 21, 2011}}

On March{{spaces}}8, 2010, Carter was given a one-year sentence, which he served on Rikers Island. His lawyer said the rapper expected to be held in protective custody, separated from other prisoners.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8556873.stm|title=US rapper Lil Wayne sentenced to a year in prison|publisher=BBC |date=March 8, 2010|access-date=March 9, 2010}} In May 2010, Carter was found by Rikers Island correctional staff to be in possession of contraband (an MP3 player, charger, and headphones).{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272631766.shtml|title=Lil' Wayne – Contraband Bust Behind Bars|work=National Ledger|date=May 13, 2010|access-date=May 19, 2010|archive-date=May 16, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100516013928/http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272631766.shtml|url-status=dead}} In April 2010, Carter's friends created a website called Weezy Thanx You, which published letters written by Carter while incarcerated.{{cite magazine|first=Daniel|last=Kreps|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/13316/71519|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912164707/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/13316/71519|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 12, 2010|title=Lil Wayne Launches Prison Website 'Weezy Thanx You'|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=April 2, 2010|access-date=July 24, 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://weezythanxyou.com/|title=Weezy Thanx You official website|publisher=Young Money Entertainment|access-date=July 24, 2010|archive-date=January 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123125123/http://weezythanxyou.com/|url-status=dead}} In the first letter, titled "Gone 'til November", Carter said he was staying in good spirits thinking about his children and spending his time working out regularly and reading the Bible every day. Carter was released from Rikers Island Jail on November{{spaces}}4, 2010, after serving eight months of his year-long sentence.{{cite web|first=Jayson|last=Rodriguez|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1651483/20101103/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101105195710/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1651483/20101103/lil_wayne.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 5, 2010|title=Lil Wayne Released From Prison|publisher=MTV News|date=November 4, 2010|access-date=November 12, 2010}}

On December{{spaces}}12, 2020, Carter pleaded guilty to a federal firearms charge brought against him by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. This plea stemmed from an incident during December of the previous year, when Carter was arrested in Florida after transporting a loaded handgun on his private jet from California. As a convicted felon, he is barred from possessing such weapons.{{cite web|first=Sarah|last=Polus|url= https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/529974-rapper-lil-wayne-pleads-guilty-to-gun-charge-faces-up-to-10|title= Rapper Lil Wayne pleads guilty to illegal gun possession|work=The Hill|date=December 12, 2020|access-date=December 13, 2020}} He was pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump on January{{spaces}}19, 2021, his last full day in office.{{cite web |title=Who Did Trump Pardon on His Last Night As President? |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2021/01/trumps-final-pardon-list-everyone-we-know-so-far.html |website=Intelligencer |access-date=January 20, 2021 |date=January 20, 2021}}

On July{{spaces}}24, 2008, Abkco Music filed a lawsuit against Carter for copyright infringement and unfair competition, specifically referring to Tha Carter III{{'s}} track "Playing with Fire".{{cite news|location=Los Angeles|url=https://www.nme.com/news/the-rolling-stones/38434|title=Lil Wayne sued for using Rolling Stones track|work=NME|date=July 24, 2008|access-date=August 21, 2008}} In the lawsuit, Abkco says that the song was obviously derived from the Rolling Stones' "Play with Fire", to which Abkco owns the rights.{{cite news|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1591539/20080725/lil_wayne.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828040254/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1591539/20080725/lil_wayne.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 28, 2008|title=Lil Wayne Sued By Rolling Stones Publisher Over 'Playing With Fire'|publisher=MTV |date=July 25, 2008|access-date=August 21, 2008}} Subsequently, "Playing with Fire" was removed from the track list of Tha Carter III on all online music stores and replaced with the David Banner produced track, "Pussy Monster".{{cite web|url=http://www.rhapsody.com/lilwayne/22649086_thacarteriii|title=Tha Cater III on Rhapsody|publisher=Rhapsody|access-date=October 25, 2008}}

In February 2009, production company RMF Productions filed a $1.3 million lawsuit against Carter following a $100,000 advance payment for three shows, all of which were cancelled by the artist.{{cite web|url=http://www.idiomag.com/peek/65262/lil_wayne|title=Lil Wayne Sued 1.3 million Over Canceled NY Shows|access-date=February 19, 2009|date=February 17, 2009|publisher=idiomag}}

In October 2009, Carter, Birdman, Cash Money Records, and various music distribution outlets were sued for copyright infringement by Thomas Marasciullo, who says his voice was used without permission. The rappers asked him to record some "Italian-styled spoken word recordings" in 2006. The lyrics were allegedly used on "Respect" and other tracks from the rappers' collaboration album Like Father, Like Son and Birdman's 5 * Stunna.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8335706.stm|title=Rapper Wayne sued over copyright|publisher=BBC |date=October 31, 2009|access-date=March 9, 2010}}

In March 2011, producer Deezle (Darius Harrison) sued Carter and his parent labels Cash Money Records over unpaid royalties from Tha Carter III.{{cite web|title=Lil Wayne sued for $20 million by unpaid 'Lollipop' producer|first=Brad|last=Wete|date=March 24, 2011|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/03/24/lil-wayne-sued-producer/}} Two months later, that May, producer Bangladesh also filed a lawsuit against Wayne over unpaid royalties as well.{{cite news|title=Lil Wayne lawsuit over 'The Carter' documentary takes another twist|date=May 2, 2011|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/05/lil-wayne-lawsuit-over-the-carter-documentary-takes-another-twist.html | work=Los Angeles Times}}

In early June 2011, another producer named David Kirkwood filed a lawsuit against Young Money Entertainment and Cash Money Records on claims that the labels have failed to pay him over $1.5 million in royalties and production services for his work on the album, also including his songwriting on "Love Me or Hate Me", a bonus song featured only on the deluxe edition of the album.{{cite web|url=http://www.theboombox.com/2011/06/07/lil-waynes-producer-sues-cash-money-records/ |title=Lil Wayne's producer sues Cash Money Records |publisher=The Boom Box |date=June 14, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011}}

Also in June 2011, Dallas producers Play-N-Skillz filed a lawsuit against him, saying Carter owes them at least $1 million in unpaid royalties for "Got Money" from his album Tha Carter III. The single has sold over 2 million copies since being released.{{cite web|url=http://gossiponthis.com/2011/06/11/lil-wayne-sued-again-for-1-million-dollars-over-unpaid-carter-iii-royalties-photos-of-him-performing-at-the-bonnaroo-music-arts-festival/ |title=Lil Wayne sued again for 1 million dollars over unpaid Carter III royalties |publisher=GossipOnThis |date=June 11, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011}}

In July 2011, Done Deal Enterprises, a production company based in Georgia, filed suit against Carter, Universal Music Group, Cash Money Records and Young Money Entertainment, claiming copyright infringement. The lawsuit alleges Carter stole the song "BedRock", featured on the compilation album We Are Young Money, and seeks damages of $15 million.{{cite magazine|url = https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/468186/lil-wayne-accused-of-lifting-bedrock|title = Lil Wayne Accused of Lifting 'BedRock'|magazine = Billboard|access-date = November 13, 2011}}

In November 2012, Wayne was ordered to pay Quincy Jones III $2.2 million based on a lawsuit which stated that the rapper blocked the release of Jones's film The Carter, therefore infringing on its profits.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2499663/lil-wayne-loses-2-million-quincy-jones-lawsuit/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722142158/http://www.mtv.com/news/2499663/lil-wayne-loses-2-million-quincy-jones-lawsuit/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 22, 2016 |title=Lil Wayne Loses $2.2 Million To Quincy Jones III in Lawsuit |publisher=MTV |date=November 6, 2012 |accessdate=May 4, 2022}}

Carter began feuding with former Hot Boys member and Cash Money Records labelmate Juvenile in 2002, after Juvenile took offense to Carter naming his third studio album 500 Degreez, a diss aimed towards Juvenile whose last album was named 400 Degreez.{{Citation needed|date=October 2021}} Juvenile responded with a diss track on his 2002 album 600 Degreez, titled "A Hoe". In the song, Juvenile questions Carter's sexuality, and says he's a fake gangster. The two squashed their beef for a short period in 2004, with Carter and Birdman appearing in the music video for Juvenile and Soulja Slim's song, Slow Motion. Carter later paid tribute to the Hot Boys with a song called "I Miss My Dawgs" on 2004's Tha Carter. Juvenile responded by calling the song "fake", and criticized Carter for releasing a tribute song and later promoting the album on BET and having "nothing good to say about them". The two eventually reconciled once again, and Juvenile re-signed with Cash Money Records in 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1525684/juvenile-tears-into-cash-money-lil-wayne-and-fema/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912182836/http://www.mtv.com/news/1525684/juvenile-tears-into-cash-money-lil-wayne-and-fema/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 12, 2014|title=Juvenile Tears into Cash Money, Lil Wayne – And FEMA|publisher=MTV |access-date=November 23, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2097665/juvenile-cash-money-lil-wayne-mardi-gras-ii/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311201015/http://www.mtv.com/news/2097665/juvenile-cash-money-lil-wayne-mardi-gras-ii/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 11, 2015|title=Watch Juvenile Give The Perfect Response to a Lil Wayne Vs. Birdman Question|publisher=MTV |access-date=November 23, 2017}}

Young Buck released a song called "Off Parole", featuring Tony Yayo, which insulted Carter. Young Buck said that Carter could not be angry, because Young Buck spoke the truth. Young Buck also said "You think you got a problem with Juve and B.G.; you'll have a true problem with me", referring to the Cash Money-Juvenile/B.G feud.[http://www.rapbasement.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2176&Itemid=35 Young Buck and Lil Wayne controversy]{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. Rap Basement Accessed July{{spaces}}27, 2007.[http://www.sohh.com/film/channel/sohh-tv/index.php?bcpid=376530222&bclid=86210609&bctid=686966260 Young Buck & Lil' Wayne 'Beef'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070328171443/http://www.sohh.com/film/channel/sohh-tv/index.php?bcpid=376530222&bclid=86210609&bctid=686966260 |date=March 28, 2007 }}. SOHH. Retrieved July 27, 2007. One of the reasons 50 Cent stated he was dismissing Young Buck was what he called "inconsistent behavior" which included appearing on stage with Carter, then seemingly dissing him on records with G-Unit.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1589572/young-buck-responds-to-50-cents-leaked-phone-call-in-new-dis-track-listen-to-it-here/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525012443/http://www.mtv.com/news/1589572/young-buck-responds-to-50-cents-leaked-phone-call-in-new-dis-track-listen-to-it-here/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 25, 2014|title=Young Buck Responds To 50 Cent's Leaked Phone Call in New Dis Track – Listen To It Here!|first=Shaheem|last=Reid|publisher=MTV News}} After he was dismissed, Young Buck appeared in the music video "My Life" by The Game, which featured Carter on the song's chorus.DJ Skee (August 1, 2008) {{YouTube|iCFtFySNqAA|The Game ft. Lil Wayne "My Life" Music Video OFFICIAL BTS Skee.TV **LAX}}. Retrieved July 6, 2009. As of 2009, Young Buck and Carter have squashed their beef and also linked up to record a track "Up's and Down's" for Young Buck's Back on My Buck Shit mixtape.

Tension between Wayne and Pusha T had been going on for years, beginning soon after Clipse and Birdman worked on "What Happened to That Boy", the latter's 2002 single. In 2006, Wayne felt the Clipse song "Mr. Me Too" was directed at him which caused more tension between the two.{{cite web|url=http://www.missinfo.tv/index.php/history-of-lil-wayne-pusha-t-beef/ |title=A History of Lil Wayne vs. Pusha-T Beef: From "Mr. Me Too" to the "F–k Pusha" Tweet |publisher=MissInfo.tv |date=May 24, 2012 |access-date=November 12, 2012}} In 2012, after much speculation that Pusha T was subliminally dissing Canadian rapper and Wayne's Young Money signee Drake in several songs, the speculation heightened after the release of Pusha T's "Exodus 23:1" song. Lil Wayne quickly responded on online social networking service Twitter and later released a diss track titled "Goulish". In the first verse, Wayne raps "Fuck Pusha T and anybody that love him / His head up his ass, I'mma have to head-butt him".{{YouTube|dHl7TzHHOuI|DJ MoonDawg & Pusha T talk Drake, BET Cypher, 2012 Good Music Album on 107.5 WGCI}} Pusha T called Wayne's diss track "horrible" and said he felt it did not deserve a response. Both men have downplayed the feud, with Wayne saying he's over it.{{cite web|url=http://hiphopwired.com/2012/10/16/exclusive-pusha-t-admits-new-god-flow-was-directed-at-birdman-details-issues-with-lil-wayne-drake/ |title=Exclusive: Pusha T Admits "New God Flow" Was Directed at Birdman; Details Issues With Lil Wayne & Drake |publisher=Hip-Hop Wired |date=October 16, 2012 |access-date=November 12, 2012}}{{cite web|last=Alexis |first=Nadeska |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1695657/pusha-t-new-god-flow-birdman-response.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017121609/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1695657/pusha-t-new-god-flow-birdman-response.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |title=Pusha T's 'New God Flow' Lyrics Aimed at Birdman – Music, Celebrity, Artist News |publisher=MTV |date=October 16, 2012 |access-date=November 12, 2012}} However, in November 2012, Pusha T dissed Wayne and Birdman on a new Ludacris song titled "Tell Me What They Mad For".{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/article/pusha-t-confirms-dissing-lil-wayne-and-birdman-new-ludacris-song|title=Pusha T Confirms Dissing Lil Wayne and Birdman on New Ludacris Song|date=November 30, 2012}} In December 2014, once the feud between Lil Wayne and Birdman arose, Pusha T sent out a tweet encouraging Lil Wayne to sign to G.O.O.D. Music, which also insulted Birdman for his hand-rubbing habit.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/PUSHA_T/status/540572801821052929|title=@LilTunechi if u wanna drop albums & don't want your CEO's rubbing they hands all in your videos, COME TO GOOD MUSIC!! (Suge Knight voice)|first=King|last=Push|date=December 4, 2014}}{{Primary source inline|date=May 2024}}

In a 2009 interview with Tropical TV, Birdman disputed the MTV poll that voted Jay-Z "The Hottest MC in the Game", stating that Lil Wayne was a better rapper and made more money.{{cite web|last1=Read|first1=Christopher|title=TropicalTV: with Birdman|url=https://vimeo.com/7091145|via=Vimeo|publisher=Tropical TV |date=October 19, 2009 |access-date=February 24, 2014}} In early 2011, when Jay-Z and Kanye West's single "H•A•M" was released, Jay-Z took shots at Birdman, saying "Really, you got Baby money" and "[you] ain't got my lady's money!".{{cite web|first=Danielle|last=Canada|url=http://hiphopwired.com/2011/01/12/jay-z-disses-birdman-on-%E2%80%9Ch-a-m-%E2%80%9D-with-kanye-west-audio/|title=Jay-Z Disses Birdman On "H.A.M." With Kanye West- Audio|publisher=Hiphopwired.com|date=January 12, 2011|access-date=November 13, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115175514/http://hiphopwired.com/2011/01/12/jay-z-disses-birdman-on-%E2%80%9Ch-a-m-%E2%80%9D-with-kanye-west-audio/|archive-date=January 15, 2011}} On August{{spaces}}24, 2011, a song called "It's Good" by Lil Wayne (featuring Drake and Jadakiss) was leaked online and included Lil Wayne responding "Talkin' 'bout baby money? I gotcha baby money. Kidnap your bitch, get that, How much you love your lady? money".{{cite web|last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.16588/title.lil-wayne-disses-jay-z-on-its-good-featuring-jadakiss-drake |title=Lil Wayne Disses Jay-Z On "It's Good" Featuring Jadakiss & Drake |publisher=HipHop DX |date=August 24, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/08/24/is-lil-wayne-firing-shots-at-jay-z-on-its-good/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002013213/http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/08/24/is-lil-wayne-firing-shots-at-jay-z-on-its-good/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 2, 2011 |title=Is Lil Wayne Firing Shots at Jay-Z And Beyoncé On 'It's Good?' |publisher=MTV |date=August 24, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2011}} Jadakiss later absolved himself of involvement in any brewing beef on his official Twitter feed.{{cite tweet|user=Therealkiss|number=106498022539661312|title=Yall hating ass cocksuckers better chill..they only sent me a track wit NO verses and I recorded that verse 3 months ago! #leavemeoutofit|date=August 24, 2011}}{{cite tweet|user=Therealkiss|number=106498388421390337|title=When I DISS niggas or have a problem Wit ANY RAPPER I SAY THere NAMES without hesitation and YALL know this already!|date=August 24, 2011}}

On December 4, 2014, just five days before Tha Carter V was due to be released, Carter issued a statement saying the album would not be released on its expected release date, due to his displeasure with Cash Money Records label-boss Birdman, refusing to release the album although it had been completed. Carter also expressed his feelings by stating he felt both he and his creativity were being held "prisoner".{{cite magazine |last1=Ramirez |first1=Erika |date=December 4, 2014 |title=Lil Wayne: Birdman & Cash Money Records 'Refuse to Release' 'Tha Carter V' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6363464/lil-wayne-birdman-cash-money-records-album-leaving |access-date=December 4, 2014 |magazine=Billboard |location=United States}}

Upon Sorry for the Wait 2{{'}}s release on January 20, 2015, he continuously disses Birdman and Cash Money Records, several times throughout the mixtape.{{cite web |date=January 21, 2015 |title=Lil Wayne Disses Cash Money On 'Sorry 4 The Wait 2' |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.32202/title.lil-wayne-disses-cash-money-on-sorry-for-the-wait-2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320011046/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.32202/title.lil-wayne-disses-cash-money-on-sorry-for-the-wait-2 |archive-date=March 20, 2015 |access-date=July 5, 2015 |work=HipHopDX}}{{cite web |last=Lilah |first=Rose |date=January 26, 2015 |title=Shots Fired: All The Disses Aimed at Birdman & Cash Money on Lil Wayne's "Sorry 4 The Wait 2" |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/shots-fired-all-the-disses-aimed-at-birdman-and-cash-money-on-lil-wayne-s-sorry-4-the-wait-2-news.13696.html |work=HotNewHipHop}}{{cite web |last=Rogers |first=Chris |date=January 21, 2015 |title=Lil Wayne's Mixtape: He Disses Birdman & Cash Money Records On 'Sorry 4 The Wait 2' |url=http://hollywoodlife.com/2015/01/21/lil-wayne-mixtape-disses-birdman-cash-money-records-sorry-4-the-wait-2/ |work=Hollywood Life}} Birdman was reported to be upset with this.{{cite web |date=January 23, 2015 |title=Report: Birdman Upset With Lil Wayne Over Cash Money Diss Song |url=https://www.bet.com/article/c8w02y/report-birdman-upset-with-lil-wayne-over-diss-song |work=BET.com}} In late January 2015, Carter sued Birdman and Cash Money Records for $51 million.{{cite web |date=January 28, 2015 |title=Lil Wayne Sues Birdman and Cash Money for $51 Million, Freedom From Label {{pipe}} News |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/58255-lil-wayne-sues-birdman-and-cash-money-for-51-million-freedom-from-label/ |access-date=October 14, 2015 |website=Pitchfork}}{{cite magazine |last=Vozick |first=Simon |date=February 19, 2015 |title=Lil Wayne Breaks Silence on Cash Money Lawsuit, 'Free Weezy Album' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/lil-wayne-breaks-silence-on-cash-money-lawsuit-free-weezy-album-20150219 |access-date=October 14, 2015 |magazine=Rolling Stone}} Carter and Birdman supposedly reconciled after being seen at Drake's NYE Party, at Miami's Club Liv, and in studio.{{cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Danny |date=January 21, 2016 |title=Lil Wayne supposedly reconciles with Birdman |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-wayne-reportedly-still-wants-his-s51-million-from-cash-money-news.19728.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122083538/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-wayne-reportedly-still-wants-his-s51-million-from-cash-money-news.19728.html |archive-date=January 22, 2016 |access-date=January 21, 2016 |publisher=Hotnewhiphop}}

On January 27, 2024, both Carter and Birdman reunited during a studio session, putting an end to their nine-year quarrel.{{Cite web |last=Giacomazzo |first=Bernadette |date=2024-01-27 |title=Lil Wayne & Birdman Reunite In The Studio: 'Like Father Like Son' |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/lil-wayne-birdman-studio-like-father-like-son |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}}

In 2013, Carter received criticism after a video released by TMZ showed him apparently stepping on the U.S. flag. Carter later explained that "It was never my intention to desecrate the flag of the United States", and that he was shooting a video for a song on his upcoming album, "God Bless Amerika". He says the purpose of the flag was to show that "behind the American Flag was the Hoods of America".{{cite web |last=June |first=Daniel |date=June 18, 2013 |title=Did Lil Wayne Stomp on the American Flag? – JDJournal |url=http://www.jdjournal.com/2013/06/18/did-lil-wayne-stomp-the-american-flag/}}

In late 2016, Carter made statements critical of the Black Lives Matter movement, saying, "I don't feel connected to a damn thing that ain't got nothin' to do with me. If you do, you crazy as shit," adding that his status as a wealthy black man who has white fans is evidence that black people are valued in the United States.{{cite news |last1=Carissimo |first1=Justin |date=November 2, 2016 |title=Lil' Wayne says Black Lives Matter has nothing to do with him |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/lil-wayne-says-black-lives-matter-has-nothing-to-do-with-him-a7392696.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/lil-wayne-says-black-lives-matter-has-nothing-to-do-with-him-a7392696.html |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |access-date=November 2, 2016 |work=The Independent}}

{{Main|Lil Wayne albums discography|Lil Wayne singles discography|Lil Wayne videography}}

{{see also|Hot Boys discography|Young Money discography}}

File:Lil Wayne logo.svg

Studio albums

• Tha Block Is Hot (1999)
• Lights Out (2000)
• 500 Degreez (2002)
• Tha Carter (2004)
• Tha Carter II (2005)
• Tha Carter III (2008)
• Rebirth (2010)
• I Am Not a Human Being (2010)
• Tha Carter IV (2011)
• I Am Not a Human Being II (2013)
• Free Weezy Album (2015)
• Tha Carter V (2018)
• Funeral (2020)
• Tha Carter VI (2025)

Collaborative albums

• Like Father, Like Son (with Birdman) (2006)
• Welcome 2 Collegrove (with 2 Chainz) (2023){{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/2-chainz-and-lil-wayne-announce-album-welcome-2-collegrove-share-new-song-presha-listen/|title= 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne Announce Album Welcome 2 ColleGrove, Share New Song "Presha": Listen|website=Pitchfork|last=Lindert|first=Hattie|date=October 20, 2023|access-date=October 20, 2023}}

{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Lil Wayne}}

• List of celebrities who own cannabis businesses
• List of artists who reached number one in the United States
• List of highest-certified music artists in the United States
• List of best-selling singles in the United States
• List of best-selling singles
• List of best-selling albums by year in the United States
• List of artists who reached number one on the UK singles chart

{{reflist}}

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• {{Official website}}
• {{AllMusic}}
• {{IMDb name}}
• {{Instagram}}
• [https://open.spotify.com/artist/55Aa2cqylxrFIXC767Z865 Lil Wayne] on Spotify

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{{Lil Wayne singles}}

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{{BET Award for Best Collaboration}}

{{BET Award for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance}}

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{{MTV Video Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Video}}

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