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Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne's Genre:

Southern Rap, Dirty South, Rap, Hardcore Rap, Pop

Biography

A game-changing artist and an impervious celebrity, Lil Wayne began as his career as a near-novelty -- a preteen delivering hardcore hip-hop -- but through years of maturation and reinventing the mixtape game, he developed into a million-selling rapper with a massive body of work, one so inventive and cunning that it makes his famous claim of being the "best rapper alive" worth considering. Born Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. and raised in the infamous New Orleans neighborhood of Hollygrove, he was a straight-A student but never felt his true intelligence was expressed through any kind of report card. He found music was the best way to express himself, and after taking the name Gangsta D he began writing rhymes. Combining a strong work ethic with aggressive self-promotion, the 11-year-old convinced the Cash Money label to take him on, even if it was just for odd jobs around the office. A year later, in-house producer Mannie Fresh partnered him with the 14-year-old B.G. and dubbed the duo the B.G.'z. Although only B.G.'s name appeared on the cover, the 1995 album True Story has since been accepted as the B.G.'z debut album both by fans and the Cash Money label. The 1997 album Chopper City was supposed to be the follow-up, but when Wayne accidentally shot himself in the chest with a .44, it became a solo B.G. release.

That same year, he officially took the moniker Lil Wayne, dropping the "D" from his first name in order to separate himself from an absent father. He joined B.G., Juvenile, and Young Turk for another Fresh project, the teen hardcore rap group the Hot Boys, who released their debut album, Get It How U Live!, in 1997. Two years later, Cash Money would sign a distribution deal with the major label Universal. Mainstream distribution would help that year's Hot Boys album Guerrilla Warfare to reach the number one spot on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. In 1998, Lil Wayne would appear on Juvenile's hit single "Back That Thing Up," or "Back That Azz Up" as it appeared on Juvie's album 400 Degreez. Wayne would launch his solo career a year later with the album Tha Block Is Hot, featuring the hit single title track. It went double platinum but the rapper was still unknown to Middle America, since his hardcore rhymes and the rough Cash Money sound had not yet crossed over. His second album, Lights Out (2000), failed to match the success of its predecessor but it did go gold, and with an appearance on the Big Tymers' hit single "#1 Stunna," his audience was certainly growing. While Fresh was primarily responsible for launching his career, Wayne was now much closer to Fresh's fellow Big Tymer and Cash Money CEO Birdman. When Juvenile left the label, Wayne -- or "Birdman Jr." as he was calling himself -- showed his allegiance to his CEO by releasing an album with a title much hotter than Juvie's breakthrough effort. 500 Degreez landed in 2002 and while it went gold, rumors began flying about Cash Money's financial troubles and possible demise. The rest of the Hot Boys had defected and Wayne's planned 2003 album was scrapped, coming out instead as an underground mixtape called Da Drought.

Wayne became enamored with the mixtape world after Da Drought drew so much attention from the hip-hop press. He used these underground releases to drum up anticipation for his next official album, the breakthrough effort Tha Carter. Released in 2004, the album seemed familiar on one hand with Mannie Fresh's production, but the Wayne on the cover was a dreadlocked surprise, and the rhymes he laid on the tracks showed significant growth. His marketing skills had become sharper, too, and it was no mistake that the album's hit single, "Go DJ," mentioned hip-hop's greatest tastemakers right in the title. It reached number five on the singles chart, and with a guest shot on Destiny's Child's number three single, "Soldier," Wayne had officially crossed over. On the flip side, his street cred was supported by a slew of mixtapes released in 2005, including the popular titles Dedication with DJ Drama and Tha Suffix with DJ Khaled. Cash Money's future was no longer in doubt and traditional music business rules no longer seemed to apply, as tracks would be leaked onto the Internet and various DJs' mixtapes. "Get Something" was another bold move, as a Universal-funded video was made without the track ever seeing official release.

With his alternative marketing scheme working in overdrive, the 2005 landing of Tha Carter II was a major event, selling over a quarter-million copies the week of its release. "Fireman" and "Shooter" with Robin Thicke were released as singles, while the album -- which for the first time featured no Mannie Fresh productions -- went platinum. It also introduced his Young Money posse, with appearances from Currensy and Nicki Minaj, and initially came with a bonus disc featuring Wayne's greatest hits screwed and chopped by Swishahouse DJ Michael "5000" Watts. A year later he collaborated with Birdman for the Like Father, Like Son album, featuring the hit single "Stuntin' Like My Daddy." His mixtapes were still flooding the underground, including the stunning Dedication 2, which came with an iconic image of the rapper on the cover plus the much talked-about track "Georgia...Bush," a venomous response to President George W. Bush's handling of the Katrina disaster. With no official follow-up to Tha Carter II in sight, numerous collaborative tracks kept the rapper in the mainstream with "Gimme That" by Chris Brown, "Make It Rain" by Fat Joe, and "Duffle Bag Boy" by Playaz Circle becoming three of the biggest hits.

Tha Carter III was promised for 2007 but didn't arrive until a year later, setting off Wayne's infamous reputation of delayed releases. Part of the problem became unauthorized leaks of the album's tracks, something combatted by the official, downloadable EP The Leak released that same year. Preceded by the number one hit "Lollipop," Tha Carter III arrived in May of 2008, selling more than a million copies in its first week of release. An appearance on Saturday Night Live and four Grammy Awards -- including Best Rap Album -- spoke to Wayne's mainstream acceptance. He also performed at that year's Country Music Awards with Kid Rock, but rather than rap, he played guitar. The guitar playing was part of Wayne's new involvement with rock music, including his help in signing Kevin Rudolf to Cash Money plus an appearance on Rudolf's massive hit "Let It Rock." His planned rock album was previewed with the 2009 single "Prom Queen," but when the album failed to meet its promised April release, the music press began to portray the rapper as the king of missed street dates. Unconcerned, Wayne forged ahead with his Young Money crew, releasing the underground mixtape Young Money Is the Army, Better Yet the Navy, the aboveground single "Every Girl," plus the official album We Are Young Money that same year. His rock album, Rebirth, would finally appear in early 2010, which coincided with Wayne being sentenced to a nine-month prison term for criminal possession of a weapon. The rapper may have been behind bars on Riker's Island, but that didn’t stop his ten-song EP, I Am Not a Human Being, from seeing the light of day in September 2010. Tha Carter IV was finally released in 2011 along with its lead-off single "6 Foot 7 Foot." The album reached the top spot in Billboard's Top 200. A second volume of I Am Not a Human Being arrived in 2013 featuring the singles "No Worries" and "Love Me." ~ David Jeffries

AOL Radio Stations Lil Wayne is Featured on (32)

Lil Wayne

Hip Hop Hits

Press play to hear the beats, rhythms and undeniable flow of some of hip hop's biggest names. From Lil Wayne to Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West to 50 cent, all your favorite hip hop hits are here. Hip Hop is always evolving, and with Hip Hop Hits on Slacker, you can stay ahead of the pack.

Lil Wayne

YOLO Radio

If you approach the summer with reckless abandon and the expectation that you’re going to get yourself into some trouble—YOLO Radio on Slacker is for you. The greatest hip hop party jams; perfect for a weekend in Vegas or a pool party in your neighborhood. Poppin’ bottles and enjoying summer to the fullest: That’s YOLO Radio.

Lil Wayne

New Hip Hop First

Beats, rhymes, and swagger from the future- that's New Hip Hop First on Slacker Radio. This is where you will hear artists on the come-up, new releases, and only brand new Hip Hop.

Lil Wayne

Big K.R.I.T. Showcase

This is the Big K.R.I.T. Artist Showcase station on Slacker. Tune in to hear a station built entirely by him including music that he hand-picked as well as commentary about the songs that influenced his music and life.

Lil Wayne

R&B Hits

R&B Hits features the hottest songs that are burning up the charts, with the greatest superstars of today and emerging artists that will soon by household names. Connect with R&H Hits to stay on top of what's happening now!

Lil Wayne

Hip Hop

Hip Hop not only represents a genre of music, but a social culture. It’s the collective talent of all the artists that have made it what it is today. On Hip Hop on Slacker you’ll hear deeper album cuts as well as the hits, including Jay-Z, Run DMC, Kanye West, Notorious B.I.G and Common. The evolution of Hip Hop is here on Slacker.

Lil Wayne

Party Hip Hop/R&B

Party Hip-Hop/R&B Radio plays the hottest new and upbeat classic Hip Hop and R&B hits to keep the party going all night long.

Lil Wayne

Bass and Beats

Bass and Beats on Slacker Radio is a station that was designed with one purpose in mind: to showcase the best low frequency tracks ever created. From new Electronic tracks from the likes of Bassnectar, Nero, Skrillex, and Deadmau5- to classic trunk rattling Hip Hop from Dr. Dre, Digital Underground, and 2 Live Crew, this station features aggressive bass that challenges all but the most elite sound systems. And with that in mind, to properly get the full body experience of the tracks featured here, this station is optimized for listening on the Sonos SUB.

Lil Wayne

YouTube Top 50

Join Slacker as we count down the top 50 most-viewed music videos on YouTube. You’ll hear today’s biggest hits, songs so new that they haven’t even hit the radio yet, and even the latest viral meme-songs. We update this station weekly, so check back every Wednesday to hear the top 50 hottest video tracks in the world!

Lil Wayne

Top 50 Songs of 2011

Join Parker, Slacker Radio’s most popular DJ, as she returns to host the countdown of the 50 most popular songs of 2011. This countdown represents the most Hearted, most listened to, and most searched for songs of 2011 on Slacker Radio. If you enjoy listening to Parker on Slacker Radio’s Today’s Hits, you’ll love counting down the top 50 of 2011 with her!

Lil Wayne

Masters Of Hip Hop

This station represents the G.O.A.T. of hip hop. Your Slacker curators have created a station with only two criteria: is it one of the greatest hip hop tracks of all time? And is it from one of the greatest MCs of all time? If the answer is yes to both, then you'll hear it on Slacker's Masters Of Hip Hop. Only the hottest jams and biggest hits from 4 decades of rap and hip hop.

Lil Wayne

Hip Hop/R&B

Hip Hop and R&B on Slacker Radio- the name says it all. Who says new music has no soul? The R&B is covered by artists like Maxwell, Keyshia Cole and Usher. On the Hip Hop front you'll hear Ludacris, Jay-Z, Timbaland and more!

Lil Wayne

Hip Hop/R&B Hits

On Slacker Radio's Hip Hop and R&B Hits, you'll hear a mix of everything from Young Money, Eminem and Kanye West to Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber. We feature everything that is HOT right now; from the club to the house parties.

Lil Wayne

Hip Hop Workout

Hip Hop Workout on Slacker Radio features songs selected for their powerful beats and aggressive rhymes. If you need to go hard in the gym, or in the paint- this is your soundtrack. Featuring new music and classic tracks from Eminem, T.I., DMX, and more.

Lil Wayne

New R&B First

This is where you'll discover tomorrow's R&B jams today. Emerging artists, new releases, and tracks that are too hot for the radio- it's all on Slacker Radio's New R&B First.

Lil Wayne

Karmin Showcase

This is the Karmin Artist Showcase station on Slacker Radio. Tune in to hear a station built entirely by the members of Kamrin including music hand-picked by Amy and Nick as well as commentary by each about the songs that influenced their music and their lives.

Lil Wayne

Chiddy Bang Showcase

This is the Chiddy Bang Artist Showcase station on Slacker Radio. Tune in to hear a station built entirely by the members of Chiddy Bang including music hand-picked by Chidera and Noah as well as commentary by each about the songs that influenced their music and their lives.

Lil Wayne

Conor Maynard Showcase

This is the Conor Maynard Artist Showcase station on Slacker Radio. Tune in to hear a station built entirely by Conor including music that he hand-picked as well as commentary by Conor about the songs that influenced his music and his life.

Lil Wayne

RJD2 Showcase

This is the RJD2 Artist Showcase station on Slacker Radio. Tune-in to hear music hand-picked by RJD2 as well as commentary about the songs that influenced his music and his life.

Lil Wayne

Patrick Stump Showcase

This is the Patrick Stump Artist Showcase station on Slacker Radio. Tune-in to hear music hand-picked by Patrick as well as commentary about the songs that influenced his music and his life.

Lil Wayne

The 54th Grammys

TurboTax presents all of the hits from the 2011 Grammy nominated artists on Slacker Radio. On this station, you'll hear all of the artists that have been nominated for the 54th annual Grammy Awards- happening February 12, 2012 and televised live on CBS.

Lil Wayne

Hedley Showcase

This is the Hedley Showcase station on Slacker Radio. Tune in to hear a station built entirely by Hedley including music hand-picked by Jake and Dave as well as commentary about the songs that influenced their music and their lives.

Lil Wayne

Party Hits

Party Hits on Slacker Radio is unlike any radio station you've ever heard. On this station you'll hear Hip Hop, Rock, Pop, and anything else that sounds good in the mix at a party. These are songs that you know, love, and may have even done karaoke to. Party Hits is the soundtrack to your next barbecue, day out on the lake, or house party.

Lil Wayne

Far East Movement Showcase

This is the Far East Movement Artist Showcase station on Slacker Radio. Tune in to hear a station built entirely by the members of Far East Movement including music hand-picked by Kev Nish, Prohgress, J-Splif and DJ Virman as well as commentary by each about the songs that influenced their music and their lives.

Lil Wayne

Now THIS Is Music

Now THIS is Music will provide you with hit after hit after hit from the late 90's till now. Everything from the masters of boy bands to your favorite rock ballads, and everything in between. Sultry pop queens, the best MC's, and all the one hit wonders you can take. Now THIS Is Music on Slacker.

Lil Wayne

Dorm Party

This is more than the soundtrack to back to school- this is the soundtrack to freedom. This station is perfect for dorm parties, house parties, beer pong tourneys, or any occasion that requires a high energy soundtrack. This station features the best in new EDM, Indie Electronic, and Hip Hop tracks.

Lil Wayne

The Wanted Showcase

This is The Wanted Showcase station on Slacker Radio. Tune in to hear a station built entirely by the members of The Wanted including music hand-picked by Tom, Max, Siva, Jay and Nathan as well as commentary by each about the songs that influenced their music and their lives.

Lil Wayne

Pop Pool Party

From reigning queens of the "summer song" like Katy Perry to newcomers like Icona Pop, all of the latest and greatest summer pop jams live on Pop Pool Party. Your Slacker curators have taken the hard work out of creating a playlist for your summer parties; this is the perfect soundtrack to pool parties with your closest friends.

Lil Wayne

Today's Hits

The hottest new songs and artists can be found on Today's Hits on Slacker Radio. Whether it's coming up on the charts or popular on TV, you'll hear it here first. Slacker DJ Parker keeps it fresh and cutting edge every week, so you never miss the latest hot tracks!

Lil Wayne

'00s Hits

Hits of the 2000s on Slacker brings the best hits that the decade has to offer from 2000 right up to today!

Lil Wayne

Teen Pop

Teen Pop is the perfect station for the up-and-coming pop generation, with great music from artists like Chris Brown, Ashlee Simpson and The Jonas Brothers. We play the best teen-friendly music of the 90's & 2000's plus all of your favorite new songs! Teens have their own style and now their own music station to go along with it - Teen Pop on Slacker Radio!

Lil Wayne

This station plays the best music from and music from related artists like T.I., Young Money, Drake, Young Jeezy, Wiz Khalifa, DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Waka Flocka, Kanye West, Ludacris and more.

All Stations

Lil Wayne's Selected Discography (50)

I Am Not A Human Being II Album Cover

I Am Not A Human Being II

201310 Songs

Tha Carter IV Album Cover

Tha Carter IV

201115 Songs

Tha Carter IV [Clean Version] Album Cover

Tha Carter IV [Clean Version]

201115 Songs

Tha Carter IV [Deluxe Clean Version] Album Cover

Tha Carter IV [Deluxe Clean Version]

201118 Songs

Tha Carter IV [Deluxe Version] Album Cover

Tha Carter IV [Deluxe Version]

201118 Songs

I Am Not a Human Being Album Cover

I Am Not a Human Being

201013 Songs

Rebirth Album Cover

Rebirth

201012 Songs

Rebirth [Deluxe Edition] Album Cover

Rebirth [Deluxe Edition]

201014 Songs

Rebirth [Deluxe Edition] Album Cover

Rebirth [Deluxe Edition]

201014 Songs

Tha Carter III Album Cover

Tha Carter III

200816 Songs

Tha Carter III [Revised Track Listing] Album Cover

Tha Carter III [Revised Track Listing]

(C)(P) 2005 Cash Money Records Inc. Manufactured and Marketed by Universal Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.200816 Songs

Like Father, Like Son [Bonus CD] Album Cover

Like Father, Like Son [Bonus CD]

(C)(P) 2006 Cash Money Records Inc.200625 Songs

Tha Carter II Album Cover

Tha Carter II

(C)(P) 2005 Cash Money Records Inc. Manufactured and Marketed by Universal Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.200522 Songs

Tha Carter II [Chopped & Screwed] Album Cover

Tha Carter II [Chopped & Screwed]

(C)(P) 2006 Cash Money Records Inc.200620 Songs

Tha Carter Album Cover

Tha Carter

200421 Songs

Tha Carter [Screwed and Chopped] Album Cover

Tha Carter [Screwed and Chopped]

200417 Songs

Tha Carter Album Cover

Tha Carter

200421 Songs

500 Degreez Album Cover

500 Degreez

(C)(P) 2002 Cash Money Records Inc.200221 Songs

Tha Block Is Hot Album Cover

Tha Block Is Hot

199917 Songs

Tha Block Is Hot Album Cover

Tha Block Is Hot

(C)(P) 1999 Cash Money Records Inc.199917 Songs

I Am Not a Human Being II Album Cover

I Am Not a Human Being II

DIGITAL201317 Songs

I Am Not a Human Being II Album Cover

I Am Not a Human Being II

DIGITAL201317 Songs

I Am Not a Human Being II Album Cover

I Am Not a Human Being II

DIGITAL201314 Songs

I Am Not a Human Being Album Cover

I Am Not a Human Being

DIGITAL201013 Songs

The Leak [Clean] Album Cover

The Leak [Clean]

DIGITAL20085 Songs

When the North & South Collide Album Cover

When the North & South Collide

(c) 2007 Big Kanaka - SoSouthCOLLECTION200724 Songs

Like Father, Like Son Album Cover

Like Father, Like Son

(C)(P) 2006 Cash Money Records Inc.DIGITAL200625 Songs

Love Me Album Cover

Love Me

DIGITAL20131 Songs

Love Me Album Cover

Love Me

DIGITAL20131 Songs

No Worries Album Cover

No Worries

DIGITAL20121 Songs

No Worries Album Cover

No Worries

20121 Songs

My Homies Still Album Cover

My Homies Still

DIGITAL20121 Songs

My Homies Still Album Cover

My Homies Still

20121 Songs

She Will [Clean] Album Cover

She Will [Clean]

DIGITAL20111 Songs

She Will [Explicit] Album Cover

She Will [Explicit]

DIGITAL20111 Songs

How to Love Album Cover

How to Love

(c) 2011 Icover RecordsDIGITAL20111 Songs

John [Edited Version] Album Cover

John [Edited Version]

DIGITAL20111 Songs

John [Edited Version] Album Cover

John [Edited Version]

DIGITAL20111 Songs

6 Foot 7 Foot Album Cover

6 Foot 7 Foot

DIGITAL20101 Songs

6 Foot 7 Foot Album Cover

6 Foot 7 Foot

DIGITAL20101 Songs

I'm Single Album Cover

I'm Single

DIGITAL20101 Songs

I'm Single Album Cover

I'm Single

DIGITAL20101 Songs

Da Da Da Album Cover

Da Da Da

DIGITAL20091 Songs

Hot Revolver Album Cover

Hot Revolver

DIGITAL20091 Songs

Bring It Back [Clean Digital Single] Album Cover

Bring It Back [Clean Digital Single]

(C)(P) 2006 Universal Records a division of UMG Recordings Inc.DIGITAL20061 Songs

Bring It Back/I Like That/Who [12" Single] Album Cover

Bring It Back/I Like That/Who [12" Single]

(C)(P) 2006 Universal Records a division of UMG Recordings Inc.SINGLE20061 Songs

Hustler Musik [Single] Album Cover

Hustler Musik [Single]

(C)(P) 2006 Cash Money Records Inc.SINGLE20061 Songs

Happy Father's Day Album Cover

Happy Father's Day

2008 Starz Music (BCD Music Group)COMPILATION200817 Songs

The Leak Album Cover

The Leak

COMPILATION20075 Songs

Lights Out Album Cover

Lights Out

200019 Songs

All Albums

Artists Related to Lil Wayne (50)

	T.I.	Once dubbed "the Jay-Z of the South" by Pharrell Williams, T.I. gradually came into his own and established himself as one of rap's most successful MCs during the early 2000s.
	Young Money	Young Money are a rap group affiliated with Lil Wayne and the Cash Money record label who made their commercial debut in 2009 after years of mixtape appearances.
	Drake	Known initially for his role as Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation, Toronto, Ontario, native Drake (born Aubrey Drake Graham) stepped out as a rapper and singer with pop appeal in 2006, when he initiated a series of mixtapes.
	Young Jeezy	Atlanta-based Young Jeezy originally planned on having a background role in the music industry -- as a businessman, not as a rapper.
	Wiz Khalifa	With a series of hits that bundled gangster rhymes, weed talk, pop hooks, and slick production, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania rapper Wiz Khalifa went from breakthrough single ("Black and Yellow") to feature film star (Mac and Devin Go to High School) in the short span of two years.
	DJ Khaled	Miami-based DJ/producer DJ Khaled -- a Palestinian-American born Khaled Khaled -- is a member of Fat Joe's Terror Squad and released Listennn: The Album on Koch in June 2006.
	Rick Ross	Tattooed with pictures of AK-47s, Miami's six-foot, 300-pound rap figure known as Rick Ross embraced his city's reputation for drug trafficking on his debut single, "Hustlin'," in 2006.
	Waka Flocka	Waka Flocka, also known as Waka Flocka Flame, is a Southern rapper associated with Gucci Mane and his So Icey Entertainment enterprise.
	Kanye West	In the span of three short years, Kanye West went from hip-hop beatmaker to worldwide hitmaker, as his stellar production work for Jay-Z led to a major-label recording contract and, ultimately, a wildly successful solo career.
	Ludacris	When the Dirty South movement broke nationwide at the turn of the century, Ludacris rode it to immediate widespread popularity, becoming arguably the most commercially successful Southern rapper of the time.
	2Chainz	Known as Tity Boi in the Atlanta-based Playaz Circle, rapper 2 Chainz launched his solo career while he was still a member of the crew, in 2007, with the mixtape Me Against the World.
	Big Sean	Born in California but raised in Detroit, rapper Big Sean made big news in 2007 when he signed with Kanye West’s recently formed label, G.
	Tyga	With a rangy set of friends from Fall Out Boy to Lil Wayne, it was obvious from the start that Tyga was not your everyday rapper from Compton.
	T-Pain	Tallahassee-based MC and vocalist T-Pain (born Faheem Najm) came up in a rap group called Nappy Headz but went pro as a solo R&B artist after he recorded "I'm F**ked Up," a personal take on Akon's Top Ten hit "Locked Up.
	Soulja Boy	Before he reached the age of 18, Soulja Boy Tell Em (born DeAndre Way; originally Soulja Boy until copyright issues interfered) was already an ambitious artist and a seasoned businessman, wielding all the hitmaking requirements: producer, live entertainer, and an ability to write catchy hooks.
	50 Cent	Though he would later struggle with the nature of his fame as well as market expectations, 50 Cent endured substantial obstacles throughout his young yet remarkably dramatic life before becoming the most discussed figure in rap, if not pop music in general, circa 2003.
	J. Cole	Producer and MC J. Cole was the first artist to signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. Born in Germany but raised in North Carolina, Cole grew up with a mother who loved rock and folk while his father was a fan of hardcore hip-hop artists like 2Pac and Ice Cube.
	Jay-Z & Kanye West
	Future	Busting out of Atlanta in 2011 with his hit street track "Tony Montana," rapper Future grew up in Atlanta's Zone 6 section.
	Juicy J	Together with production partner DJ Paul, Juicy J played an important role in the South's rise to prominence within the once East- and West Coast-dominated rap industry.
	Birdman	When he's doing business, Cash Money Records CEO Bryan Williams uses his real name, but when he grabs the mike to spit Dirty South raps, Williams goes by the names Birdman or Baby.
	Jay-Z	Embodying the rags-to-riches rap dream, Jay-Z pulled himself up by his bootstraps as a youth to eventually become the reigning rapper of New York City and, in turn, a major-label executive following his short-lived retirement from music-making.
	Gucci Mane	The year 2005 was like yin and yang for Atlanta bling rapper Gucci Mane. He enjoyed success entering the charts with his first national hit, "Icy," became involved in a quarrel with that song's collaborator, Young Jeezy, and found himself facing murder charges in the Georgia courts.
	Fabolous	Fabolous scored a bit hit, "Can't Deny It," right out of the gate in 2001, instantly establishing himself as a rising East Coast rap star, the song's combination of street-savvy toughness and pop crossover appeal representative of the rapper himself.
	Lil Jon	Exuberant, loud-mouthed, and regularly adorned with a bejeweled pimp chalice at hand, Lil Jon was the charismatic figurehead of the Dirty South crunk movement that arose from the Atlanta area around the turn of the century.
	Ace Hood	Born Antoine McColister in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Ace Hood was raised by his mother in Deerfield Beach, twenty miles north of Miami.
	The Game	Compton's own Game (aka the Game and Hurricane Game) issued his debut LP, The Documentary, in 2004 through Aftermath/G-Unit/Universal.
	Kirko Bangz	Coming across like a less sensitive, Houstonian version of Drake, Kirko Bangz is a Southern rapper -- and occasional singer -- who released his first charting single, “What Yo Name Iz,” in late 2010.
	Trinidad James	Coming up somewhere between Wiz Khalifa (loose flow, hedonistic lyrics) and Lil B (free spirit, love of alternative-flavored beats), Atlanta's Trinidad James went from viral to Def Jam signee, and all in his rookie season.
	Wale	The self-proclaimed "Ambassador of Rap for the Capital," Wale (pronounced "wah-lay") was able to transcend his local sensation status and become a national rap contender using go-go-inspired hip-hop as the vehicle for his clever wordplay and music.
	Cali Swag District	Laid-back Inglewood, California rap group Cali Swag District broke out when each member was a teenager.
	Kendrick Lamar	Compton, California's Kendrick Lamar initially rapped as K. Dot and released a series of mixtapes under that name.
	Plies	Signed to Slip-N-Slide in 2004 after recording his first track, "Tell Dem Krackers Dat," the Ft. Myers, FL-based Plies built anticipation for his official debut album with a couple mixtape releases, along with an appearance on Trina's "So Fresh.
	Lloyd Banks	Lloyd Banks was raised in Jamaica, Queens, by his Puerto Rican mother; his father spent much of his son's childhood behind bars.
	Young Moreno
	Ying Yang Twins	Atlanta's party rap duo Ying Yang Twins scored a hit with the single "Whistle While You Twurk," which received nationwide airplay on urban and crossover radio stations.
	Meek Mill	Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill, born Robert Williams, began releasing mixtapes in 2006, debuting with The Real Me.
	A$ap Rocky	Influenced by the Southern-style swagger of UGK and the rhymes of his hometown heroes the Diplomats, ASAP Rocky gave up slinging drugs in Harlem and moved to Elmwood Park, New Jersey, where he started rapping.
	Lupe Fiasco	Chicago-based MC Lupe Fiasco (born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco) began rapping in junior high school and joined a group called da Pak several years later.
	David Banner	One half of the rap duo Crooked Lettaz, David Banner helped put Mississippi on the map in 1999. In 2000, he released his first solo album in Them Firewater Boyz, Vol.
	French Montana	A rapper who built an indie empire with his Cocaine City imprint, French Montana was born in Morocco, but emigrated to the U.
	Eminem	To call Eminem hip-hop's Elvis is correct to a degree, but it's largely inaccurate. Certainly, Eminem was the first white rapper since the Beastie Boys to garner both sales and critical respect, but his impact exceeded this confining distinction.
	Diddy	The biggest hip-hop impresario of the mid-'90s, Sean Combs -- known as Puff Daddy until his professional name change to P.
	Nelly	A savvy pop-rapper with crossover appeal, Nelly seemed like a novelty when he first debuted in 2000 with "Country Grammar (Hot.
	Yo Gotti	Yo Gotti is among the many hardcore rappers who came out of hip-hop's Dirty South school in the late '90s.
	Travis Porter	Originally formed in 2006 as the Hard Hitters, the trio officially switched to the enigmatic moniker Travis Porter in 2008.
	Jeremih	Born and bred on Chicago's South Side, R&B singer Jeremih taught himself how to play several instruments and didn't consider himself a vocalist until a warmly received performance at a talent show.
	Ca$h Out	Only 21 when he signed with Epic thanks to the legendary L.A. Reid, Atlanta rapper Cash Out first came on the scene in 2012 with the party-rap hit and personal anthem "Cashin' Out.
	New Boyz	No mere glossy gimmick, despite their youthfulness and their novelty hit, the New Boyz were labeled "the Young Teens of Hip-Hop" by the New York Times before they even had an official single out.
	B.o.B.	Of all the rap artists who emerged from Atlanta during the late 2000s, B.o.B -- who was only 17 when he signed his first major-label record deal -- was one of the most unique.

All Related Artists

Top Songs by Lil Wayne (50)

Lollipop

4:59

from: Tha Carter III

How to Love

3:59

from: How to Love

(c) 2011 Icover Records

Mrs. Officer

4:47

from: Tha Carter III

A Milli

3:42

from: Tha Carter III

6 Foot 7 Foot

4:08

from: 6 Foot 7 Foot

Got Money

4:05

from: Tha Carter III

She Will

5:05

from: Tha Carter IV

Go DJ

4:42

from: Tha Carter

Love Me

4:11

from: Love Me

Right Above It

4:32

from: I Am Not a Human Being

Rich As Fuck

3:41

from: I Am Not a Human Being II

Fireman

4:24

from: Tha Carter II

(C)(P) 2005 Cash Money Records Inc. Manufactured and Marketed by Universal Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

My Homies Still

4:07

from: My Homies Still

Mirror

3:47

from: Tha Carter IV

Tha Block Is Hot

4:13

from: Tha Block Is Hot

Hustler Musik

5:04

from: Tha Carter II

(C)(P) 2005 Cash Money Records Inc. Manufactured and Marketed by Universal Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

On Fire

4:08

from: Rebirth

Drop the World

3:49

from: Rebirth

No Worries

3:40

from: No Worries

John

4:46

from: John [Edited Version]

Stuntin' Like My Daddy

4:27

from: Like Father, Like Son

(C)(P) 2006 Cash Money Records Inc.

Comfortable

4:25

from: Tha Carter III

Mr. Carter

5:16

from: Tha Carter III

Gonorrhea

4:22

from: I Am Not a Human Being

Megaman

3:17

from: Tha Carter IV

You Ain't Know

4:24

from: Like Father, Like Son

(C)(P) 2006 Cash Money Records Inc.

God Bless Amerika

5:02

from: I Am Not a Human Being II

Leather So Soft

4:51

from: Like Father, Like Son

(C)(P) 2006 Cash Money Records Inc.

Blunt Blowin

5:12

from: Tha Carter IV

I'm Single

5:32

from: I Am Not a Human Being

Stuntin' Like My Daddy

4:27

from: Cash Money Records: 10 Years of Bling, Vol. 2

Best Rapper Alive

4:54

from: Tha Carter II

(C)(P) 2005 Cash Money Records Inc. Manufactured and Marketed by Universal Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

Shorty Bounce

4:06

from: The Longest Yard

(C)(P) 2005 Universal Records, a Division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

U Ain't Neva Gotta Ask

from: Street Money, Vol. 4

Earthquake

5:46

from: Tha Carter

How to Hate

4:38

from: Tha Carter IV

I'm Me

4:55

from: C3: The Leak

I Am Not a Human Being

4:04

from: I Am Not a Human Being

Shooter

4:35

from: Tha Carter II

(C)(P) 2005 Cash Money Records Inc. Manufactured and Marketed by Universal Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

What's Wrong With Them

3:30

from: I Am Not a Human Being

Carter II

2:24

from: Tha Carter II

(C)(P) 2005 Cash Money Records Inc. Manufactured and Marketed by Universal Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

Money on My Mind

4:55

from: Tha Carter II

(C)(P) 2005 Cash Money Records Inc. Manufactured and Marketed by Universal Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

Hit Em Up

4:07

from: Tha Carter II

(C)(P) 2005 Cash Money Records Inc. Manufactured and Marketed by Universal Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

Tie My Hands

5:19

from: Tha Carter III

Get That Money

4:44

from: Like Father, Like Son

(C)(P) 2006 Cash Money Records Inc.

Cash Money Millionaires

4:42

from: Tha Carter

BM J.R.

4:59

from: Tha Carter

Nightmares of the Bottom

4:40

from: Tha Carter IV

Gossip

3:25

from: C3: The Leak

Fly Out

2:25

from: Tha Carter II

(C)(P) 2005 Cash Money Records Inc. Manufactured and Marketed by Universal Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

All Songs