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During a time when music sales are declining, Lil Wayne has not only managed to garner major cross-over success but also carve his own niche in today's music scene.If you're still in disbelief that the 'A Milli' rapper isn't one of the hardest working men in the hip-hop show business; try factoring in having a highly-anticipated album ('Tha Carter III') go platinum within its first week of release, being one of the most in-demand artists out, performing alternative songs on stage with Kid Rock, starring alongside Forest Whitaker in the upcoming 2009 flick 'Hurricane Season,' and garnering 12 BET Hip Hop Award nominations.
Also, did we mention Wayne (born Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr.) is currently leading this year's Grammy Award nominations in eight categories, including "Album of the Year?"
The pint-sized rapper is having the best year ever.
Being nominated for music's most prestigious award may not only have some fan's surprised; the New Orleans-born lyricist, himself, says he's at a loss for words.
"Wow I'm just simply speechless right now, every time I think something comes along that amazes me, something greater happens," he said about the nominations. "I owe all this to God and of course my fans, which is why I do this. I love making music for people and it's a great feeling to know how much my music is appreciated."
Lil Wayne's road to 'The 51st Annual Grammy Awards' didn't come overnight. The in-demand rapper, who released his sixth solo album in June, has been signed to Cash Money Records since the age of 15.
Making a name for himself through the label, he helped spawn the popular hit song turned Webster dictionary term 'Bling, Bling' and was apart of the platinum selling hip-hop group The Hot Boys. Watching the MC develop into the multi-platinum artist he is today has been a thrill to Cash Money Co-CEO Ronald 'Slim' Williams.
"We've worked with Lil Wayne since he was a teenager, signing him as part of the legendary hip-hop group the Hot Boys with Juvenile, B.G. and Turk," Williams explained. "We have had the pleasure to see him grow and mature, both artistically and personally, into a multi-platinum superstar, but even more importantly, a loyal member of the Cash Money family, using our label as his base of operations," he continued.
"The success of 'Tha Carter III' was the result of Wayne's tireless work ethic and incredible creative ability, and on behalf of his New Orleans hometown, my brother, Baby, and I are honored to salute him as the artist with the most nominations at this year's Grammy Awards," he concluded.
In addition to his various projects, Lil Wayne will be headlining the 'I Am Music' tour featuring T-Pain, Keyshia Cole, Gym Class Heroes and Keri Hilson. The tour kicks off December 14 in Miami and wraps up January 19 in Worcester, Massachusetts.
'The 51st Annual Grammy Awards' will air live, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on CBS February 8.
Comments: (14)
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By: BDiddy on 12/08/2008 12:47PM
I think Wayne represents the good and Bad of African Americans in this nation. He has graduated from College and yet he faces his personal demons of degradation and self hate that we all face everyday to some extent.
I find it ironic that he thanks God for "making" this happen. Wayne may have been calling his name while getting his Lollipop unwrapped or even while calling 911 with the female Police Officer but I doubt if we will see Wayne leading any songs on the choir stand on Sunday morning in any church in America. But we should pray for him as well as our youth who are influenced by him.
We also have to remember that Pop culture is never popular because it's Morally correct or sometimes even make sense, it's usually the opposite. We have to maintain balance of what we feed our minds.
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By: shawn on 12/09/2008 11:02PM
a all yall haterz can hate because who on the top of the chain in the game (yeah he talk about girls and money but look where it led him obviously people think he da best and u still hate) who cares if you think he look ugly look at all the women he be pullin and you still hate (wayne keep yo swagga up let these haters hate)
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By: Jada C. on 12/10/2008 8:05AM
(Sigh) Okay, I am a young Black female, a honor student, member of my youth choir at church, and an active member in my community outreach program.
I am also a fan of Lil' Wayne.
Now, I have to agree that some of the things he says.. shouldn't be said on a song. However, you can't judge him for making money all because he talks about things that, whether you know it or not, your children relate to and want to hear. All the degradation of women, talk of drug abuse and violence, as people have said before, was already there BEFORE him. Everyone isn't meant to be a Common or Kanye, or even an Andre 3000(who's my favorite by the way). He brings that to the people in a way no one else has and while I love and respect the rappers I just mentioned, Wayne is, and probably always will be, one of the best selling and most recognized rappers of our time.
Respect it, love it, and let it be.
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By: c on 12/17/2008 1:22AM
Pedophilia was also around before Wayne but should he promote it in his music? He is at the top because he caters to the taste of degraded people who can only think of themselves in terms of vulgar sexual reference or violence.He is not the problem only a symptom and he has the sense to know what music makes $$$$.If you demanded something different/higher/better then he would give you that and still be at the top.
He will actually have to evolve musically as he matures and leave that mentality behind if he wants to stay in this industry and reach the pockets of a wider audience.Most of us do leave the plantation at some point.
It's also time that illiterate people stop hiding behind the term "hater" for anyone who offers objective criticism.We cannot hate Wayne because we have no personal connection to him and he has done us no wrong.In fact,he projects something likable in his stage presence and we can all be motivated by his success.
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