Lil Wayne & Birdman- Like Father Like Son
If your a Hip-Hop fan back in the 2000’s, Lil Wayne was probably on your playlist or mix CD back then. Lil Wayne progressed himself ever since the departure of B.G, Turk, & Juvenile. Lil Wayne had to carry the torch himself to feed himself and to put Cash Money Records back on the top elite rap labels that was out at the time. Although Cash Money has been through ups and downs, they were known for their flashy, flamboyant lifestyle and with the pair of Lil Wayne & Birdman songs being featured on each other’s albums, this was to the point where Lil Wayne and Birdman had to make an album themselves. The issues with this is that since Cash Money has left the dope boy bling bling behind and elevated to the newer generation of rap fans, they would have to do something together that is monumental to the label.
The boss in Birdman like the hustler in Wayne showed how chemistry worked and Birdman raised Weezy like a son growing up. The mafia spoken in the artist mouth shows how connected the rap game is and with that being said, this is a memorable album with unforgettable cadence that presented this album as a film that involved the Mafia.
As I dig deep into these tracks, these tracks equal up to how mafioso this album is and it showed how they had content and clarity with each song. Birdman’s business state mind along with Wayne’s metaphors and punchlines complete every song to it’s craft.
- Loyalty- I actually thought this was Ray Liotta talking on this song. This is the skit that you can show your kids to show them how hard work pays off. The main term in this skit is respect.
- Over Here Hustlin- Great metaphors back and forth about money. Wayne seem’s to be having fun with this track while Birdman brag’s about the money he is generating.
- Stunting like my Daddy- Punchline metaphors everywhere about Lil Wayne stunting like Birdman
- 1st Key- This Pimp C sample made this song and this song was a throwback to old Wayne before this album dropped.
- Like Father, Like Son- A back and forth where father and son acknowledge each other and respect one another’s admiration and goals. This is an 8Ball & MJG sample from Pimp Hard.
- You Ain’t Know- The number 1 song on Myspace at one point in life. You want to be popular, make this song your profile theme.
- Family Rules- Another skit about the family rules and how to maintain yourself
- Know What I’m Doin Feat. Rick Ross & T-Pain- Rookie Rick Ross stepping over this track. This should of been on Port Of Miami but maybe he blessed Port of Miami on Like Father, Like Son. Rick Ross rap’s “ If you don’t love Cash Money,You can stay broke” meaning if you don’t want this money, stay in the house
- Don’t Die- Gangsta’s Don’t Die, they move to Miami. Curren$y should of been on this track to be honest.
- Ain’t Worried About Shit- This instrumental reminds me of the old Cash Money 90’s days but with updated rhymes
- Out The Pount- Diamond in the back sample made this song a speaker anthem to blow your subwoofers.
- Leather So Soft- A melodic guitar song to relax to.
- Army Gunz- You know I play it like a pro in the game is the meaning of this song
- Protector- A skit with mafioso meaning
- Get That Money- This southern sample blend makes this a song to remember because of how the south was back then. Lil Wayne is a southern legend but also he manages to hold it down for his roots and his side of the country.
- No More- No More should of been used on CSI or a crime scene drama television show. Back then, Starlito was All-Star Cashville Prince and he was a young Tennessee rapper who was attending TSU at the time of his rap career.
- High- The newer version of Mind Playin Tricks on Me by Geto Boys
- Cali Dro Feat. Tha Dogg Pound- This song is the reason why Tha Dogg Pound should of never joined Cash Money Records. They were better off doing their own thing rather than relying on Cash Money
- About All That Feat. Fat Joe- Best Lil Wayne verse ever. Wayne raps “Weezy hit the beat like Roc Marciano” meaning he is an competitor and he feels like he is a winning champion and wants to keep fighting for his spot for the top tier rap artist of that generation.
- Respect- The outro with the Mafioso way of say carry on the tradition
Overall
Like Father, Like Son was a welcome to the Mafia. The theme of the last two albums on Cash Money Records which were Carter II & Fast Money (Birdman). The label has always been looked at like the mafia and all we can do is respect it. The way Birdman and Wayne composed this whole album made it sound like an episode of the Sopranos with skits talking about loyalty and respect.
All I can do is give my hats off for this album because of how this album was a blessing to those who endure this style of music. Transitioning from the bling bling style to the mob has became a cultural influence. For all musicians, the purpose of putting out music is for growth and freedom and Like Father, Like Son has proved that very well.
Live From The Stove Top,
Andrew Kenekham AKA Druski Dru
