Lil Wayne- Carter I; The beginning of one of the greatest sequels in Hip-Hop
In the mid 2000’s, jerseys and tall tees tookover the game. More rappers are relying on street cred rather than talent and lyricism. Prior to the downfall of the early 2000’s Cash Money, Lil Wayne was releasing underground freestyles to keep his name afloat and well. Building a brand for Young Money who at the time was Curren$y, Sqad Up, and Mack Maine. Seperating but following in the same footsteps as Birdman; Weezy F Baby has created an inspiring blueprint for aspiring rappers. Even if you are not a rapper, having a brand, story, or even some kind of product that will have customers come back for more is a great marketing scheme. especially for his underground Sqad Up series.
Throughout his career, Lil Wayne has elevated and followed in the footsteps of his hero, Jay-Z and decided to not write his rhymes down on paper. Instead like Biggie Smalls and Jadakiss, Weezy got the gift to write raps inside of his head which is a hard skill to carry but those who do it have plenty of talent. Juvenile and B.G leaving Cash Money has put a lot of weight on Weezy F Baby’s shoulder so he had no choice but to run the rap game single handly.
The competition in rap is very slim when it comes to success. Lil Wayne is the epitome of success in the rap game. What does it take to be a good rapper? Lyrics, the right beat, along with the right sound to hold a fan base. Understanding the needs of capturing the crowd isn’t easy but Wayne makes it look so simple.
On June 29. 2004, Lil Wayne drpped his monumental work to this date, 2004’s The Carter. This proved that Weezy F. Baby can do his music with just lyrics. No pen or pad. This would solidify him as an artist but also draw comparisons to other artist who done this like Jay-Z. This album’s production was handled by none other than in house producer, Mannie Fresh.
As we go track by track, The Carter will seem like gold once you realize how grand this album was. This body of work is also inspirational to other artist who do not like to write but like to flow the beat.
- Walk In- This intro is an introduction to the Carter series. Comparing this album to the actual Carter from New Jack City, there is business involved in this record. “Any Drama, I Pace It Like Indiana” is an example of how Lil Wayne can stretch his words.
- Go DJ-’ The Hottest N!66@ under the sun” is a line that best defines Wayne in this time of age. A friendly radio song that the DJ can spin at you’re local parties.
- This Is The Carter- Mannie Fresh on the beat and the hook makes you believe that Cash Money Records is still a force to reckon with. This is The Carter has nothing but boastful braggadocios rhymes connecting each metaphor and entendre in each verse. Like Mannie said, “ a whole lot richer and a whole lot smarter”.
- BM Jr- Wayne’s moniker as he explained; BM Jr is a lyrical no hook song where Wayne kills the instrumental. A gritty side of Mannie Fresh. Likes like “ No religion but the cops swear I am a drug lord” gave us a religious side of how rap works. Lil Wayne comes in as a competitor and you can feel his hunger while he lays his track down. Clever and witty, hearing lines like “ Some say I am a kid still cause this little N!66@ still ride on big wheels” gave me an impression that Lil Wayne loves big trucks.
- On The Block #1- hood skit
- I Miss My Dawgs- This was not a diss, this is an ode. People need to get it correct because Wayne is paying homage to the original Hot Boys. Juve, B.G, & Turk has managed to have an influence on Wayne and Weezy shows it on this song.
- We Don’t Feat. Birdman- The typical Wayne and Birdman mob style rap.
- On My Own- Lil Wayne is floating across this beat. Wayne raps “ Shit tend to get slow, I put on the mask. and turn it into Halloween and take all you’re bags” shows how grimey he can get on the beat. Nothing but metaphors and punchlines like “ Y’all design ya woman, Im a womans man” is a great flip.
- The Heat- A gun slinging song that Weezy is showing off his killer side. “Dress in all black, and my gun the same color. Murder my enemy and love thy brother” is when Wayne shows his word flips. Sptting prayer for the enemies he murders in the rap game.
- Cash Money Millionaire- The new Cash Money anthem. “That aint fair and I don’t care. Im a mofucking Cash Money Millionare” is a catchy hook. Sample flips like “ I got 25 dollars on my dresser yesser, and If I give it to my hoe, she gonna bring back mo” which proves how Wayne is good with words.
- Inside- The Walk In intermission intro where Wayne is giving us a tour on how the Carter operates.
- Bring It Back- This song proves why Lil Wayne at the time deserves to be called Best Rapper Alive. Hillarious lines like “I look like C thang but act like Baby” shows that Cita is his mom and Birdman raised him.
- Who Wanna- The number 1 hustle anthem on the album. This was back when Lil Wayne still the hustler of hustlers when it comes to this music.
- On The Block #2- Another hood skit
- Get Down Feat. Birdman-” In your hoe putting dick all down you’re woman. You coming home we on the bed counting money” is a funny line where Wayne raps about taking someones girl but also counting cash. Lil Wayne drops gems on this record.
- Snitch- The rules of anywhere, DON’T Snitch
- Hoes Feat. Mannie Fresh- A song dedicated to hoes.
- Only Way Feat. Birdman- A song about the grind and the hustle. This was vintage Cash Money Records back then while Lil Wayne floats across this beat.
- Earthquake- “ I Live to be fly today”-Lil Wayne. A cool slick like a pimp song where you just want to vibe with, especially with a woman.
- Ain’t that a bitch- The ending full track song. Gonna be rich till i’m gone. Weezy explains it best.
- Walk Out- The outro to the spectacular album that defines the Carter
Overall
Carter I is a classic depending how you look at it. The production was amazing and Lil Wayne proved he can hold his own without Juve, Turk, & B.G. Lil Wayne solidified himself as Best Rapper Alive when it comes to topics and subject. These raps Wayne puts together has created an artifact for music listeners to study.
Lil Wayne proved for a long time why he is best rapper alive. Weezy F. Baby has managed to rise above the issues with his label to create one of the greatest series in the rap game. Outside of the Blueprint, The Carter has managed to show growth in a young premature Lil Wayne during the 2000's
Live from the Stove Top,
Andrew Kenekham AKA Druski Dru
