Album Review: Lil Wayne - "Tha Carter IV"

By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Immediately after Tha Carter III, Lil Wayne announced he would soon release Tha Carter IV. However, changes in his own personal interests and obligations delayed the album. As fans waited on Tha Carter IV, Lil Wayne gave them We Are Young Money, Rebirth, and I Am Not a Human Being.

In November of 2010, Lil Wayne was released from prison and immediately hit the studio. Early in December, "6 Foot 7 Foot" was released as the first official single off Tha Carter IV. With the heavy bass drums in the background, Lil Wayne boastfully displayed his lyrical prowess. At the same time, he helped introduce Cory Gunz to the mainstream audience.

"6 Foot 7 Foot" dominated radio waves from its December release well into the summer of 2011. Even after the release of the Rick Ross-assisted "John (If I Die Today)," the song still dominated. Lil Wayne has experimented with different styles throughout his career. However, he was able to successfully blend them together on Tha Carter IV. Seeing how his past three albums were tracks cut from Carter IV and other left over verses, his past albums seem slapped together.

But, on Tha Carter IV, it is obvious Lil Wayne put more time and effort into the album. Going outside of his comfort zone, he sings (with no auto-tune) and also delivers a positive message, with "How to Love." But, staying true to Weezy, he also delivers "How to Hate," with T-Pain, and "She Will" with Drake. It was the balance and the harmony, which makes Tha Carter IV one of the most-enjoyable albums of 2011. The album will be remembered years from now, as a classic.

On this album, Lil Wayne does manage to live up to the hype he has had over the past five years,

Hip Hop Vibe's Rating: 8/10