Lil Wayne talks Future "Carter" albums, and music with Juelz Santana and Young Money

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

When Lil Wayne released Tha Carter, not too many people believed he could take over the rap game. Fresh off Jay-Z's retirement, hip hop was looking for a new focal point. Lil Wayne boldly rose to the occasion on his "Bring it Back" single. On the song, Wayne raps "best rapper alive, since the best rapper retired."

Tha Carter was met with positive reviews and spawned Lil Wayne's first top ten hit, "Go DJ." A year later, Lil Wayne returned with his critically-acclaimed Tha Carter II. Following that release, Wayne took a three year hiatus, doing constant features and mixtapes. In 2008, Lil Wayne returned with Tha Carter III.

Many assumed Tha Carter III would be Lil Wayne's final album of the Carter series. Only months following the release of his third album in the series, Lil Wayne announced he was working on a remix album. Initially, he said the album would be called Tha Carter III: The Rebirth. Later, Lil Wayne revealed it would be a separate album and would not be a part of the Carter series. After numerous delays, Lil Wayne finally released Rebirth.

Before the release of Tha Carter IV, Lil Wayne announced he would soon be retiring. Wayne had made similar statements in the past. Because he wants to spend time with his children, Lil Wayne confirmed he was nearing the end of his career. Caught in the moment, Lil Wayne said Tha Carter IV may very well be his final album. Recently, Lil Wayne discussed this and announced he has so much more left in the tank, with at least four new albums on the way.

For those who guessed Tha Carter IV would be Lil Wayne's final Carter album, they guessed wrong, as the New Orleans rapper revealed he has at least two more Carters on the way. Aside from the continuation of his Carter series, Lil Wayne also said he has a sequel to Rebirth planned. Speaking of sequels, Wayne is also joining Young Money again for a second edition of their We Are Young Money album. In 2006, it was announced that Lil Wayne and Juelz Santana were coming together for an album.

However, for unknown reasons, this album has been held up for five years. Lil Wayne confirmed their album will be coming. Mack Maine confirmed his Juelz Santana-assisted I Can't Feel My Face will be his next release.