TheLilWayne.com Latest Blog Posts

Lil Wayne’s ‘Tha Carter 4' Album Reaches Certified Triple Platinum Worldwide

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:25:29 GMT

Lil Wayne’s ‘Tha Carter 4 album officially becomes certified triple platinum worldwide. Weezy took over the music scene in 2011 with the release of his highly anticipated ‘Tha Carter 4′ album. The project did receive disappointing reviews from many critics, but it hasn’t stopped Lil Wayne from selling over 3 million copies of the project.

‘Tha Carter 4′ was recently certified double platinum here in the U.S., and has now sold over 3,500,000 copies worldwide. These incredible album sales come at a time when most artists are struggling to sell a fraction of what they used to say, especially within the hip hop and rap genre.

Regardless of what individuals say about Lil Wayne “falling off,” it would appear that commercially, the Young Money CEO is at the top of his game, because selling over 3 million albums is a feat in itself in 2002 and in 2012. Lil Wayne is currently in the studio working on his ‘I Am Not A Human Being 2‘ album set to release later this summer.

Lil Wayne Wears Women's Leopard Print Trousers To Celebrate Birdman's Birthday With Chris Brown

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:29:39 GMT

The boys only party hit up LIV nightclub in Los Angeles where they were spotted partying in the VIP section and stood on the balcony for most of the night.

In addition to toasting YMCMB CEO Birdman's birthday, the boys were celebrating the release of Tyga's new album Careless World: Rise of the Last King. Weezy got behind the DJ to show off his mixing talents while Gucci Mane joined Chris and Tyga in popping bottles of Ace of Spades in the VIP.

While the boys rocked the casual look, Weezy took it a step too far and decided to brave wearing the famous tight trousers that whipped up a storm of criticism last year. The rapper rummaged in his closet and pulled out those suspect-looking leopard print trousers, that were actually revealed to be women's wear. Come on, Weezy! Didn't you learn from the response last time?

Lil Wayne Is The #5 Hottest MC In The Game

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:15:42 GMT

But Weezy's winning year was even more impressive when you consider that the Cash Money soldier spent most of 2010 behind bars. With little time to prepare, Wayne hit 2011 hard beginning with the smash rap single (and Carter IV lead track) "6 Foot 7 Foot." As with many albums, C4 saw a ton of delays, but Weezy made up for things with his Sorry 4 the Wait mixtape.

When the fourth installment of the Carter series finally arrived on August 28 (after a show-closing VMA performance), Wayne moved 964,000 copies in a single week, just barely missing the platinum-in-a-week mark he hit with 2008's Carter III.

"Wayne had a strong year; almost a million in a week doesn't lie," said Yomi Desalu, MTV's senior director of music and talent. "He's definitely remained relevant for the whole year and once he came out, he hit the ground running."

"I think that's an understatement, that he remained relevant. I think that he maintained his dominance," said Rob Markman, MTV News' senior hip-hop writer. When we talk about Wayne, nobody [has] sold a million in a week — since Lil Wayne. Quite frankly, I think #4 is too low."

It was another banner year for Wayne. His first-week sales were higher than that of any other rap artist and his I Am Still Music Tour, Video Music Award performance and "MTV Unplugged" special proved that the YMCMB CEO was as impactful as ever. Granted, Weezy's 2011 style and swag were an acquired taste (see his VMA animal-print jeggings and the day-Glo-green moon boots he sported in Drake's "Motto" video), but his lyrical prowess on songs like "It's Good" could not be denied.

Some members of the Hip-Hop Brain Trust insisted that the Wayne train had lost a bit of steam though. "You talk about Sorry 4 the Wait, people were disappointed that it wasn't No Ceilings. People were disappointed that Tha Carter IV was not Tha Carter III," said MTV Jams' Tuma Basa.

A few even contended that Weezy was riding off of the success of his Young Money artists Nicki Minaj and Drake. Did the students surpass the teacher? One roundtable panelist argued that Nicki the Ninja, who debuted on the "Hottest MCs" list at #6 in 2010, had bested her sensei.

"I definitely think over the past year Nicki's singles have actually resonated with her fans. I don't think any of Wayne's songs [have] — if you want to say 'John' that's a Rick Ross record; if you want to say 'She Will,' it was a Drake record," said Steven Roberts, a producer/writer at MTV News.

The Wayne/Nicki argument became so strong in fact that moderator and show host Sway Calloway decided to take a vote. In a most surprising turn, six of the nine experts elected to move Nicki Minaj up to the #4 spot and Lil Wayne down to #5. Still, no matter how you slice the pie, it's all Young Moola, baby!

Lil Wayne Proves It's Still Wayne's World As #5 Hottest MC

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:19:28 GMT

On Tha Carter IV, Lil Wayne raps about his "Nightmares of the Bottom." While the sentiment revealed a humbler side of Tunechi, the Martian reached astronomical heights in 2011 and lands in the top half of MTV News' Hottest MCs in the Game VII list.

But Weezy's winning year was even more impressive when you consider that the Cash Money soldier spent most of 2010 behind bars. With little time to prepare, Wayne hit 2011 hard beginning with the smash rap single (and Carter IV lead track) "6 Foot 7 Foot." As with many albums, C4 saw a ton of delays, but Weezy made up for things with his Sorry 4 the Wait mixtape.

When the fourth installment of the Carter series finally arrived on August 28 (after a show-closing VMA performance), Wayne moved 964,000 copies in a single week, just barely missing the platinum-in-a-week mark he hit with 2008's Carter III.

Want to join the debate? Just hit us on Twitter using the hashtag #HottestMC!

"Wayne had a strong year; almost a million in a week doesn't lie," said Yomi Desalu, MTV's senior director of music and talent. "He's definitely remained relevant for the whole year and once he came out, he hit the ground running."

"I think that's an understatement, that he remained relevant. I think that he maintained his dominance," said Rob Markman, MTV News' senior hip-hop writer. When we talk about Wayne, nobody [has] sold a million in a week — since Lil Wayne. Quite frankly, I think #4 is too low."

It was another banner year for Wayne. His first-week sales were higher than that of any other rap artist and his I Am Still Music Tour, Video Music Award performance and "MTV Unplugged" special proved that the YMCMB CEO was as impactful as ever. Granted, Weezy's 2011 style and swag were an acquired taste (see his VMA animal-print jeggings and the day-Glo-green moon boots he sported in Drake's "Motto" video), but his lyrical prowess on songs like "It's Good" could not be denied.

Some members of the Hip-Hop Brain Trust insisted that the Wayne train had lost a beat of steam though. "You talk about Sorry 4 the Wait, people were disappointed that it wasn't No Ceilings. People were disappointed that Tha Carter IV was not Tha Carter III," said MTV Jams' Tuma Basa.

A few even contended that Weezy was riding off of the success of his Young Money artists Nicki Minaj and Drake. Did the students surpass the teacher? One roundtable panelist argued that Nicki the Ninja, who debuted on the "Hottest MCs" list at #6 in 2010, had bested her sensei.

"I definitely think over the past year Nicki's singles have actually resonated with her fans. I don't think any of Wayne's songs [have] — if you want to say 'John' that's a Rick Ross record; if you want to say 'She Will,' it was a Drake record," said Steven Roberts, a producer/writer at MTV News.

The Wayne/Nicki argument became so strong in fact that moderator and show host Sway Calloway decided to take a vote. In a most surprising turn, six of the nine experts elected to move Nicki Minaj up to the #4 spot and Lil Wayne down to #5. Still, no matter how you slice the pie, it's all Young Moola, baby!

Lil Wayne rings in Valentine’s Day

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:50:08 GMT

While the Internet was erroneously (?) abuzz with the news that rapper, Lil Wayne popped the question to his girlfriend Dhea — which he later recanted, saying he meant he asked her to be his Valentine (groan) — we should note the question was asked at Barton G. The Restaurant. Over the top it was not, but pure and simple and sweet, say reports. No champagne on bended knee, just Lil Wayne toasting his Valentine with his usual non-alcoholic Courtney Spritzer cocktail made with cranberry juice, Sprite and a strawberry. Lobster Pop Tarts and Coconut Crusted Voodoo Shrimp launched their dinner followed by some Good Ol’ Southern Fried Chicken and Tango Time Skirt Steak. Chef Arthur Jones topped off the meal with a special a la mode dessert with a huge yellow diamond perched atop a mound of ice cream. All this romantic whimsy and a yellow diamond for a Hallmark holiday? We think not.

Speaking of romantic evenings, New York Giants player Jason Pierre-Paul took his girlfriend for a multi-course Valentine’s dinner and champagne at The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar. Also seen at The Forge: Don Shula.

Goldie Hawn was seen Monday night dining at Bourbon Steak at Turnberry Isle Miami with the resort’s founder, real estate developer Don Soffer and son Jeffrey. Hawn, decked out in a semi-long black dress with her shoulders exposed, specially requested calves liver, which the elder Soffer ordered as well. Shania Twain and husband Frederic Thiébaud were seen lunching Thursday at Quattro.

Marine wildlife artist Guy Harvey was seen Thursday night, dining at The Oceanaire Seafood Room with a few friends. R&B singer R. Kelly has been seen getting in shape at Equinox Coral Gables. On Monday afternoon, he went through a tough workout for an hour and a half.

Teen heartthrob and singer Joe Jonas was seen having a late night dinner Thursday at Delano’s Bianca. Jonas, seen wearing a green T-shirt and jeans, sat across the table from what looked like his girlfriend; they were joined by another couple. Earlier in the day Jonas was also seen working out at Equinox in South Beach.

Lil Wayne Clears Up Engagement Rumours

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:58:21 GMT

Lil Wayne has dismissed reports that he proposed to his girlfriend Dhea on Valentines Day. The internet was a buzz with rumours that Weezy had popped the question to his current squeeze on Monday (14th February), after the How To Love rapper tweeted: "She said yes!"

TMZ.com then reported that the Young Money boss had asked Dhea to be his wife by hiding a diamond ring in a desert at a swanky eatery in Miami. A source at the Barton G restaurant told the US gossip website: "Weezy secretly handed wait staff a ring with a giant yellow rock on it during his meal -- and asked them to slip it inside the restaurant's signature sundae."

The insider added that after the dessert - a $43 treat called the Sabrina Sundae - was delivered to their table, Wayne jumped up and shouted to the entire restaurant: "She said yes!" - with the Lollipop hitnaker taking to Twitter, leaving millions thinking he was engaged.

However, the 29-year old later returned to the mirco-blogging site to put the record straight, insisting that he isn't about to make Dhea his wife just yet. Weezy tweeted: "Ohhhhhhh now I see why! I meant "she said yes" to being my valentine!!! Hahahahahahaha! Y'all crazy!"

LIL WAYNE SIGNS CHRISTINA MILIAN TO YOUNG MONEY RECORDS

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:11:12 GMT

Lil Wayne is adding more star power to his Young Money roster. R&B cutie and ‘The Voice‘ social media correspondent Christina Milian is the newest artist to join YMCMB, reports Billboard. The singer announced the news via her Twitter page on Sunday (Feb. 12). “The answer is….Yes,” she tweeted. “Let’s Get To Work! I Heart You Guys … It’s Now or Never.”

Milian’s ex-husband, The-Dream, was also happy about her new deal and sent out a congratulatory tweet to his ex-wife. “Congrats To Christina on her New Signing. Finally your fans can get the real you,” he wrote. We are happy to see that there’s no bitterness between the two after their divorce was finalized. She and The-Dream are parents of a two-year daughter named Violet Madison Nash.

According to Billboard, Wayne announced the partnership at his Cash Money pre-Grammy party on Sunday. “Y’all make some noise for Christina Milian … Young Money Christina Milian!” he told the crowd.

It’s been five years since we heard new material from Milian. She was previously signed to The-Dream’s Radio Killa Records (in conjunction with MySpace), but her album was never released. Milian’s last official album was ‘So Amazin” in 2006, which garnered mixed reviews.

Lil Wayne Disses Jay-Z, Kanye In Pre-Grammy Freestyle

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:33:03 GMT

Here we go again. Hours before Lil Wayne and the Throne face off in the Grammy battle for Best Rap Album at Sunday night's (February 12) awards show, Weezy threw shots during YMCMB's pre-Grammy party in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

After receiving some new sales plaques for his wall, announcing that he had signed R&B singer Christina Milian and paying homage to the late Whitney Houston, Wayne dropped an a cappella freestyle directed at Jay-Z and Kanye West. "I met a bad red bone, I took the bi--- home/ I asked her what she want to watch, she said, 'Surely not the Throne,' " Weezy spit before he dropped the mic and moseyed offstage, according to Rap Radar.

Things began to sour after a 2009 interview in which Cash Money CEO Bryan "Birdman" Williams objected to Jay-Z taking the crown for MTV News' "Hottest MCs in the Game" list for that year. "I don't think he the #1 MC, in no kinda way," Baby said, casting the first stone. "Wayne is the best, he do the most and he make the most money. I don't think no n---a in the business make more money than us."

Jay returned fire at the top of 2011. On the Throne's "H.A.M.," Jigga made it clear that not only was Birdman, a.k.a. Baby, and Wayne not holding any Hov-caliber bucks, but that financially they couldn't even compare to his wife, Beyoncé. "I'm like, 'Really, half-a-billi?' N---a, really, you got Baby money/ Keep it real with n---as, n---as ain't got my lady money," Jay rhymed.

Not to be outdone, Weezy waited a few months, but responded in August of last year on "It's Good," a track from his Tha Carter IV LP, which also featured Jadakiss and Drake. "Talkin' 'bout Baby money? I got your Baby money/ Kidnap yo' bitch, get that how-much-you-love-your-lady money," Wayne rapped in direct response to Jay's "H.A.M." line.

Hova didn't seem too bothered by the line. In an October interview with MTV News, Jay brushed off Weezy's shot on "It's Good." "That's sport, that's rap music," Jay said. "Nothing is going to change but the participants."

On Christmas Day, Tunechi and Jay's Throne partner, Kanye West, were spotted together at an L.A. Lakers basketball game, so the rap tit-for-tat can't be too serious. However, it will be interesting to see if either Jay or Yeezy respond to Wayne's latest jab. Whatever the case, if either the Throne or Weezy win the Best Rap Album award at the Grammys, you can bet the hip-hop world will be paying extra special attention to the acceptance speech.

Lil Wayne Signs Christina Milian, Takes Jabs at Jay-Z, Kanye West

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:59:05 GMT

Lil Wayne announced the signing of a new member to Young Money Saturday night (February 11) while performing alongside Drake during the annual Cash Money Grammy weekend party. The YMCMB head
Honcho also took the time to honor the memory of the late, great Whitney Houston, who passed away earlier that event, and to take jabs at nemesis Jay-Z and Kanye West.

“I got the beautiful Christina Milian with me,” Weezy said while onstage, backed by the likes of manager Cortez Bryant, Young Money president Mack Maine, Corey Gunz, Lil Twist and others. “Young Money Christina Milian.”

Lil Tunechi also took the time to thank his team for their contribution to the label’s success, but not before asking for a moment of silence for Whitney Houston, who was pronounced dead at 3:55pm after being found in her hotel room in Hollywood, California just hours before mentor Clive Davis’ annual Grammy event.

The evening wasn’t complete until Wayne took time out to throw some jabs at arch-nemesis Jay-Z and Lil Wayne, rapping at the end of his announcement about signing Christina Milian, “I met a red-bone, I took the girl home/I asked her what she wanna watche, she said, ‘surely not The Throne,” to roars from the crowd.

Lil Wayne is up for a couple of Grammy nods, including Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for DJ Khaled’s “I’m on One.” Stay tune to XXLMag.com for a full recap of the Grammys Sunday (Februabry 12)

Lil Wayne Will Perform at the Grammy Awards First Electronic Set

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:16:57 GMT

Lil Wayne has been announced as one of the many performers that will bring their sound to the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, which goes down on February 12th, and the rapper will perform in a unique cross-genre number as he’s been booked for the ceremony’s first-ever spotlight on dance and electronic music. The spot will attempt to bring an energetic club vibe to the ceremony with the help of artists such as deadmau5, Foo Fighters, Chris Brown and David Guetta.

Grammy show producer Ken Ehrlich said that he has considered including a place for electronic music in previous shows, but he could never quite work out how to turn the ceremony’s stage into a dance club. “We decided to go all out this year. All we’re going to try and do next week is to try and put the home audience in the middle of it. … It is more than just sitting there and watching it,” said Ehrlich.

The solution according to Ehrlich was to move the performance outside, and the ceremony’s dance number will have Lil Wayne and his co-performers take to a stage in a special outdoor tent that will be set up next to the Staples Center. “I don’t know that I figured out a way to do it that felt right until now. My feeling about dance is it’s such an immersive experience for the participant, that to put it on stage … where the audience is not a part of it … I don’t know, honestly, until we came up with the idea of doing it this way, I don’t know if it ever would have worked,” explained Ehrlich.

This year’s ceremony saw the number of Grammy categories drop from 108 to 78, but the list retained a category to honor electronic and dance music, although it was retitled, and includes nominations for Skrillex, deadmau5, David Guetta, Cut/Copy and Robyn.

The overhaul didn’t hurt Lil Wayne’s chances as the rapper is up for a total of five nominations including Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for ‘Look At Me Now,’ with Chris Brown and Busta Rhymes, two nods for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for ‘I’m On One,’ with DJ Khaled, Drake and Rick Ross, and Best Rap Album for ‘Tha Carter IV.’