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Lil Wayne’s album Rebirth hit the shelves on Feb. 2 and has since received mixed reviews. The album was supposed to be released in 2009, yet was repeatedly pushed back until finally debuting just before Lil Wayne’s year-long jail sentence after pleading guilty to possessing a weapon in 2007.

Lil Wayne’s new album is different than his previous self-titled trio of albums Tha Carter, Tha Carter II and Tha Carter III because he tests the waters as a rock vocalist, with tracks featuring collaborations with Kevin Rudolph, Eminem and Shanell.

Fans had a sneak preview of the rock album in January, with the release of the album’s second track “Prom Queen,” where Carter sings about being denied by the prom queen at his high school, yet turns the tables on her when he becomes famous.

Although credit has to be given to the rapper for branching out from his usual approach to music, he tends to overreach his new ambition to be a “rock star” with overwhelming guitar solos and auto-tune versions of screaming rock ballads. 

However, there are a few decent tracks on the album, including “Knockout” with Nicki Minaj and “One Way Trip” featuring Kevin Rudolph, yet the latter barely even touches upon the duo’s successful formula on the collaboration “Let it Rock.”

Instead of attempting to belt screaming rock lyrics while pretending to be something he is not, Wayne should just stick to what he does best and what his fans praise him for.

 

 

After listening to his newest album, people are left wondering where the artist who made hits like “Lollipop” and “Got Money” has gone.

Maybe Lil Wayne will have time to contemplate his next approach while serving his upcoming prison term.