Lil Wayne comes back from his hiatus in his long awaited “Tha Carter V.” After five long years without Wayne, he comes back to his fans with the album that they have waited for all along. With all the chaos that was surrounding his professional career and his financial situation with his label, Cash Money Owns, he delivers a heartfelt album that has been awaited since the Lil Wayne vs. Drake concert tour of 2014.
Lil Wayne has undergone many hospital visits that left his fans questioning the longevity of his career and even his life. Even more, the issues with his “Daddy”, “Birdman,” had them questioning if “Tha Carter V” would ever see the light of day.
Lil Wayne kept recording and kept releasing mixtapes such as 2015’s “Free Weezy” and “Dedication 6” in hope that his recordings would see the light of day. Despite Cash Money blocking these mixtapes from release on official platforms, Wayne’s music found a way to reach his fans. What’s even more beautiful, is that some of Wayne’s music reached fans in the form of influence. Even though Wayne was stifled and silenced, his music inspired the likes of Drake, Unotheactivist, Young Thug and more artists
“Tha Carter V” gives Wayne the chance to be vulnerable with his fans. He even goes on to say in his song “Don’t Cry” featuring XXXTENTACION: “I am not number 1 it’s true, I am number 9-27-82.” Along with XXXTENTACION, Travis Scott’s droning, dark and melodic vocals sound off in the background of “Let it Fly” and Kendrick Lamar’s beautiful additions on the bizarre “Mona Lisa.” create a beautiful addition to the album.
Wayne lets us know his vulnerable side on this album. In “What About Me,” he questions if the unknown girl he is talking to is giving him the same considerations he gave her. He continues asking the looming question: “What about me?” He continues to shed light on his romantic side throughout the song, naming ways he showed he cared about her.
“Tha Carter V” may deliver on its promise of an album. Its quality is definitely unmistakable. However, “Tha Carter V” doesn’t compare to any of his previous work—and it doesn’t have to. “Tha Carter V” gives us a more vulnerable side than we’ve seen in the past. Although components of this album are reminiscent to “Tha Carter IV,” it has moments like “Dope New Gospel” and “Mad” that differentiate it from his past work. All in all, “Tha Carter V” is a strong project from the New Orleans rap star.
