Let it be known, I am biased when it comes to this subject; I am a huge Lil' Wayne fan. I've got Tha Carter I, II and III, I've got all his mix tapes and most of his guest spots on other artist's songs. He's one of the biggest rappers alive right now - not to mention, a musical genius, as well. Which is why it pains me to say this: Lil' Wayne's new album, Rebirth, is garbage.
Lil' Wayne, born Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr., first got into the rap game at the tender age of 11 when he joined up with eventual surrogate father Bryan "Birdman" Williams. Williams took young Carter under his wing, getting him off the streets and into the studio with record label Cash Money Records. Wayne debuted with the group, the Hot Boys, in 1997 with their album Get It How U Live!. While in the Hot Boys, it is rumored that Lil' Wayne created the term "bling-bling," a term that is about as ubiquitous as the rapper himself. He since has produced songs with nearly everyone in the music business, from Madonna to Gym Class Heroes. Tha Carter III sold more than 1 million copies in seven days.
Wayne's latest album is a rock-based effort. Unfortunately, Wayne probably should have left rock alone.
The album begins with the song, "American Star." The track has a decent intro and a good build-up. By the bridge, however, the listener has grown tired of Wayne's version of "rock music." Sadly, there are 11 tracks to go.
Most of the album is garbled vocals - with Auto-Tune layered, of course - and irrelevant guitar lines. If this is how Lil' Wayne sees rock music, he still has a lot to learn. It is as if he is more fascinated by the idea of rock 'n' roll than the music itself.
The worst of these tracks is the single, "Prom Queen." How did a record executive listen to this and think, "Wow, this is a great idea! This will be great for Lil' Wayne's career!"? Whoever said or thought that should be smacked with an iron.
The only song worth anything on the album is "Drop the World." The dialogue between Lil' Wayne and Eminem creates a memorable track.
And as if the bad album wasn't enough, Weezy's got legal troubles. In a couple of weeks, he will begin to serve a year in prison for a 2007 gun charge. This will force rap's most famous workaholic to do something he has dreaded ever since the start of his career: Stop.
But there is light at the end of the tunnel. The rumor mill is saying Tha Carter IV is done and stored on a highly guarded hard drive that never leaves Wayne's manager's side. I recommend waiting to satisfy your Wayne fix until Tha Carter IV is released. Except for "Drop the World," Rebirth is a hugely disappointing album and not worth your money or your time.
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