After five years away from solo albums, Lil Wayne has returned with Tha Carter VI—a 19-track project packed with major collaborations and unexpected guests. The album landed on 6 June and has already sparked excitement across the hip-hop world.
Wayne, born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., made the announcement with little fanfare, letting the music speak for itself.
“This one took time. Every album does. But this is personal,” he said in a recent interview. “I’m grateful I can still do this at this level.”
The album begins with “King Carter” and carries a mix of introspection, energy, and bold features. Bono, Wyclef Jean, and even Andrea Bocelli appear, making it one of Wayne’s most eclectic works to date.
Fans were surprised by the absence of frequent collaborators Nicki Minaj and Drake. Reactions have been mixed. While some called the decision “a missed opportunity,” others praised the new direction.
Still, the album doesn’t lack star power. Big Sean, Kodak Black, and Machine Gun Kelly all feature. In a touching moment, Wayne’s own children, Kameron Carter and Little Novi, appear on separate tracks—an emotional nod to the rapper’s legacy and future.
A North American tour will support the album. The Tha Carter VI Tour kicks off on 30 July and runs through 2 October, covering 34 cities in the US and Canada. Tyga joins as a main act, with special guests NoCap and Belly Gang Kushington set to appear at selected stops.
Lil Wayne’s first post-release performance took place at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Fans filled the iconic venue for what turned into a celebratory homecoming.
The rapper, now 42, has spent over two decades in the public eye. Discovered by Birdman at just 11, Wayne signed to Cash Money Records in 1993. He rose through group acts like the Hot Boys before launching a solo career in 1999 with Tha Block Is Hot.
His third Carter album, Tha Carter III, sold over a million copies in its first week and earned him a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. Despite personal and legal troubles—including an eight-month prison sentence in 2010—Wayne has remained a defining figure in modern hip hop.
“He changed the game in the 2000s,” said culture writer and critic Darryl Harris. “From mixtapes to mentorship, his influence is everywhere.”
Wayne founded Young Money Entertainment in 2005, launching the careers of Drake and Nicki Minaj—both now global superstars.
With over 120 million records sold worldwide, five Grammys, and eleven BET Awards, Wayne’s impact is undeniable. Tha Carter VI marks not only a return but a reflection on everything he’s built.
There’s also more to come. Wayne hinted at unreleased tracks that didn’t make the album, including one sampling Billie Eilish. “Some things just didn’t fit this time,” he said, adding with a grin, “but that don’t mean you won’t hear ’em soon.”
For now, Tha Carter VI is streaming everywhere, and fans can prepare for a summer of music, memories, and a hip hop icon still writing his story.
