Lil Wayne: The Carter II
“After The Storm” An Album Review By Nfared
Both Bow Wow and Romeo have decided to drop the “lil” from their names,
perhaps in an attempt to appeal to an older crowd. One rapper though, who has
been thrust into a huge role of responsibility, is keeping his prefix, yet at
the same time not losing sight of the road ahead. With Katrina practically
destroying his hometown and his musical family in disarray, Lil Wayne is facing
a pivotal moment in his musical career. Lil Wayne: The Carter II is the product
of a rapper with an insurmountable weight on his shoulders. While some may
consider it time to quit, he still wants to raise the bar.

What is one of the things Lil Wayne is thinking about? He reveals this answer
with “Money On My Mind”. He uses interesting word play to get his point
across, “Dear Mr. toilet I’m the sh***/got these other hates pissed/cause my
toilet paper thick.” Also, in an effort to settle any doubts about whether or
not he can face the challenges ahead, he rhymes, “when it comes to that
weight/I don’t struggle I just lift”. Combining the soul of New Orleans with
the sound of the islands, The Yonny produced “Mo Fire” carries an aura that
his hometown can appreciate as he flows, “I know my papa gone but guaranteed
he see us shining.” Producer Big D effortlessly combines Hip-Hop with Rock and
Roll with “Best Rapper Alive”. Wayne, having no doubt in the title of the
track, begins, “It is Weezy… got these rappers in my stomach/yummy.”
Confident, he continues, “If you sell a million records/we could battle for
your money.” Bringing some personality to
his verses, later, he shows a silly side with the line, “F*** up with all
these rookie MC’s/WOOOO!!/smell like a bunch of p**** to me!” Lil Wayne, a
sense of humor? Go figure. Light on the production so that every word can be
heard, “Oh No” displays a strong and reassured Wayne who can still admit
that he is human; “Good grief/man this world is quite heavy on my aching
back.” He cleverly explains, “Bob Marley got me stinkin stakin figures/I’m
standin firm life’s a slinky…” With a more subdued tone, Wayne is poised
yet relaxed on “Hustler Musik”. He is introspective with a descriptive
chorus, “…I’m takin these chances/my head to the sky/my feet on the
ground/my fingers to the judge if the money don’t move/then I won’t budge
won’t budge”. Thought not a killer he claims, he wants no misunderstanding
in his courage levels, “I ain’t never killed nobody I promise/and I promise
if you try me/you gone have to rewind this track/and make
me go back/that thang will go dlaat/that boy will lay flat so flat.” Still
honest, on “Receipt”, he speaks to a woman, summing up all of his feelings
within the first phrase of the song, “It’s kinda hard to say this s*** to
your face so I do it over snares and bass, music take me away…” The smooth
“Shooter” is an intriguing mix of rap and soul. Seemingly not in the range
of what Wayne would flow to, he fits like a glove as he starts out, “So many
doubt cause I come from the south/but when I open my mouth, all bullets come
out.”

Needle Meter The government showed it’s true colors with the treatment of
New Orleans residents after Katrina. The people though, responded with
resilience and pride, never giving up in finding family members and for some,
rebuilding what was once their home. In a sense, Lil Wayne carries that energy
and sense of self with him in his music. He lets the world into his life by
bringing so much of his personality to his songs. His wit, and humor add to the
other elements, making him even more entertaining. While his music and sound is
definitely not for everyone, he clearly has something to say to those that are
willing to listen.
Four Needles















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