Carter IV Review

Lil’ Wayne released “sorry for the wait” not too long ago as a holdover for fans until his new ablum was released. Maybe we were just too thirsty. Today with the release of the supposed “diss track” towards the Throne (aka Jay- Z), the highly anticipated album “The Carter IV” has been leaked. Now how that happened is still unknown. Many speculate that Mr. Tunechi leaked it himself out of fear that Birdman would have to pay up on that bet he wagered for 1 million albums sold during the 1st week, but that’s neither here nor there at this point. It’s out and the people are talking....

Now, this is in no way meant to shade Lil’ Wayne as an artist. As an artist, there is no real denying his power in hip hop. Arguably, he is one of the best out right now. And with the release of “Watch the Throne” and articles insisting that might have been the best album to have happened to hip hop, of course fans expected Weezy to come with it. But...

Here’s the thing, somewhere between “No Ceilings” and serving time on Riker’s Island, Lil’ Wayne has lost his damn mind! His “sobriety” has taking a toll on not only his talent, but his common sense. Yes, he still spits clever rhymes, but it is increasing trumped by ridiculousness. He has been misusing similes to the fullest extent and a lot of his lines might as well be “knick knack patty wack”.

In terms of “The Carter IV”, Let’s look at it track by track (18 tracks if you include the deluxe editions)

1. Intro - I for one am highly disappointed in the intro. When compared to all his other Intro’s this one left me craving for more. It didn’t get me as amped. I wasn’t as hyped it was not as clever. Lackluster to say the least...

2. Blunt Blowin - now all my fellow pot heads will enjoy this track... because they are high as hell! The hook is choppy. But there are some catchy phrases for those of you who like to pretend to be “bout that life” living vicariously through rappers. I am sure facebook will be full of status that read... “niggas faker than some flour in a powder bag” “they say we learn from mistakes, well that’s why they mistake me” or “Imma blunt blowing, polo drawers showing, I don’t give a lovely motherfuck ass nigga” ... overlooking the “you don’t need a bus pass for me to bus your ass”. Smh.

3. Megaman- dope.

4. 6 foot 7 foot (feat Cory Gunz)- blame radio for me being completely over this song. But a couple drinks in the club and I’m on the dance floor mean mugging bitches, making my rent money rain on them hoes.

5. Nightmares of the bottom- facebook statuses will rape “we in the same picture, but we all got different poses”. But it’s solid.

6. She Will (feat. Drake)- Now THIS is the Wayne I remember! Can’t shade this at all. And Drizzy is the added bonus.

7. How To Hate (feat T- Pain)- This is what “dueces” would have sounded like if Chris Brown wasn’t busy pining over old pussy. Despite that autotune that is like a sharp pain to my ear, this is a solid track.

8. Interlude- Tech 9 and Andre 3000... 2 minutes. Hot fire!!!!!!! (Wayne’s not on the track)

9. John (feat Rick Ross)- I’m biased, but all you Big Meech’s out there will enjoy Rick Ross’ storytelling antics and such. Wayne’s flow is solid. Track reeks of Lex Luger, but all in all... this will be a club banger.

10. Abortion- Jury is still out... I suppose alcohol will give this some substance or maybe lean is the drink of choice to enjoy this. But sober... these lyrics are not a stretch from the things we have already heard Wayne say on “Sorry For Wait”.

11. So Special (feat. John Legend)- it’s cool. John Legend’s smooth voice helps you ignore Lil Wayne’s continuous misuse of similes.

12. How To Love- I always thought this song is a potent example of “Ladies Love Lyrics”... I have nothing more to say...

13. President Carter- Yessssss! Old Weezy reveals himself again. No distracting hashtag flows... dope sample usage. Dope.

14. It’s Good (Jadakiss feat. Drake)- well... this is the song that led to the leak. Jadakiss, well he does what he does best... spits that real. Drake left me a little disappointed. Lil Wayne took shots at the Throne... flow was decent. That indirect direct shot was dope. But I’m going to need some explanations for “grown ass blood”...

15. Outro (feat. Bun B, Nas, Shyne and Busta Rhymes)- Every featured artist did their thing on this track. Yup, even Shyne, but he’s still Shyne so nobody’s really checking for him. Bussa Buss!!!!!!!!!! (Wayne’s not on the track)

Bonus Tracks:

!6. I Like The View- He spits his usual pussy, weed, can’t see me shit. Beat is blah. Nothing special.

17. Mirror (feat Bruno Mars)- Decent track. Bruno Mars blessed the hook. eh.

18. Two Shots- I like this track... subtle, but still hits. Bass at high volumes in a whip on a nice day... yea I can see it.

Well that’s MY run down of the album. It’s solid. I wouldn’t say “classic” though. Wayyyyyy Too Soon. When I first heard this album, the deeper I got into it the more I wished I dropped bread crumbs to find my way back. But after a few more listens, it wasn’t AS bad.

But listen, seriously y'all can’t be out here acting like Lil’ Wayne makes sense (consistently)... y'all just can’t. I mean... a fan is a fan is a fan, but for the last couple of releases Weezy has been saying whatever and I'll rock with it, but I can’t ignore his "this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine" flows like he didn’t just say some real dumb shit.

Anyway: Buy The Game’s “R.E.D” album... lol

-Ricki Ryan