A Disappointing Comeback

It’s been roughly five years since the last major solo release from the legendary artist known as Lil Wayne, and even longer than that since the last entry in the “Tha Carter” series. Coming off some controversial comments following the perceived Super Bowl snub, fans have been anticipating a show of force, confirming the notion that Jay-Z and the NFL chose wrong and as a result gifted us a rejuvenated Lil Weezy. Unfortunately, those fans will leave disappointed with this latest showing.

The album starts off pretty strong with an emphatic intro track, “King Carter.” While it contains no bars, it sets a strong tone for what one hopes will be a great album. BigXthaPlug and Jay Jones also shine on “Hip-Hop.” Jelly Roll returns to his hip-hop roots providing a solid hook on “Sharks” and matter of factly the first half of the album is actually pretty solid (minus the dated-sounding “The Days” featuring Bono) and gives the listener hope for at least a decent project from Wayne; however, it goes downhill very quickly.

The aptly titled “Peanuts 2 Elephants,” featuring a beat that sounds like it was made on a 2005 Dell with the basic FruityLoops drum package, should never have made it past the cutting room floor and exacerbates the atrociousness of the second half of the album. This is one of the few times in my lifetime that I dislike a Mannie Fresh-produced song, but “Being Myself” just feels out of place and rudimentary. Also, the collaboration between MGK and Kodak Black sounds just as awkward and unnecessary as you would expect.

While the legendary status of Lil Wayne is unquestioned, having had one of the most influential runs of any modern artist, the latter half of his career has been a bit lackluster to say the least. Those hoping for a bounce back with this project will be sadly let down. It may be best for the Young Money General to take more of a mentorship role (having just recently signed a new crop of artists to the label), with a few features here or there going forward because releases like this only add credence to the “washed and overrated” rhetoric pushed engagement farmers and clickbait merchants.

Favorite Tracks: Welcome to the Carter, Hip-Hop, Cotton Candy

Album Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑 (3/10)