Lil Wayne Gives Mixed Results on ‘The Carter VI’ (Review)

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Lil Wayne has cemented himself as a rap legend, delivering classics across his expansive discography. On June 6th he released ‘Tha Carter VI’ which came as a surprise to fans as it was an unexpected drop. This is the sixth album from his Carter series and his first solo album since 2020’s ‘Funeral‘. Fans hoped for a return to his sharp lyricism and innovative flows.

However, the album features a mixture of classic Wayne with genre fusion that’s a bit disjointed at times. After the Super Bowl controversy, this album feels like the rapper’s way of proving his music belongs on big stages and in front of massive crowds. The 19-track album mixes rock, trap, pop, and feel-good vibes. Wayne experiments with different sounds, featuring his sons Kameron and Lil Novi along with others like MGK, Big Sean, Wyclef Jean, and Jelly Roll. Here’s a breakdown of some of the tracks.

Sharks (feat. Big Sean & Jelly Roll)

This collaboration surprised me but worked well. Big Sean and Wayne share their perspectives on survival in the rap game. Sean raps confidently, claiming himself as a legend in hip-hop. The shark is used as a metaphor for power and resilience, pushing back against claims that Wayne’s no longer important. The lyric “Snakes don’t just slither / Sweet comes before bitter.” highlights his awareness of betrayal and the highs and lows of success. Jelly Roll’s raspy vice on the chorus adds a country-rap vibe that elevates the track, making you feel the message more deeply. 

Hip-Hop (feat. BigXthaPlug & Jay Jones)

This track feels more focused, with Wayne returning to his roots and delivering clear lyrics and tight production. Wayne and BigXthaPlug trade bars in a structured duet that stands out among some of the scattered tracks. The double meaning in, “B****es all over me and X like Twitter,”, cleverly expresses that both he and BigX attract women while playing on the platform X. It’s one of the rare moments where production, delivery, and energy all align perfectly.

The Days (feat. Bono)

This track felt like a mainstream appeal opener with a message that feels like a direct conversation with America, addressing injustice and violence while reflecting on his legacy. He’s not preaching; he’s reflecting on what’s gone right and wrong in society. There is a hopeful energy where he balances his own pain with progress, proving there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. The airy vocals from U2’s Bono add an eerie atmosphere that gives the track a reflective vibe. It feels like a well-thought-out feature, as U2 is known for their political insights, making it a perfect collaboration.

Alone In The Studio With My Gun (feat. Kodak Black & MGK)

Wayne’s feelings come through raw and honest here. It feels heavy and lonely; exploring the weight of fame and trauma. The artist talks about the studio as both a place of comfort and pressure, where he creates but faces expectations. The stripped-back production reminds me of the SoundCloud rap era. He lets his thoughts out without trying to deliver them neatly, making this one of the most impactful moments. In addition, MGK and Kodak Black bring vulnerability, uniquely expressing their own struggles with being in the spotlight.

Flex Up

On ‘Flex Up,’ Wayne embraces new school rap. This track stands out as one of the few that doesn’t feel chaotic. It has a good vibe and a nice beat, as he delivers a smooth flow that feels natural.

Written History

The Muhammad Ali speech in the intro sets a bold tone before Wayne brings his classic confident energy. Like a comeback message to his critics, he clearly states that he’s a legend despite what the haters say. Here, the New Orleans MC returns to his lyrical roots with sharp wordplay and clever double meanings. Wayne references Eminem’s Shade 45 radio show and a 45 handgun, blending respect for him with clever lyricism. The chorus shows his confidence despite setbacks like the Super Bowl incident. Overall, the track sounds like a brag, reminding us of the artist’s consciousness towards their impact on hip-hop culture.

If I Played Guitar

In ‘If I Played Guitar‘, the listener gets vocals they weren’t asking for. I get that he’s trying to think outside the box, and he does tap into his softer side here, but singing isn’t why fans love him. It was completely unexpected, as the Wayne we’ve always known rarely gets this emotional in his music. Unfortunately, the strained vocals paired with heavy auto-tune make it sound messy and hard to enjoy.

Island Holiday

This was Wayne at his worst, chasing pop trends he clearly doesn’t fit into. The auto-tune is layered so thickly here, and what makes it worse is that he tries to harmonise both the vocals and ad-libs in auto-tune. There’s no originality here; it sounds like a 2000s pop tune we’ve heard before. Another desperate attempt to make a radio-friendly track.

Peanuts 2 N Elephant

This concept of being an “elephant” in a room full of “peanuts” might have had potential with his reference to other rappers not being at his calibre. But instead, we get scattered lyrics, random singing, and production that sounds like a cartoon. The literal elephant sounds in the beat make it hard to take his message seriously. There were a lot of playful one-liners like, “All-red elephant, b***h, Donald Trump” that felt random, as if they were thrown in for shock value. It might be his way of praising Trump for pardoning Wayne in 2021. Overall, the whole thing feels like a bad freestyle that should’ve been left off the album.

Bells

‘Bells’ comes across as unpolished, almost like a freestyle, with simple bars that seem random. These tracks highlight some of the project’s weaker moments, showing that not all of Wayne’s experiments were smooth. Despite this, his willingness to push boundaries remains clear.

Overall, ‘Tha Carter VI’ delivers moments of punchy lyricism, raw emotion, and some nostalgia of classic Wayne. However, the album’s genre fusion sometimes feels cheesy and lacks the sharp consistency of his earlier work. Still, his willingness to take risks and experiment shows his passion for music. With his USA and Canada tour underway, he’s ready to prove he can stay relevant despite the changes in hip-hop music.

Rating: 4/10

Lil Wayne is on Instagram, X, and TikTok. Read more album reviews here and stream the album below or buy.

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