Today marks the 34th birthday of the one and only Cash Money Kid, Lil Wayne!
Wayne began his career as early as age nine, when Cash Money Records adopted him into the family in 1991, making him the label's youngest member. Gaining acclaim as a member of southern Hip hop group, Hot Boys, Wayne's first certified-platinum came through their hit-album Guerilla Warfare.
Cash Money's flagship artist would also showcase his talents as a solo artist, and in 1999, Wayne's solo debut, The Block Is Hot, would also accomplish RIAA platinum, followed by later solo records, Lights Out in 2000, and 500 Degreez in 2002—both of which earning gold status.
Beyond his prior three records, Wayne began his Tha Carter series albums, with its third installment ranking his most successful project to date. Tha Carter III sold over one million copies in the US upon its first week, and eventually scored in the Grammies, winning Best Rap Album, featuring hit singles such as “Lollipop”, “A Milli”, and “Got Money”.
Taking on a creative dive, Wayne pursued a rock-Hop album, and 2010, released Rebirth, ranking RIAA gold despite receiving mixed responses. Wayne's Tha Carter IV, came out in 2011, and upon its first week, sold 964,000 copies nationwide.
While fans await the frequently-delayed fifth installment to The Carter series, Lil Wayne's very decorated catalog and work ethic stand next to none. On September 27th, 2012, Wayne officially outscored Elvis Presley as the male with most entries on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, counting 109 songs. Aside from this, the Cash Money Kid has sold well over 100 million records across the globe, acclaiming him “one of the best-selling artists of all time”.
This year, not too long ago, Lil Wayne bid farewell to Birdman himself and Cash Money Records, which was shortly followed by his latest single “Grateful”, a song reflecting on Wayne's season of “feeling defeated” leading to his decision to make a change.
Although rumored for his rostering among Drake's OVO label, Weezy remains a very prominent figure and perhaps the most productive artist the business has ever seen. And regardless of Tha Carter V or what banner Weezy chooses to raise, Lil Wayne is undoubtedly considered among Hip-hop's greatest.
Happy Birthday, Lil Wayne!
By Jods Arboleda for RAPStation.com
