5 Best Songs From Lil Wayne’s ‘Tha Carter’ Album, Ranked
Having compiled one of the most decorated resumes in Hip-Hop history, Lil Wayne isn’t only a man of many moments, but a living monument in his own right. A legend in name and stature, the New Orleans native continues to amaze with each lyric spat, but with the passage of time, his old work still resonates with listeners old and new, whether through throwback playlists or celebration of their finest works.
Twenty years ago, Lil Wayne was a household name in rap circles, but had yet to become the globally known megastar that he would ultimately evolve into. At that time, he was the last man standing from Cash Money‘s original stable of talent, with barely a leg to stand on his own in comparison to prior success.
(U.S. TABS OUT) Rapper and President of Cash Money Records Lil Wayne appears onstage during MTV’s Total Request Live at the MTV Times Square Studios on January 12, 2006 in New York City.
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After coming out the gate with the successful solo efforts Tha Block Is Hot and Lights Out, Weezy’s third album, 500 Degreez, was widely deemed as lackluster in comparison, which was reflected in its commercial performance.
With back to wall, Wayne did what he does best and rapped through the drama and madness, creating Tha Carter, his most acclaimed project to date. One that would bring himself and Cash Money from the brink of obscurity back into the limelight, a prime position both have held onto since.
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of this classic release, VIBE chose and ranked the best songs from Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter that continue to stand the test of time.
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“Bring It Back”
Image Credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images Lil Wayne‘s seemingly innate chemistry with longtime Cash Money producer Mannie Fresh is simply dynamic, as Fresh’s beats and Weezy’s rhymes are two of the strongest pillars the label’s sound was built upon.
The duo rekindled that magic with “Bring It Back,” the first single released from Tha Carter that unknowlingly served as a bookend to the pair’s collaborative run.
Repping for his southern stomping grounds, Wayne vows to return the Hip-Hop crown to its rightful place on “Bring It Back,” which also signaled his pursuit of vaulting himself atop the throne.
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“Walk In, Inside, Walk Out”
Image Credit: Evan Agostini/Getty Images Tunechi welcomes listeners onto his pemises on this introductory number, letting loose a fervent rhyme spill filled with the bravado of an artist gunning for the top spot.
Produced by Mannie Fresh, the track captures its author deploying the sinewy flow that would become invaluable to his ascent as one of the premier wordsmiths in the genre.
The first of three interludes, including “Inside” and the outro, “Walk Out,” on the album, “Walk In” jumpstarted Tha Carter era, with its accompanying components foreshadowing his onslaught of freestyles to come.
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“BM Jr.”
Image Credit: Kristian Dowling/Getty Images Reporting live from the murder capitol, Weezy receives motivational words from Birdman before launching into one of his most brilliant lyrical displays on this hard-boiled deep cut.
Produced by Mannie Fresh and Batman, the song includes three fiery verses from the former Hot Boy, as he strings together clever couplets, metaphors and entendres, with only Birdman’s interjections stalling his attack.
While the three stanzas are electric, his opening barrage on the first is nothing short of a brilliant highlight reel, marking a masterful performance on Tunechi’s part.
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“I Miss My Dawgs”
Image Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Emotive moments have been a continued trend in Lil Wayne‘s artistry throughout his career. Yet, one of his most endearing compositions to date came when he memorialized the once unbreakable bond between he and his Hot Boys groupmates.
Produced by Raj Smoove, this bluesy salvo finds Weezy reminsicing on the good times had, from traveling with one another to assisting each other memorize their lyrics. Featuring a resounding hook, courtesy of Reel, “I Miss My Dawgs” is a somber offering that doubles as one of the more impactful instances of when Wayne wore his heart on his sleeve.
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“Go D.J.”
Image Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images All great songs are not created equal, Lil Wayne‘s “Go D.J.” being among them. More than a bop to get the party started and libations flowing, or a set of dope rhymes atop a jamming beat, “Go D.J.” is when Weezy fully evolved into his own, rising from the ashes of the Hot Boys breakup in a fashion akin to a phoenix.
Produced by none other than Mannie Fresh, this record arrived at a time when there was a hint of uncertainty as to which way Wayne’s career would ultimately trend, given the underwhelming commercial and critical reception to his previous offering. Yet, the track gradually became a bonafide rallying cry, reaching No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 while boosting Weezy’s approval rating.
His most successful solo release to that point, “Go D.J.” has all the bells and whistles of a hit record, but it’s the aforementioned intangibles that set it apart as a signature moment in his catalog.
