Major Controversies Surrounding Lil Wayne: A Detailed Timeline
A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Lil Wayne.
Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., known as Lil Wayne, is a highly influential American rapper from New Orleans. Discovered by Birdman in 1993, he signed with Cash Money Records at age eleven. He became the label's prominent artist for many years until his departure in June 2018. Lil Wayne is often considered one of the greatest and most influential hip hop artists of his generation.
2002: Feud with Juvenile Begins
In 2002, Lil Wayne began feuding with Juvenile after naming his album "500 Degreez", which Juvenile took as a diss.
2006: Wayne Feels Dissed by Clipse Song
In 2006, Lil Wayne felt that the Clipse song "Mr. Me Too" was directed at him, which caused more tension between him and Pusha T.
2006: Release of Dedication 2
In 2006, Lil Wayne released "Dedication 2" in collaboration with DJ Drama. The mixtape featured the socially conscious track "Georgia Bush," a remix critiquing George W. Bush's response to Hurricane Katrina.
July 2007: Weapon Possession Incident
In July 2007, Lil Wayne was involved in an incident that later led to an 8-month jail sentence for criminal possession of a weapon in 2010.
August 2008: Rumors of Reginae's Death
In August 2008, internet rumors circulated about the death of Lil Wayne's daughter, Reginae, in an auto accident, which he quickly dispelled.
2009: Birdman Claims Lil Wayne is Better than Jay-Z
In 2009, Birdman disputed MTV's poll that voted Jay-Z the hottest MC, stating that Lil Wayne was better and made more money.
August 24, 2011: Wayne Responds to Jay-Z Diss
On August 24, 2011, Lil Wayne responded to Jay-Z's diss with the leaked song "It's Good," featuring Drake and Jadakiss.
November 2012: Pusha T Disses Wayne and Birdman
In November 2012, Pusha T dissed Lil Wayne and Birdman on a Ludacris song.
May 3, 2013: Pepsi Drops Lil Wayne
On May 3, 2013, Pepsi dropped Lil Wayne as a spokesperson for Mountain Dew, due to offensive lyrics he performed about Emmett Till.
2013: Controversy Over Stepping on U.S. Flag
In 2013, Lil Wayne received criticism after a video showed him apparently stepping on the U.S. flag during a music video shoot.
December 2014: Pusha T Encourages Wayne to Sign with G.O.O.D. Music
In December 2014, Pusha T tweeted encouragement for Lil Wayne to sign with G.O.O.D. Music and insulted Birdman.
2016: Critical Statements on Black Lives Matter
In late 2016, Lil Wayne made statements critical of the Black Lives Matter movement, sparking controversy.
October 29, 2020: Meeting with Donald Trump
On October 29, 2020, Lil Wayne posted a photo with President Donald Trump to discuss criminal justice reform and Trump's Platinum Plan.
November 2020: Reported Breakup with Denise Bidot
In November 2020, Lil Wayne reportedly broke up with Denise Bidot over his endorsement of Donald Trump, but they later reconciled.
