Early Life and Education of Lil Wayne: A Complete Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Lil Wayne. From birth to education, explore key events.
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.
1956: Birth of Robert Hoobler
Robert Hoobler (Uncle Bob) was born in 1956.
September 27, 1982: Lil Wayne's Birth
On September 27, 1982, Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., who is professionally known as Lil Wayne, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.
1991: Meeting Birdman
In the summer of 1991, Lil Wayne met rapper and Cash Money Records co-founder Bryan "Baby" Williams (Birdman), who mentored him and encouraged his love of hip-hop.
1994: Self-inflicted Gunshot Wound
In 1994, at age 12, Lil Wayne suffered a near-fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, which he later claimed was an attempted suicide.
November 29, 1998: Birth of Reginae Carter
On November 29, 1998, Lil Wayne's first child, a daughter named Reginae, was born to his high school sweetheart Toya Johnson.
1999: Meeting Lauren London
Lil Wayne met Lauren London in 1999 when she was 15 years old.
February 2002: Dating Nivea
In February 2002, Lil Wayne began dating singer Nivea after his first breakup with Toya Johnson.
December 2002: Engagement to Nivea
In December 2002, Lil Wayne got engaged to singer Nivea.
August 2003: Broken Engagement with Nivea
In August 2003, Lil Wayne broke off his engagement with Nivea.
February 14, 2004: Marriage to Toya Johnson
On February 14, 2004, Lil Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Toya Johnson, after dating on and off for seven years.
June 29, 2004: Release of Tha Carter
On June 29, 2004, Lil Wayne's fourth studio album, Tha Carter, was released, marking an advancement in his rapping style and lyrical themes, and featuring the debut of his dreadlocks.
January 2005: Enrolls at the University of Houston
In January 2005, Lil Wayne enrolled at the University of Houston after earning his GED.
2005: Dating Trina
In 2005, Lil Wayne began dating rapper Trina after featuring on her single, "Don't Trip".
January 2006: Divorce from Toya Johnson
In January 2006, Lil Wayne and Toya Johnson divorced due to her inability to cope with his lifestyle and his communication with former romantic partners.
2006: Reconciliation with Lauren London
In 2006, Lil Wayne reconciled with Lauren London following his divorce from Toya Johnson.
2006: Trina's Miscarriage
In 2006, Trina suffered a miscarriage from what was later confirmed to be her and Lil Wayne's unborn child, leading to distance between them.
March 2007: High Grades at Houston
In March 2007, an article in Urb magazine asserted that Lil Wayne had been earning high grades at the University of Houston.
July 22, 2007: Arrested in New York City
On July 22, 2007, Lil Wayne was arrested in New York City following a performance at the Beacon Theatre for possession of a weapon and marijuana.
October 5, 2007: Arrested in Boise, Idaho
On October 5, 2007, Lil Wayne was arrested on felony fugitive charges after a performance in Boise, Idaho, but the charges were later dropped.
October 2007: Relationship with Trina ends
In October 2007, Lil Wayne's relationship with Trina ended after she realized that it was not properly empathized.
2007: Dating Karrine Steffans
From 2007, Lil Wayne dated model Karrine Steffans (on and off).
2007: "Something You Forgot" Release
In 2007, Lil Wayne released the song "Something You Forgot" explaining his feelings for Nivea.
January 23, 2008: Arrested Near Yuma, Arizona
On January 23, 2008, Lil Wayne was arrested near Yuma, Arizona, on drug and weapon charges after Border Patrol agents found marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and cash on his tour bus.
February 19, 2008: Visit to McMain Secondary School
On February 19, 2008, Lil Wayne and his manager Cortez Bryant visited their alma mater, McMain Secondary School, to involve students in designing an invitation for the gala introducing the One Family Foundation.
May 6, 2008: Not Guilty Plea
On May 6, 2008, Lil Wayne returned to court in Arizona and pleaded not guilty to unspecified charges.
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.
September 24, 2008: First ESPN Blog
On September 24, 2008, Lil Wayne published his first blog for ESPN, discussing his love for tennis, the Green Bay Packers, the Boston Bruins, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Boston Red Sox.
October 22, 2008: Birth of Dwayne Carter III
On October 22, 2008, Lil Wayne's second child, a son named Dwayne Carter III, was born to Sarah Vivan in Cincinnati.
2008: Reconciliation with Nivea
In early 2008, Lil Wayne and Nivea reconciled following Nivea's divorce from The-Dream.
January 6, 2009: Guest Debater on ESPN First Take
On January 6, 2009, Lil Wayne was a guest debater against Skip Bayless on the "1st & 10" segment of ESPN First Take.
February 10, 2009: Appearance on ESPN's Around the Horn
On February 10, 2009, Lil Wayne appeared on ESPN's Around the Horn and won the episode.
April 24, 2009: Appearance on The View
On April 24, 2009, Lil Wayne appeared on "The View", discussing his GED and addictions.
September 9, 2009: Birth of Cameron Carter
On September 9, 2009, Lil Wayne's third child, a son named Cameron, was born to actress Lauren London.
October 22, 2009: Guilty Plea for Weapon Possession
On October 22, 2009, Lil Wayne pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon.
November 30, 2009: Birth of Neal Carter
On November 30, 2009, Lil Wayne's fourth child, a son named Neal, was born to singer Nivea.
December 18, 2009: Detained at Border
On December 18, 2009, Lil Wayne and 11 others were detained at the Falfurrias, Texas, border patrol checkpoint after marijuana was found on his tour buses.
2009: Relationship with Tammy Torres
From 2009, Lil Wayne entered into an intimate relationship with glamour model Tammy Torres.
2009: Break Up with Lauren London
In 2009, Lil Wayne and Lauren London broke up after she found out that she was pregnant at the same time as Lil Wayne's ex-girlfriend, Nivea.
2009: Re-engagement to Nivea
In 2009, Lil Wayne and Nivea were re-engaged.
2009: Name Change Explanation
In 2009, Lil Wayne explained in an interview with Katie Couric that he dropped the 'D' from his first name because his father was not in his life and he didn't want to be Dwayne.
February 9, 2010: Sentencing Delayed
On February 9, 2010, Lil Wayne's attorney announced that his sentencing was delayed until March 2 due to dental surgery.
March 2, 2010: Sentencing Postponed Again
On March 2, 2010, Lil Wayne's sentencing was postponed again due to a fire in the courthouse basement.
March 8, 2010: Sentenced to Rikers Island
On March 8, 2010, Lil Wayne was given a one-year sentence, which he served on Rikers Island.
March 17, 2010: Bench Warrant Issued
On March 17, 2010, a bench warrant was issued for Lil Wayne after he failed to appear for a final trial management conference.
April 2010: Weezy Thanx You Website Created
In April 2010, Lil Wayne's friends created a website called Weezy Thanx You, which published letters written by him while incarcerated.
May 2010: Possession of Contraband
In May 2010, Lil Wayne was found to be in possession of contraband (an MP3 player, charger, and headphones) by Rikers Island correctional staff.
June 2010: Second Engagement Called Off
In June 2010, Nivea ended her relationship with Lil Wayne while pregnant with their son, calling off their engagement for the second time during his prison sentence.
June 22, 2010: Guilty Plea
On June 22, 2010, Lil Wayne pleaded guilty to the charges, leading to a plea deal.
June 30, 2010: Sentenced to Probation
On June 30, 2010, Lil Wayne was sentenced to 36 months of probation as part of his plea deal.
November 4, 2010: Released from Rikers Island
On November 4, 2010, Lil Wayne was released from Rikers Island Jail after serving eight months of his year-long sentence.
2010: End of Relationship with Tammy Torres
In 2010, Lil Wayne ended his relationship with glamour model Tammy Torres.
May 2011: Lauren London's Radio Interview
In a May 2011 radio interview, Lauren London spoke about her past relationship with Lil Wayne.
2011: Relationship with Dhea Sodano
From 2011, Lil Wayne got involved with Dhea Sodano.
October 25, 2012: Emergency Landing in Texas
On October 25, 2012, Lil Wayne's private jet made an emergency landing in Texas due to a medical episode, with reports suggesting a seizure, although his publicist cited a severe migraine and dehydration.
November 2012: Seizure Medication
In November 2012, Lil Wayne mentioned in an MTV interview that he was taking seizure medication on doctors' orders, due to previous medical incidents.
November 22, 2012: Announcement of "Tha Carter V" as Final Album
On November 22, 2012, Lil Wayne announced that Tha Carter V would be his final album, as he intended to pursue other interests.
March 14, 2013: Hospitalized after Seizures
On March 14, 2013, Lil Wayne was treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after having seizures during a music video shoot with Nicki Minaj.
2013: "Wowzerz" Collaboration
In 2013, Lil Wayne and Trina reunited to collaborate on the single "Wowzerz."
July 2014: Rumored Relationship with Christina Milian
In July 2014, rumors surfaced about Lil Wayne dating singer Christina Milian, with whom he attended the ESPY Awards.
2014: End of Relationship with Steffans
In 2014, Lil Wayne's relationship with Karrine Steffans ended.
August 2015: Split from Christina Milian
In August 2015, Lil Wayne and Christina Milian split up after collaborating on multiple projects.
June 2016: Seizures during Flight
In June 2016, Lil Wayne had two seizures during a flight from Wisconsin to California, leading to an emergency landing in Omaha, Nebraska.
September 2016: Possible Retirement Hint
In September 2016, Lil Wayne hinted at a possible retirement by tweeting "I AM NOW DEFENSELESS and mentally DEFEATED", followed by stating "I'm done".
October 11, 2016: Release of Rikers Island Memoir
On October 11, 2016, Lil Wayne's memoir about his experience in Rikers Island, "Gone Til' November: A Journal of Rikers Island", was released.
2016: Purchases Player's Rep. Sports Agency
In 2016, Lil Wayne purchased Player's Rep. Sports Agency, becoming Young Money APAA sports.
September 2018: Revelation of Suicide Attempt
In September 2018, Lil Wayne revealed in interviews that his near-fatal gunshot wound in 1994 was an attempted suicide.
September 27, 2018: Tha Carter V Released
On September 27, 2018, the day of Lil Wayne's 36th birthday, Tha Carter V was finally released, debuting at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200.
December 2019: Announces Cannabis Brand
In December 2019, Lil Wayne announced his own cannabis brand called GKUA Ultra Premium.
2019: "Situation" Collaboration
In 2019, Lil Wayne and Trina collaborated on the single "Situation".
2019: End of Relationship with Dhea Sodano
In 2019, Lil Wayne's relationship with Dhea Sodano ended.
May 2020: Engagement Called Off
In May 2020, Lil Wayne called off his engagement to model La'Tecia Thomas.
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.
December 12, 2020: Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Charge
On December 12, 2020, Lil Wayne pleaded guilty to a federal firearms charge after being arrested in Florida for transporting a loaded handgun on his private jet.
January 19, 2021: Pardoned by President Trump
On January 19, 2021, Lil Wayne was pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump on his last full day in office.
2021: "Green and Yellow" Second Version
In 2021, Lil Wayne released a second version of the song "Green and Yellow", requested by the Green Bay Packers, and updated with the current roster.
January 2022: Final Breakup with Denise Bidot
In January 2022, Lil Wayne and Denise Bidot broke up again.
2024: Invite to US Open
In 2024, Lil Wayne, being a fan of Jelena Ostapenko, was extended an invite to the US Open.
