History of Lil Wayne in Timeline
Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., is a highly influential American rapper considered one of the greatest of all time. Signed to Cash Money Records at just eleven years old, he became its flagship artist before leaving in 2018. His career, marked by his unique style and lyrical prowess, has solidified his place in hip hop history.
September 27, 1982: Birth of Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., widely known as Lil Wayne, was born on September 27, 1982.
1991: Lil Wayne's Early Mentorship by Birdman
During the summer of 1991, a young Lil Wayne met Bryan "Baby" Williams, known as Birdman, who became his mentor and encouraged his passion for hip-hop. Wayne's freestyles were often recorded on Birdman's answering machine.
1994: Lil Wayne's Early Collaboration with B.G.
Lil Wayne, then known as Baby D, formed a duo with B.G. and released the album "True Story" in July 1994. Wayne appeared on three tracks.
1994: Lil Wayne's Near-Fatal Gunshot Wound
At the age of 12, Lil Wayne experienced a life-altering event when he suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his chest. While initially deemed accidental, Wayne later revealed it was a suicide attempt prompted by his mother's ultimatum to cease his involvement with rap.
1995: Lil Wayne Signs with Cash Money Records
At the young age of eleven, Lil Wayne was signed to Cash Money Records by Birdman in 1995.
1997: Formation of the Hot Boys
The Southern hip hop group Hot Boys was formed in 1997, consisting of Lil Wayne, B.G., Juvenile, and Turk. They debuted with the album "Get It How U Live!" in October.
1997: Hot Boys Debut and Youngest Member
The Hot Boys, with Lil Wayne as the youngest member at age 14, released their debut album, "Get It How U Live!," in 1997.
November 29, 1998: Birth of Reginae Carter
Lil Wayne's first child, Reginae, was born on November 29, 1998.
1999: Hot Boys Achieve Mainstream Success
The Hot Boys' album "Guerrilla Warfare" (1999), along with their hit single "Bling Bling," propelled them to mainstream success.
1999: Hot Boys Chart Success
The Hot Boys achieved significant chart success with their 1999 major-label debut, "Guerrilla Warfare," which topped the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and reached number five on the Billboard 200.
1999: Release and Impact of "Tha Block Is Hot"
Lil Wayne's debut solo album, "Tha Block Is Hot," released when he was just 17, achieved platinum status and solidified his solo career. The album featured contributions from the Hot Boys and received critical acclaim, including a Source magazine nomination.
1999: Lil Wayne's Breakthrough with "Tha Block Is Hot"
Lil Wayne's debut solo album, "Tha Block Is Hot," released in 1999, achieved significant commercial success and marked his emergence as a solo artist.
2000: Hot Boys Unreleased Tracks
The Hot Boys recorded a collection of unreleased tracks in 1999 and 2000, which would later be released as a compilation album.
2000: Release of "Lights Out"
Lil Wayne's second album, "Lights Out," was released in 2000.
2000: Release of "Lights Out" and Critical Reception
Lil Wayne's second album, "Lights Out," was released in 2000, achieving gold certification but failing to replicate the commercial success of his debut. Critics observed a need for lyrical maturity in his verses compared to his Hot Boys counterparts.
2002: Release of "500 Degreez"
In 2002, Lil Wayne released his third album, "500 Degreez," maintaining a similar style and featuring contributions from the Hot Boys. Despite going gold, the album did not match the success of his debut.
2002: Lil Wayne and Juvenile's Feud Begins
Lil Wayne and Juvenile's feud ignited in 2002 when Juvenile took offense to the title of Wayne's album "500 Degreez," perceiving it as a diss towards his album "400 Degreez."
2002: Lil Wayne and Pusha T's Feud Begins
Lil Wayne and Pusha T's longstanding feud originated in 2002, shortly after Clipse (Pusha T's group) collaborated with Birdman on the single "What Happened to That Boy."
2003: Hot Boys' Posthumous Album Release
Despite disbanding, the Hot Boys released one final album, "Let 'Em Burn," in 2003, compiled of tracks recorded before their separation.
2003: Release of "500 Degreez"
Lil Wayne's third studio album, "500 Degreez," was released in 2003.
2003: Release of "Let 'Em Burn"
In 2003, "Let 'Em Burn," a compilation album of unreleased tracks from the Hot Boys' 1999-2000 era, was released, reaching high positions on the charts.
2004: Tha Carter Release and Career Progression
In 2004, Lil Wayne released his fourth studio album, "Tha Carter," which was critically acclaimed for its advancements in rapping style and lyrical themes. The album marked the debut of his signature dreadlocks and achieved significant commercial success, selling 878,000 copies in the US. "Go DJ" became a Top 5 hit on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart.
2004: Lil Wayne and Juvenile Briefly Reconcile
Lil Wayne and Juvenile temporarily put their differences aside in 2004. Wayne and Birdman made appearances in the music video for Juvenile and Soulja Slim's song "Slow Motion."
2004: Marriage to Toya Johnson
Lil Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Toya Johnson, in 2004.
2004: Critical Acclaim with "Tha Carter"
Lil Wayne's fourth album, "Tha Carter" (2004), garnered wider recognition and critical acclaim.
January 2005: University of Houston Enrollment and Departure
Lil Wayne enrolled at the University of Houston in January 2005 but dropped out later that year.
December 2005: Tha Carter II Release and Label Leadership
Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter II" was released in December 2005, without longtime Cash Money Records producer Mannie Fresh. It sold over 238,000 copies in its first week, debuting at number 2 on the Billboard 200. Notable singles included "Fireman," which became a US hit, and collaborations like "Grown Man" with Currensy and "Shooter" with Robin Thicke.
2005: Commercial Impact of 50 Cent's "The Massacre"
50 Cent's "The Massacre," released in 2005, set a high bar in the music industry by achieving remarkable first-week sales.
2005: Establishment of Young Money Entertainment
In 2005, Lil Wayne founded his own record label, Young Money Entertainment, which would go on to sign prominent artists such as Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Tyga.
2005: Continued Success with "Tha Carter II"
Building on his previous success, Lil Wayne's fifth album, "Tha Carter II" (2005), was met with critical and commercial success.
January 2006: Divorce from Toya Johnson
Lil Wayne and Toya Johnson divorced in January 2006.
2006: Clipse Released "Mr. Me Too"
In 2006, Clipse released the song "Mr. Me Too," which Lil Wayne interpreted as a diss directed at him, further escalating the tension between the two artists.
2006: Collaboration with Birdman on "Like Father, Like Son"
In 2006, Lil Wayne collaborated with Birdman on the album "Like Father, Like Son." The album's lead single, "Stuntin' Like My Daddy," reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.
2006: Mixtape Releases and Social Commentary
In 2006, Lil Wayne focused on mixtapes and guest appearances, with "Dedication 2" (with DJ Drama) garnering attention for the socially conscious track "Georgia Bush," criticizing George W. Bush's response to Hurricane Katrina.
2006: Lil Wayne and Birdman Record with Thomas Marasciullo
In 2006, Lil Wayne and Birdman collaborated with Thomas Marasciullo, who recorded "Italian-styled spoken word recordings" for their music.
2006: Mixtapes and Collaborations
Throughout 2006, Lil Wayne maintained his presence in the hip-hop scene through various mixtapes and collaborations.
March 2007: University of Houston Academic Performance
An article in March 2007 claimed Lil Wayne had been achieving good grades at the University of Houston.
July 2007: Incident Leading to Legal Troubles
In July 2007, an incident occurred involving Lil Wayne that would later lead to his arrest and jail sentence for weapon possession.
July 22, 2007: Lil Wayne Arrested in New York City
On July 22, 2007, Lil Wayne faced legal trouble when he was arrested in New York City after a performance. The arrest involved charges of marijuana possession and criminal possession of a weapon, which was later revealed to be registered to his manager.
October 5, 2007: Lil Wayne Arrested on Fugitive Charges in Boise
On October 5, 2007, Lil Wayne was arrested in Boise, Idaho, on charges related to being a fugitive from justice. However, these charges were later dropped, and the incident was attributed to a misunderstanding.
December 18, 2007: Planned Release of "The Leak" Album
Initially, Lil Wayne planned to release "The Leak" as a full album featuring leaked tracks and new material on December 18, 2007. However, this plan was later changed.
December 25, 2007: Digital Release of "The Leak" EP
Instead of a full album, "The Leak" was released as a five-song EP on December 25, 2007, digitally.
2007: Critical Recognition and Accolades
Lil Wayne received significant recognition in 2007. Vibe magazine ranked his verse on DJ Khaled's "We Takin Over" as his best of the year. MTV named him "Hottest MC in the Game," The New Yorker dubbed him "Rapper of the Year," and GQ recognized him as "Workaholic of the Year."
2007: Critical Acclaim for Mixtapes and "Da Drought 3"
Lil Wayne released "Da Drought 3" in 2007 as a free legal download, featuring his rapping over popular beats. It received critical acclaim, with publications like XXL and Vibe covering it. Rolling Stone considered both "Da Drought 3" and "The Drought Is Over 2 (The Carter 3 Sessions)" among the best albums of 2007.
2007: Further Mixtapes and Collaborations
Lil Wayne continued to release mixtapes and collaborate with other artists in 2007.
2007: Guest Appearances and Chart Success
Throughout 2007, Lil Wayne made numerous guest appearances on popular singles such as Chris Brown's "Gimme That," Fat Joe's "Make It Rain," and DJ Khaled's "We Takin' Over." These collaborations consistently charted within the top 20 on various Billboard charts.
2007: Transition in Label Management
In 2007, Lil Wayne stepped down from his role as president of Cash Money and handed over the management of Young Money Entertainment to Cortez Bryant.
January 23, 2008: Lil Wayne Arrested on Drug and Weapon Charges in Arizona
On January 23, 2008, Lil Wayne's tour bus was stopped by authorities near Yuma, Arizona, leading to his arrest. He faced charges related to drug and weapon possession, including possession of marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and a firearm.
February 19, 2008: Lil Wayne Visits Alma Mater for One Family Foundation
On February 19, 2008, Lil Wayne and Cortez Bryant returned to their former high school, McMain Secondary School, to engage students in designing an invitation for the launch of the One Family Foundation. This non-profit organization was founded by Lil Wayne.
March 18, 2008: Rescheduled Release Date for "Tha Carter III"
The release of "Tha Carter III" was initially slated for 2007 but faced delays due to leaked recordings. It was then rescheduled for a March 18, 2008 release.
May 6, 2008: Lil Wayne Pleads Not Guilty in Arizona Drug Case
On May 6, 2008, Lil Wayne appeared in court to plead not guilty to charges stemming from his January arrest in Arizona. The charges included possession of drugs and a weapon.
June 10, 2008: Release and Commercial Success of "Tha Carter III"
"Tha Carter III" was released on June 10, 2008, and made a significant impact by selling over 1 million copies in its first week. This achievement was unprecedented since 50 Cent's "The Massacre" in 2005.
June 19, 2008: T-Wayne Duo Formation
Lil Wayne and T-Pain formed the duo T-Wayne on June 19, 2008, with plans to release an album titled "He Raps, He Sings."
July 14, 2008: "Tha Carter III" Certified Double Platinum
On July 14, 2008, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified "Tha Carter III" as double platinum, signifying its immense commercial success.
July 24, 2008: Abkco Music Inc. Files Lawsuit against Lil Wayne for Copyright Infringement
On July 24, 2008, Lil Wayne faced legal action from Abkco Music Inc. regarding his song "Playing with Fire" from the album "Tha Carter III." Abkco alleged copyright infringement, claiming the track was derived from The Rolling Stones' "Play with Fire." Consequently, "Playing with Fire" was replaced with "Pussy Monster" on digital platforms.
August 2008: Dispelling Rumors About Daughter's Death
Lil Wayne publicly addressed and dismissed false rumors about his daughter's death in August 2008.
September 24, 2008: Lil Wayne Debuts as ESPN Blogger
On September 24, 2008, Lil Wayne's passion for sports led him to become a guest blogger for ESPN. In his first blog post, he shared his enthusiasm for various teams, including the Green Bay Packers and the Boston Red Sox.
October 2008: Re-release of "Tha Carter III" Announced
Lil Wayne announced his plans to re-release "Tha Carter III" with additional tracks in October 2008. This re-release was set to include collaborations like a duet with Ludacris and remixes of "A Milli."
October 22, 2008: Birth of Dwayne III Carter
Lil Wayne's second child, Dwayne III, was born on October 22, 2008.
November 11, 2008: Lil Wayne Performs at the Country Music Association Awards
On November 11, 2008, Lil Wayne made history as the first hip-hop artist to perform at the Country Music Association Awards. He played "All Summer Long" with Kid Rock.
2008: Rolling Stone's "Best MC" Recognition
Continuing his streak of accolades, Lil Wayne was named "Best MC" by Rolling Stone in 2008. An article highlighted his 2007 mixtape work as an example of innovative creative practice.
2008: Performances and Appearances
In 2008, Lil Wayne had a busy year with notable performances. He headlined his biggest hometown show at the Voodoo Experience in New Orleans. He also shared the stage with Kanye West at the Virgin Mobile Music Fest, performed at the MTV Video Music Awards, and appeared on Saturday Night Live. Other notable appearances included Vanderbilt University's homecoming rally and the BET Hip Hop Awards, where he won eight awards, including "MVP."
2008: Lil Wayne Announces Plans for "Tha Carter III" Reissue
In late 2008, Lil Wayne announced plans to reissue his critically acclaimed album "Tha Carter III" with previously unreleased recordings. The reissue was initially titled "Rebirth."
2008: Grammy Nomination for "Make it Rain"
Lil Wayne's collaboration with Fat Joe on "Make it Rain," produced by Scott Storch, earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2008. The song had peaked at number 13 on the Hot 100 and number two on the Hot Rap Tracks chart.
2008: Commercial Peak with "Tha Carter III"
Lil Wayne's sixth album, "Tha Carter III" (2008), became a massive success, selling over a million copies in its first week in the US and earning him a Grammy Award.
January 6, 2009: Lil Wayne Appears on ESPN's "First Take"
On January 6, 2009, Lil Wayne joined ESPN's "First Take" as a guest debater, engaging in a lively discussion with commentator Skip Bayless. This appearance showcased his sports knowledge and commentary skills.
January 27, 2009: "Prom Queen" Single Released
"Prom Queen," the lead single from Lil Wayne's album "Rebirth," was released on January 27, 2009, following a live concert broadcast on Ustream.
February 7, 2009: Lil Wayne on Late Show with David Letterman
On February 7, 2009, after his Grammy success, Lil Wayne appeared on CBS's Late Show with David Letterman, presenting the Top Ten List.
February 10, 2009: Lil Wayne Wins on ESPN's "Around the Horn"
On February 10, 2009, Lil Wayne participated in ESPN's "Around the Horn," a sports debate show. He impressed viewers by winning the episode, showcasing his sports knowledge and quick wit.
February 2009: RMF Productions Sues Lil Wayne for Cancelled Shows
In February 2009, production company RMF Productions sued Lil Wayne for $1.3 million. The lawsuit came after Wayne canceled three shows, despite receiving a $100,000 advance payment.
April 7, 2009: "Rebirth" Album Release Delayed
Lil Wayne's album "Rebirth," initially planned as a reissue of "Tha Carter III" with unreleased tracks, was delayed from its original release date of April 7, 2009.
April 24, 2009: Lil Wayne Discusses GED and Addictions on The View
Lil Wayne appeared on The View on April 24, 2009, where he openly discussed obtaining his GED and his past struggles with addiction.
July 29, 2009: Lil Wayne Launches "America's Most Wanted Music Festival" Tour
Lil Wayne headlined the "Young Money Presents: America's Most Wanted Music Festival" tour, which kicked off on July 29, 2009, promoting his albums "Rebirth" and "We Are Young Money."
September 9, 2009: Birth of Cameron Carter
Lil Wayne's third child, Cameron, was born on September 9, 2009.
September 2009: Lil Wayne Featured on VH1's Behind the Music
In September 2009, Lil Wayne was profiled in an episode of VH1's Behind the Music, offering insights into his life and career. He was also a presenter at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards.
October 2009: Thomas Marasciullo Sues Lil Wayne, Birdman, and Cash Money Records for Copyright Infringement
In October 2009, Thomas Marasciullo filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Lil Wayne, Birdman, Cash Money Records, and various music distributors. Marasciullo claimed his voice recordings, made in 2006, were used without permission on songs like "Respect" from the album "Like Father, Like Son" and Birdman's "5 * Stunna."
October 22, 2009: Lil Wayne Pleads Guilty to Weapons Charge
On October 22, 2009, Lil Wayne pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted criminal possession of a weapon in New York City. This legal situation led to a sentencing hearing in 2010.
November 30, 2009: Birth of Neal Carter
Lil Wayne's fourth child, Neal, was born on November 30, 2009.
December 3, 2009: "On Fire" Single Released
"On Fire," the second single from "Rebirth," produced by Cool & Dre, was released on December 3, 2009.
December 18, 2009: Lil Wayne and Entourage Detained in Texas
On December 18, 2009, Lil Wayne and members of his entourage were detained at a border patrol checkpoint in Falfurrias, Texas. This incident involved the discovery of marijuana on their tour buses.
December 23, 2009: Lil Wayne Releases Collaborative Album "We Are Young Money"
Lil Wayne and his label, Young Money Entertainment, released the collaborative album "We Are Young Money" on December 23, 2009. The album featured singles like "Every Girl," "BedRock," and "Roger That."
2009: Lil Wayne and Young Buck Squash Their Beef
Lil Wayne and Young Buck resolved their conflict in 2009 and collaborated on the track "Up's and Down's" for Young Buck's mixtape "Back on My Buck Shit."
2009: Lil Wayne's Success and Recognition
In 2009, Lil Wayne received widespread recognition and accolades, including being named MTV Man of the Year and receiving eight Grammy nominations. He won Grammys for Best Rap Solo Performance, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, and Best Rap Song.
2009: Birdman Disputes Jay-Z's MTV Poll Win
In a 2009 interview, Birdman challenged Jay-Z's win in an MTV poll for "The Hottest MC in the Game," claiming Lil Wayne was superior both as a rapper and in terms of earnings.
2009: Lil Wayne Hints at "Tha Carter IV" Release
Lil Wayne hinted at the release of "Tha Carter IV" in an interview on MTV's Mixtape Monday. He later announced plans for its release in late 2009, although it was later delayed.
February 2, 2010: Lil Wayne Releases Sixth Studio Album "Rebirth"
Lil Wayne released his sixth studio album, "Rebirth," on February 2, 2010. The album marked a departure from his previous work, incorporating elements of rock music.
February 9, 2010: Lil Wayne's Sentencing Delayed Due to Dental Surgery
On February 9, 2010, Lil Wayne's sentencing hearing was postponed because he needed extensive dental surgery, which included multiple root canals and dental implants.
February 2010: Lil Wayne Faces Sentencing for Weapons Charge
In February 2010, Lil Wayne was scheduled to be sentenced for his guilty plea related to a weapons charge. He was expected to receive a one-year jail sentence.
March 2, 2010: Lil Wayne's Sentencing Postponed Again
On March 2, 2010, Lil Wayne's sentencing hearing was further delayed due to a fire at the courthouse.
March 8, 2010: Lil Wayne Begins Sentence on Rikers Island
On March 8, 2010, Lil Wayne began serving a one-year sentence on Rikers Island, a notorious New York City jail. His legal team sought protective custody for him during his incarceration.
March 17, 2010: Bench Warrant Issued for Lil Wayne's Arrest
On March 17, 2010, a bench warrant was issued for Lil Wayne's arrest due to his failure to appear at a scheduled court hearing. This legal setback came while he was already serving time on Rikers Island.
April 2010: Weezy Thanx You Website Publishes Lil Wayne's Letters from Prison
In April 2010, while Lil Wayne was in prison, a website called Weezy Thanx You was launched to share letters he wrote during his incarceration. These letters offered insights into his thoughts and experiences while behind bars.
May 2010: Lil Wayne Found with Contraband in Prison
In May 2010, while incarcerated on Rikers Island, Lil Wayne was found in possession of contraband, specifically an MP3 player with accessories. This incident highlighted the challenges of prison life.
May 24, 2010: "We Are Young Money" Certified Gold
On May 24, 2010, "We Are Young Money" was certified gold by the RIAA, signifying sales of over 500,000 copies.
June 2010: Lil Wayne Collaborates with Kevin Rudolf
In June 2010, Lil Wayne appeared on two tracks from Kevin Rudolf's album "To the Sky": "I Made It (Cash Money Heroes)" and "Spit in Your Face."
June 22, 2010: Lil Wayne Pleads Guilty in Arizona Drug Case
On June 22, 2010, Lil Wayne entered a guilty plea in the ongoing drug case stemming from his 2008 arrest in Arizona. This plea agreement ultimately resulted in probation.
June 30, 2010: Lil Wayne Sentenced to Probation in Arizona Drug Case
On June 30, 2010, Lil Wayne was sentenced to 36 months of probation as part of the plea deal in his Arizona drug case. This legal situation marked a challenging period for the rapper.
September 27, 2010: Lil Wayne Releases "I Am Not a Human Being" on His Birthday
On September 27, 2010, his 28th birthday, Lil Wayne released his tenth album, "I Am Not a Human Being." The album achieved commercial success and featured the hit single "Right Above It."
November 4, 2010: Lil Wayne Released from Rikers Island
On November 4, 2010, Lil Wayne was released from Rikers Island after serving eight months of his one-year sentence. This marked the end of a challenging chapter in his life.
December 15, 2010: "6 Foot 7 Foot" Single Released
"6 Foot 7 Foot," featuring Cory Gunz, was released as the lead single from "Tha Carter IV" on December 15, 2010.
2010: Release of "Rebirth" and Jail Sentence
Lil Wayne's experimental album "Rebirth" was released in 2010, receiving mixed reviews. The same year, he began an 8-month jail sentence for weapon possession, stemming from a 2007 incident.
March 2011: Producer Deezle Sues Lil Wayne and Cash Money Records for Unpaid Royalties
March 2011 saw producer Deezle (Darius Harrison) filing a lawsuit against Lil Wayne and Cash Money Records. Deezle claimed he was owed royalties for his work on the album "Tha Carter III."
June 2011: Play-N-Skillz Sue Lil Wayne for Unpaid Royalties
Dallas-based production duo Play-N-Skillz took legal action against Lil Wayne in June 2011. They claimed Wayne owed them at least $1 million in unpaid royalties for the hit song "Got Money" from the album "Tha Carter III," which had sold over 2 million copies.
June 2011: David Kirkwood Sues Young Money and Cash Money Records for Unpaid Royalties
Producer David Kirkwood initiated legal action against Young Money Entertainment and Cash Money Records in June 2011. Kirkwood alleged the labels failed to pay him over $1.5 million in royalties for his contributions to the album, including songwriting credits on "Love Me or Hate Me."
July 2011: Done Deal Enterprises Sues Lil Wayne for Copyright Infringement
In July 2011, Done Deal Enterprises, a Georgia-based production company, sued Lil Wayne, Universal Music Group, Cash Money Records, and Young Money Entertainment. The lawsuit alleged copyright infringement, claiming Wayne stole the song "BedRock" for the compilation album "We Are Young Money." Done Deal Enterprises sought $15 million in damages.
August 24, 2011: Lil Wayne Responds to Jay-Z on Leaked Track "It's Good"
On August 24, 2011, Lil Wayne's song "It's Good" featuring Drake and Jadakiss leaked online. The track included Wayne's response to Jay-Z's jabs about "Baby money" from the song "H•A•M."
August 29, 2011: "Tha Carter IV" Released
After several delays, Lil Wayne's highly anticipated album, "Tha Carter IV," was released on August 29, 2011.
October 2011: Sequels to "I Am Not a Human Being" and "Rebirth" in the Works
Reports surfaced in October 2011 indicating that Lil Wayne was working on sequels to his albums "I Am Not a Human Being" and "Rebirth."
2011: "Tha Carter IV" Delayed, Lil Wayne Announces Retirement Plans
"Tha Carter IV" was delayed until 2011. During this time, Lil Wayne announced his plan to retire from music at age 35 to focus on his family.
2011: Public Expressions of Faith
During a 2011 tour in Australia, Lil Wayne publicly affirmed his belief in God.
2011: Release of "Tha Carter IV"
Shortly after his release from prison, Lil Wayne released his ninth album, "Tha Carter IV" (2011), which achieved commercial success despite mixed reviews.
2011: "Tha Carter IV" Debuts at Number One
"Tha Carter IV" debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 964,000 copies in its first week, marking Lil Wayne's third chart-topping album.
2011: "How to Love" Inspiration
Lil Wayne drew inspiration from Tupac's "Keep Ya Head Up" for his 2011 single "How to Love."
January 8, 2012: Lil Wayne Ranked Seventh All-Time Best-Selling Digital Artist
On January 8, 2012, Nielsen SoundScan reported that Lil Wayne had become the seventh all-time best-selling artist for digital track sales, with over 36 million units sold by the end of 2011.
January 2012: Birdman and Lil Wayne Complete Recording "Like Father, Like Son 2"
Birdman announced in January 2012 that he and Lil Wayne had finished recording "Like Father, Like Son 2."
April 2012: "Devol" Album Announcement
Lil Wayne revealed the existence of an album titled "Devol," comprised of love songs written during his time at Rikers Island, in April 2012.
September 27, 2012: Lil Wayne Surpasses Elvis Presley on Billboard Hot 100
On September 27, 2012, Lil Wayne made history by becoming the male artist with the most entries on the Billboard Hot 100, surpassing Elvis Presley with 109 songs.
October 25, 2012: Emergency Plane Landing in Texas
Lil Wayne's private jet made an emergency landing in Texas on October 25, 2012, due to a medical episode.
November 2012: Pusha T Dissed Lil Wayne and Birdman on Ludacris Song
In November 2012, Pusha T reignited his feud with Lil Wayne and Birdman by dissing them on Ludacris's song "Tell Me What They Mad For."
November 2012: Lil Wayne Ordered to Pay Quincy Jones III $2.2 Million in Lawsuit Settlement
In November 2012, Lil Wayne faced legal repercussions when he was ordered to pay Quincy Jones III $2.2 million. The lawsuit stemmed from Wayne blocking the release of Jones's film "The Carter," leading to alleged financial losses for the film.
November 2012: Seizure Medication Disclosure
Lil Wayne revealed in November 2012 that he was taking medication for seizures.
November 22, 2012: Lil Wayne Announces "Tha Carter V" as His Final Album
On November 22, 2012, Lil Wayne revealed that "Tha Carter V" would be his final album, expressing his desire to explore other pursuits.
March 14, 2013: Lil Wayne Hospitalized for Seizures
On March 14, 2013, news broke that Lil Wayne had been hospitalized in Los Angeles after experiencing seizures on the set of a music video with Nicki Minaj. He was treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and released shortly after.
March 26, 2013: "I Am Not a Human Being II" Released
"I Am Not a Human Being II" was released on March 26, 2013, after numerous delays. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200.
May 3, 2013: Pepsi Drops Lil Wayne as Spokesperson
Pepsi dropped Lil Wayne as a spokesperson for its Mountain Dew brand on May 3, 2013, due to offensive lyrics he used in a song that were considered disrespectful to civil rights figure Emmett Till.
May 2013: "Devol" Album Confirmation
Lil Wayne confirmed in May 2013 that the "Devol" album would still be released.
September 1, 2013: Lil Wayne Releases "Dedication 5" Mixtape
Lil Wayne released "Dedication 5," the fifth installment of his "Dedication" mixtape series, on September 1, 2013.
October 18, 2013: Cash Money Records Teases New Music
On October 18, 2013, Cash Money Records Vice President of Promotion Mel Smith tweeted about upcoming YMCMB music, hinting at Lil Wayne's 'Tha Carter V'.
2013: Release of "I Am Not a Human Being II"
Lil Wayne released "I Am Not a Human Being II," his eleventh studio album, in 2013.
February 14, 2014: Interview About 'Tha Carter V'
On February 14, 2014, Mel Smith discussed the highly anticipated 'Tha Carter V' album in an interview, stating that its release would be a big surprise.
March 2014: Announcement of Last Album
In March 2014, Lil Wayne announced during an interview at SXSW that 'Tha Carter V' would be his last album.
March 27, 2014: Tha Carter V Delayed
On March 27, 2014, Lil Wayne's manager Cortez Bryant announced a delay for 'Tha Carter V'.
July 2014: Relationship with Christina Milian Begins
Rumors of Lil Wayne dating singer Christina Milian emerged in July 2014.
December 4, 2014: Lil Wayne Expresses Displeasure with Cash Money Records
On December 4, 2014, Lil Wayne announced that 'Tha Carter V' would not be released on its expected date due to his issues with Cash Money Records, stating that he felt held 'prisoner'.
2014: Lil Wayne and Juvenile Reconcile and Juvenile Re-signs with Cash Money Records
In 2014, Lil Wayne and Juvenile mended their relationship, with Juvenile rejoining Cash Money Records.
January 20, 2015: Release of 'Sorry 4 the Wait 2'
On January 20, 2015, Lil Wayne released 'Sorry 4 the Wait 2' to make up for the delay of 'Tha Carter V'. The mixtape included disses aimed at Birdman and Cash Money Records.
June 2015: Lil Wayne Joins TIDAL
In June 2015, Lil Wayne joined Jay-Z's TIDAL as an artist owner and released the single 'Glory' exclusively on the service.
July 4, 2015: Release of 'Free Weezy Album'
On July 4, 2015, Lil Wayne released the 'Free Weezy Album' exclusively through TIDAL under Young Money and Republic Records.
August 2015: Split with Christina Milian
Lil Wayne and Christina Milian ended their relationship in August 2015.
2015: Release of "Free Weezy Album"
Lil Wayne's "Free Weezy Album" was released in 2015.
January 27, 2016: Feature on 2 Chainz's EP
On January 27, 2016, Lil Wayne was featured on the lead single 'Back on That Bullshit' from 2 Chainz's 'Felt Like Cappin' EP.
March 4, 2016: Release of 'ColleGrove'
On March 4, 2016, 2 Chainz released 'ColleGrove', initially a collaborative album with Lil Wayne, but due to label issues, only 2 Chainz was credited.
June 2016: Lil Wayne Suffers Seizures on Flight
In June 2016, Lil Wayne experienced multiple seizures while on a flight, leading to an emergency landing. This incident raised concerns about his health and the importance of managing epilepsy.
June 28, 2016: Appearance on 'Sucker for Pain'
On June 28, 2016, Lil Wayne appeared on the track 'Sucker for Pain' for the DC Comics film Suicide Squad.
September 2016: Hinting at Retirement
In September 2016, Lil Wayne tweeted about feeling defenseless and mentally defeated, hinting at a possible retirement. Many rappers responded with respect and encouragement.
October 11, 2016: Release of "Gone Til' November: A Journal of Rikers Island"
On October 11, 2016, Lil Wayne released his memoir, "Gone Til' November: A Journal of Rikers Island," which chronicled his experiences while incarcerated. The book provided a personal and insightful look into his time in prison.
2016: Black Lives Matter Movement Comments
Lil Wayne expressed criticism of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2016, sparking controversy.
2016: Player's Rep. Sports Agency Acquisition
Lil Wayne purchased Player's Rep. Sports Agency in 2016, transforming it into Young Money APAA Sports.
January 2017: "Velvet" Album Announcement
The title of a planned Lil Wayne album called "Velvet" was revealed in January 2017.
August 8, 2017: Release of 'Like a Man'
On August 8, 2017, Lil Wayne released the song 'Like a Man' with sound engineer Onhel.
September 3, 2017: Lil Wayne Hospitalized After Seizure in Hotel Room
On September 3, 2017, Lil Wayne was hospitalized in Chicago following a seizure in his hotel room. This incident caused him to cancel a scheduled performance in Las Vegas.
2017: "T-Wayne" Album Release
Despite initial plans falling through, T-Pain eventually released the "T-Wayne" album in 2017.
January 26, 2018: Release of 'Dedication 6: Reloaded'
On January 26, 2018, Lil Wayne released 'Dedication 6: Reloaded', the second part of the 'Gangsta Grillz' mixtape series.
June 7, 2018: Release from Cash Money Records
On June 7, 2018, it was announced that Lil Wayne had been released from Cash Money Records and would be releasing 'Tha Carter V' via Young Money and Republic Records.
June 2018: Lil Wayne Parts Ways with Cash Money Records
In June 2018, Lil Wayne ended his long-standing association with Cash Money Records, the label that signed him at age eleven.
September 27, 2018: Release of 'Tha Carter V'
On September 27, 2018, 'Tha Carter V' was finally released, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 with significant streaming numbers and album-equivalent units.
November 2018: "Velvet" Album Leak
The album "Velvet" was leaked online in November 2018.
2018: Long-Awaited Release of "Tha Carter V"
After numerous delays and label disputes, Lil Wayne's twelfth studio album, "Tha Carter V," was released in 2018, garnering significant first-week sales.
December 2019: Launch of GKUA Ultra Premium Cannabis Brand
In December 2019, Lil Wayne ventured into the cannabis industry by launching his own brand, GKUA Ultra Premium. This move reflected his interest in exploring new business ventures.
January 23, 2020: Announcement of 'Funeral' Album
On January 23, 2020, Lil Wayne revealed the release date and artwork for his upcoming album 'Funeral'.
February 2, 2020: Competed on 'The Masked Singer'
On February 2, 2020, Lil Wayne competed as 'Robot' on season three of 'The Masked Singer' but was the first to be eliminated.
February 28, 2020: Feature on Lil Baby's 'Forever'
On February 28, 2020, Lil Wayne featured on Lil Baby's track 'Forever' from his second studio album 'My Turn'.
March 3, 2020: Music Video for 'Forever'
On March 3, 2020, Lil Wayne appeared in the music video for Lil Baby's track 'Forever'.
April 24, 2020: Launch of Young Money Radio
On April 24, 2020, Lil Wayne launched his own radio show 'Young Money Radio' on Apple Music, featuring discussions on sports, music, and comedy.
May 2020: Engagement to La'Tecia Thomas Ends
Lil Wayne's engagement to model La'Tecia Thomas was called off in May 2020.
June 2020: Relationship with Denise Bidot Begins
Lil Wayne began dating model Denise Bidot in June 2020.
October 29, 2020: Meeting with Donald Trump
Lil Wayne met with President Donald Trump to discuss criminal justice reform on October 29, 2020.
November 2020: Brief Breakup with Denise Bidot
Lil Wayne and Denise Bidot reportedly broke up briefly in November 2020.
November 27, 2020: Release of 'No Ceilings 3'
On November 27, 2020, Lil Wayne released the mixtape 'No Ceilings 3' and announced 'I Am Not a Human Being III' for 2021, though it was delayed.
December 12, 2020: Lil Wayne Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Charge
On December 12, 2020, Lil Wayne entered a guilty plea to a federal firearms charge related to an incident where he was found in possession of a loaded handgun on a private jet. As a convicted felon, this carried serious legal ramifications.
2020: Release of "Funeral" and Chart Success
Lil Wayne's thirteenth album, "Funeral" (2020), debuted at number one on the charts, marking his fifth album to achieve this milestone.
January 19, 2021: Lil Wayne Receives Presidential Pardon
In a turn of events, Lil Wayne received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump on January 19, 2021. This pardon effectively cleared the federal firearms charge against him.
October 1, 2021: Release of 'Trust Fund Babies'
On October 1, 2021, Lil Wayne and Rich the Kid released a collaborative mixtape titled 'Trust Fund Babies', along with a music video for the single 'Feelin' Like Tunechi'.
2021: Lil Wayne Releases Updated "Green and Yellow" Song
In 2021, Lil Wayne, a dedicated Green Bay Packers fan, released an updated version of his song "Green and Yellow." The song, initially a playful take on Wiz Khalifa's "Black and Yellow," was updated at the request of the Packers.
2021: "Miseducation" Release
Lil Wayne and rapper Calboy released their single "Miseducation" in 2021, paying homage to Lauryn Hill's 1998 album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill."
January 2022: Final Breakup with Denise Bidot
Lil Wayne and Denise Bidot ended their relationship again in January 2022.
March 31, 2023: I Am Music Release
On March 31, 2023, Lil Wayne released his first greatest hits album, "I Am Music."
September 1, 2023: "Kat Food" Single Release
Lil Wayne released a new single titled "Kat Food" on September 1, 2023.
November 3, 2023: "How We Roll" Remix Feature
Lil Wayne was featured on the remix of Ciara and Chris Brown's single "How We Roll" on November 3, 2023.