Lil Wayne's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of 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.
December 1999: Platinum Certification
In December 1999, Tha Block Is Hot was certified platinum by the RIAA.
June 2001: Lights Out Certified Gold
In June 2001, Lights Out was certified gold by the RIAA.
2007: Acclaim as "Hottest MC in the Game"
In 2007, Lil Wayne received significant recognition, including being named "Hottest MC in the Game" by MTV, "Rapper of the Year" by The New Yorker, and "Workaholic of the Year" by GQ magazine.
2007: Release of Da Drought 3
In 2007, Lil Wayne released "Da Drought 3," a mixtape featuring him rapping over popular beats. The mixtape received significant coverage from hip hop magazines and critical acclaim.
June 10, 2008: Release of Tha Carter III
On June 10, 2008, Lil Wayne released "Tha Carter III," which sold over 1 million copies in its first week, becoming the first album to do so since 2005.
2008: Named "Best MC" by Rolling Stone
In 2008, Rolling Stone magazine named Lil Wayne "Best MC", acknowledging his impact and influence in hip hop.
2008: "Make It Rain" Grammy Nomination
In 2008, the 2006 single "Make It Rain" by Fat Joe featuring Lil Wayne was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
2008: Performances and Award Nominations
Throughout 2008, Lil Wayne performed at the Voodoo Experience, Virgin Mobile Music Fest, MTV Video Music Awards, and BET Hip Hop Awards, receiving 12 nominations and winning 8 awards at the latter.
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.
2009: Grammy Nominations and MTV Man of the Year
At the end of 2008 into 2009, Lil Wayne received eight Grammy nominations and was named MTV's Man of the Year.
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.
August 29, 2011: Release and Success of Tha Carter IV
On August 29, 2011, Lil Wayne released Tha Carter IV, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 964,000 copies sold in its first week, becoming his third chart-topping album.
September 27, 2012: Billboard Hot 100 Record
On September 27, 2012, Lil Wayne became the first male artist to surpass Elvis Presley with the most entries on the Billboard Hot 100, with 109 songs.
June 7, 2018: Departure 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.
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.
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.
January 27, 2024: Reunion with Birdman
On January 27, 2024, Lil Wayne and Birdman reunited during a studio session, ending their nine-year quarrel.
