Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. (born September 27, 1982), known as Lil Wayne, is an American rapper from New Orleans, widely considered one of the most influential artists of his generation, who signed with Cash Money Records at age 11 under the guidance of Birdman. After a successful solo career following his debut album Tha Block Is Hot(1999), Wayne achieved further recognition with the Carter series and founded his label, Young Money Entertainment. His legacy includes numerous hit singles and albums, and his work has been recognized with multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Billboard Hip-Hop Hall of Fame.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
- Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana.
- He began rapping at a young age and impressed Birdman by persistently contacting him with his raps, leading to his signing with Cash Money Records at age 11.
- He became the youngest member of the group the Hot Boys before launching his own solo career.
Musical Evolution and Success
- His first solo album, Tha Block is Hot, was released in 1999 and achieved platinum status.
- He followed up with several gold and platinum-selling albums, including Lights Out (2000) and Tha Carter (2004).
- His 2008 album, Tha Carter III, became a best-seller, winning a Grammy for Best Rap Album.
- He founded Young Money Entertainment, which helped launch the careers of other major artists, including Drake and Nicki Minaj.
Later Career and Recognition
- He has released a string of successful albums and singles, continuing to earn awards and recognition.
- In 2020, he pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a handgun and ammunition, but received a pardon from President Donald Trump in 2021.
- He was inducted into the Billboard Hip-Hop Hall of Fame in 2023.
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