9781422274446

It’s probably not surprising that the artist has racked up many awards through his lengthy career. Lil Wayne is one of the few artists upon which fans and critics agree. He’s won American Music Awards, Grammys, People’s Choice Awards, and Teen Choice Awards. This chapter dives in to highlight the musical moments of his work as a rap artist. All Released Solo Albums to Date: Discography T HA B LOCK I S H OT (Released November 2, 1999) Carter’s first solo album became a star- studded affair from the producers to its guest artists. It debuted at number three on the Billboard Hot 200. It took only one month for the album to reach platinum sales status with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Released on Cash Money Records, its executive producers included Brian “Baby”Williams, Ronald “Slim” Williams and Mannie Fresh. The album featured guest appearances by Big Tymers, Juvenile, B.G., Paparue and Turk, also known as the Hot Boy$. Unlike his follow up albums, Tha Block Is Hot had little profanity on it. The then teen-aged Carter did this out of respect for his mother, who does not like profanity. The other rappers were allowed to curse. That’s why the three tracks with no guest artist on them sound so clean.

Scan here to listen to “Tha Block Is Hot” from Lil Wayne’s first album.

8

HIP-HOP & R&B