This is probably one of the most polarizing discussions in hip-hop, but after being an innocent bystander over the past year to Lil Wayne’s head scratching shenanigans, I’m beginning to wonder – has Lil Wayne sold out?
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It’s one of the ultimate no-nos when it comes to rappers reaching commercial success: selling out.
Yes, I know everyone wants to get money and become an international superstar, but when does a rapper ultimately sell their musical integrity for pop recognition and record breaking albums sales?
Let’s face it; there’s a thin line between commercial success and selling out.
Since being released from prison, thousands of fans have witnessed Lil Wayne’s transition from a syrup sipping, word-slurring rapper with dope bars to a skateboarding-obsessed, awkwardly dressed, oddly sober, lyrically mediocre rapper who just isn’t as cool as he used to be.
Now, I know some of you die hard Weezy fans will say Wayne is expanding his brand and appealing to a broader audience.
But at what cost?
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Gaining an audience who probably can’t name all of the albums you’ve released over the past 10 years to move a million units in a week sounds like a great idea, but that’s tunnel vision to a much larger picture.
The fact of the matter is, Lil Wayne isn’t mixtape Weezy anymore.
And as a fan of Lil Wayne, I’m beginning to think mixtape Weezy is somewhere lost under lime green moon boots, furry yellow hats, animal print leggings, and fanny packs.
Honestly, the last Lil Wayne track I was remotely excited about was “It’s Good” featuring Drake and Jadakiss, and we all know that was only because Wayne came smack at Jay-Z.
Other than that, “It’s Good” was ehhh, mediocre at best.
When Lil Wayne began to rise up the hip-hop ranks, he started out pushing quality music, then it was more quantity over quality, but the overall product was good.
Now, the music he’s been releasing is lackluster, creatively-void, and filled with featured artists who are killing him on his own sh*t.
Who knows!?
Maybe I’m being critical of a rapper I once enjoyed, but lately any news of Lil Wayne sparks an eye roll…or two from a once big fan.
Do you think Lil Wayne has sold out?
Let me know in the comment section below!
