Lil Wayne - Tha Carter IV Cover

Avg Rating: 21021   2.8 ( 90 total votes )

Lil Wayne - Tha Carter IV

Label: Cash Money/Universal Motown

Production: Bangladesh, Cool & Dre, Jim Jonsin, Polow Da Don, Streetrunner, T-Minus

Lead Single: 6 Foot 7

BUY READ REVIEW

Honestly, I expected Lil Wayne to take the Michael Vick route out of prison. Like Vick, Weezy was a man of almost overwhelming talent, capable of astounding displays of prowess that didn’t follow the playbook. But he could also be maddeningly inconsistent, depending on his natural skill to overcome bad decisions, on the mic and his personal life. Regardless of whether his lockup was just or not, like Vick I expected Wayne to take his incarceration as an opportunity to focus. I expected him to come out hungrier than a starving pitbull (get it?) and … ...Read the full album review

Fans can also check out Lil Wayne's previous albums: Lil Wayne - I Am Not A Human Being II | Lil Wayne - Dedication 4 | Lil Wayne - I Am Not a Human Being | Lil Wayne - The Rebirth | Lil’ Wayne - Tha Carter III | Lil’ Wayne - The Drought Is Over #5 (Grand Closing) | Lil’ Wayne - The Leak EP | Lil’ Wayne - The Drought 3


DJBooth Album Review


Honestly, I expected Lil Wayne to take the Michael Vick route out of prison. Like Vick, Weezy was a man of almost overwhelming talent, capable of astounding displays of prowess that didn’t follow the playbook. But he could also be maddeningly inconsistent, depending on his natural skill to overcome bad decisions, on the mic and his personal life. Regardless of whether his lockup was just or not, like Vick I expected Wayne to take his incarceration as an opportunity to focus. I expected him to come out hungrier than a starving pitbull (get it?) and emerge stronger than ever, ready to prove the doubters wrong by undeniably overwhelming the competition. Instead, it sounds like he took the Mike Tyson route of prison.

Tyson was still a force to be reckoned after he got out from behind bars, but instead of the unstoppable killing machine we saw before, the post-prison Tyson was obviously outclassed when he stepped into the ring with the game’s true elite (just ask Holyfield’s ear). This Vick/Tyson analogy is so dead on you should already know what I think of Tha Carter IV. Unlike athletics, it’s completely possible for Weezy to recover, and even get better as he ages, but right here, right now, not only is Carter IV not as good as Carter III, it’s not very good period.

Interestingly, the hype surrounding Wayne’s last two Carter’s roughly corresponds to their quality. For those who were in a coma in 2008, III was the most anticipated album…um…ever, and while not a classic Wayne delivered. On the other hand, the buildup to IV felt like a side note. Similarly, at times IV sounds like more like a mixtape than a historic comeback album from one of the biggest artists alive. As we learned from Rebirth, his hardcore fans will buy anything Wayne puts out, and respect due to him for building that fan base, but if you don’t own a Young Money poster, prepare to be unimpressed.

We might as well start at the beginning. By contrast, expectations for Game’s R.E.D. Album were just barely above basement - he responded by opening the album with a cinematic Dr. Dre intro and one of his best tracks ever (The City). Message sent, message received. Wayne? He opens IV with the completely forgettable Intro and Blunt Blowin. I’d focus on Wayne’s beat selection on both tracks – this is the best production money can buy? – but his lyrics are equally predictable: “I don’t give a f**k. You faker them some titties / you get titty f**ked.” Really? This is the same man who once laid a legit claim to the best rapper alive title? Really? Unfortunately, the underwhelment (it’s a word now) doesn’t stop there. On Megaman, Wayne busts out the same “have it your way…Burger King” line we’ve heard for a decade now, the auto-tuned drenched, T-Pain assisted How to Hate is more 2009 than Paranormal Activity, and what should have been an epic President Carter instead hits as hard as, well, Jimmy Carter. Weezy’s still far better than the average rapper on these tracks, but you can’t claim to be one of the greatest and release music like this. You just can’t.

My favorite moments on Carter IV are exactly the moments that so many of my peers will hate the most. How to Love may not be the song hip-hop heads bang out their speakers, at least when there’s someone else in the room, but it shows real evolution for Wayne. Unlike much of Rebirth, he sounds comfortable and organic on How to Love, and the same goes for Nightmares of the Bottom, which finds a leisurely Wayne at his most poetic and honest. Similarly, while Abortion is long on concept and short on execution, it at least dares to approach the border, if not cross it. If Kanye’s taught us anything, it’s that if you want to stay on top you have to continue to take risks, and while Carter IV does occasionally get adventurous (So Special), by and large it’s the same old same old from Wayne (John) – except he was better when he was younger. 

From there Carter IV is really only notable for its guest features – Tech N9ne and Andre 3K on Interlude, Drake on She Will – and a Jay-Z diss from Weezy on It’s Good that now sounds silly considering how much better Watch the Throne is (a claim I don’t think even WTT detractors can dispute). So what happened? How did a rapper capable of greatness, a rapper who has always risen to the occasion before, fall so short on what should have been a triumphant return to the top? Maybe his newfound (relative) sobriety has ironically robbed him of his Martian rhyme skills. Maybe he’s more focused on running the Young Money empire and guiding Drake and Nicki than his solo career. Maybe he’s burnt out, maybe he just doesn’t care as much anymore, but whatever the reason, Tha Carter IV just doesn’t feel like one of the biggest albums of the year – at all. Before he was locked up Lil Wayne was neck and neck with Kanye, Jay-Z and Eminem for the best rapper alive crown. Damn, how times have changed.

DJBooth Rating - 3 Spins

Listen to More: Lil Wayne     Written by Nathan S.


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Member Reviews and Ratings


Average Member Rating:   21021       Total Ratings:   90

MrAuckCity
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 40
Rating:  43211
This is one of the lowest reviews ive seen? From what lil wayne has been putting out (im not a humanbeing, sorry 4 tha wait) which both were rubbish, this is good! this is enjoyable to listen to. not as good as carter III and definatly not up for album of the year (section 80) but still good music that i can still enjoy. a lil harsh dj booth


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

undadog4eva
DJ Booth Member

undadog4eva
Total Ratings: 143
Rating:  14321
cant believe you rated it so high nathan!


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

DJ SonicFLOOD
Rating:  14321
Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

crunkmajor
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 10
Rating:  21321
I'm a huge lil wayne fan and i'm so disappointed in this crap! This isn't even close to the carter 3. I think Nathan is being very generous in giving it a 3 star rating.


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

Caveman 305
Tastemaker

Caveman 305
Total Ratings: 9596
Rating:  14321
This album is absolutely terrible, Wayne can't rap for shit anymore not to mention that the only good songs on the album don't have Wayne on them

This album will serve Tech N9ne well, hopefully people will stop sleepin' on him...

I should mention that the bonus track "Mirror" is a real dope song that should have been on the album

Nathan is being nice with his score and I don't like it
Top 5
1. Outro
2. Interlude
3.What you actually thought there were 5 good songs?


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

Palesa Mkwanazi
DJ Booth Member


Total Ratings: 1
I really never got the big deal with Wayne.I always thought his work to be lacklustre,him and the rest of his YM gang.I never understand a thing when their music comes on.


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

Dilionaire
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 1
Rating:  32121
The only thing that made the carter III one of the best albums of all time is the fact that it reached a million sells in one week, not all the tracks on that album were good. Same for carter IV,lil wayne is the best rapper right now and his audience has grown dramatically, so I wouldnt be surprised if he reaches 1.5 million sales within the first two weeks. The album is dope and the more you listen to it the more youll like it


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

Ryan Strauss
DJ Booth Member


Total Ratings: 36
Rating:  21321
On point @ C4, but since when is Kanye one of the best rappers alive?


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

x20nickel
Rating:  54321
Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

x20nickel
Tastemaker

x20nickel
Total Ratings: 394
Rating:  54321
His ego is so big right now he believes he could put out shit and it could sell. He'd be right though. Carter IV wasn't thaaaat bad though theres a few songs I would put in rotation: Blunt Blowing, Interlude, Outro, She Will, Megama. 3.5/5 accidentally clicked 5 stars


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

V-Kush Blunt
DJ Booth Member

V-Kush Blunt
Total Ratings: 53
Rating:  14321
This Shit Was Awful. He Needs To Go Back To Jail


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

WalzBoxRecords106
Rating:  21321
Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

Todd Shiley
DJ Booth Member


Total Ratings: 1
Rating:  21321
Worse weezy album to date... I am a big weezy fan but he has mixtapes better then this album... Carter 3 was 10 times better... Carter 2 was 20 times better... Sorry weezy for now I stay bumpin that Game R.E.D. Album.. Shit goes hard..


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

BOOGNIGHTS
DJ Booth Member

BOOGNIGHTS
Total Ratings: 15
Rating:  32121
I can't disagree with you on this one, Nathan. Good review.


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

SounScholar
Rating:  21321
Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

d mac
DJ Booth Crew

d mac
Total Ratings: 906
Rating:  21321
Very disappointing album. Only 3-4 good tracks and 1 of those doesnt even have Wayne on it.
line



Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

J Roc the Legend
DJ Booth Member

J Roc the Legend
Total Ratings: 200
Rating:  43211
Gotta disagree with the review on this one. I checked out other reviews on this album and they rate it fairly poorly as well. I can't believe people are saying the album is so disappointing. I agree that it's nowhere a classic, but I dont see much difference between this and Tha Carter III. I would say this CD is way underrated, just like I said that III was way overrated. Lyrically on III he was a little better, but on III he also made a little less sense. This is a slightly more cohesive album.

I also can't believe that most of the standout tracks were given they're well-deserved props. For the energy alone, 6 Foot 7 Foot is better than half of Tha Carter III. How To Love is one of the most creative songs he's done. Then you have amazing tracks like She Will, Nightmares of the Bottom, and So Special. Also liked Abortion and Megaman was pretty hard as well.

Definitely agree with Nathan when he mentioned he might be burnt out. On some songs Wayne sounds tired, like he's just over rap. I think he'd rather be pursuing his rock/pop aspirations but no one is taking him seriously in those kinds of genres. Kind of a bummer that be feels like maybe retiring but maybe he should. I definitely believe he can do better than Tha Carter III and Tha Carter IV. If he ever returned to mixtape Weezy form, maybe he would.


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

DJ Brad
Tastemaker

DJ Brad
Total Ratings: 554
Rating:  21321
Interlude is good. Because it has very little wayne on it.


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

Dominic Stubbs
DJ Booth Member

Dominic Stubbs
Total Ratings: 1
Rating:  21321
Good read man. I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said. I wasn't a fan of C3 but it was at least tolerable. I find it difficult to go through the entire C4 album.

I did a review of C4 on my blog and I went a different route on explaining why it sucked so much. You all should check it out

http://keepitfr3sh.blogspot.com/2011/08/fr3sh-take-why-tha-carter-iv-failed.html

Why Tha Carter IV failed?


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

Sideshow
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 33
Rating:  21321
You know its a bad album when the best songs don't have you on it and the best verse goes to the oldest guy in the building (Nas of course, who DESTROYED everything else...which is prolly why it came last) I'm a huge Wayne fan but I'll be the first to admit to his inconsistency. This is his worst effort since 500 Degrees (yeah I said it)


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

Terry Ahlander
DJ Booth Member


Total Ratings: 2
Rating:  43211
Has everyone forgotten about Kingdom Come? The trash came out when Jay came back and everybody acts like it never happened. But on the contrary Wayne simply dropped some of his best songs early, too early if you ask me. 6'7 is a monster, How to Love is a great break from the "I am beast" bravado, and they both came out before people even knew the damn release date. The album has holes. I don't know why T-Pain is still viable as a hook singer and I just can't get behind BluntBlowin just yet. Few more listens and I'll be more level headed but its not trash so stop being angry ppl


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

DJRohan
DJ Booth Member

DJRohan
Total Ratings: 224
Rating:  32121
I thought the album was average Lil Wayne. The problem with Lil Wayne's music for me is that it's really hard to listen to the album all at once. I thought that Tha Carter III was a little better.

Some of my favorite songs:
1. Interlude
2. Mirror (which was on the bonus editiion)
3. Megaman


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

Daniel Hacohen
DJ Booth Member


Total Ratings: 15
Rating:  43211
I thought this was better than Tha Carter III. The album was solid, I'm with J Roc on this one.


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

Lucas Guesser
DJ Booth Member

Lucas Guesser
Total Ratings: 8
Rating:  54321
Yeah, this is not the best work from Wayne, but maybe this inconsistency is something that happens with big stars.Right now i would like see T-Pain's new album, but probably, the result will be the same as Weezy C4.


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

Collo Drolo
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 4
Rating:  32121
Agree with pretty much everything said, Nathan. To me, it's an expensive mixtape. And you're right— Watch The Throne is a much "better" album.

BUT, at the same time, consider this: The Carter IV is projected to sell 700,000 copies its first week. Almost double what WTT did after its release.

Artistically speaking, it's true that the Carter IV ain't much. But if Weezy sells more than any other rapper with C4 this year on top of the fan base, buzz and credibility he already has, does "art" really matter (depending on your perspective, obviously)?

Wayne has made a name for himself by consistently releasing new music (mixtapes, single, appearances, remixes, etc.). Often that music is of lower quality than what you would hear on a Kanye album, but he releases SO damn much of it (and some of it's legit and entertaining), that he's put himself in the "top rapper" conversation. And this has worked because we're reaching a "digital age" of music where fans want their music instantly.

So while hardcore listeners that appreciate music on a deeper level (like you, myself and commenters on hip-hop blogs) may scoff at an album like C4, I have a feeling that many other categories of listeners WILL appreciate it. And you'll see that on the Billboard charts.

And IF C4 is a slam-dunk commercially, and then he releases an album the following year that does similar numbers, who are we to say what's "classic?" It all depends on your perspective as a listener. All I can say is that numbers—especially if an artist CONSISTENTLY sells— don't lie.


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

Dj first n last
Rating:  43211
Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

Andy McNally
DJ Booth Member


Total Ratings: 12
Rating:  21321
Ahh man! Wayne has let me down here! cut me deep!
I am one of those with a Young Money poster on my wall and ive always stuck up for wayne but this is a poor album.

1) I dont understand why wayne doesnt spit on the interlude or outro. Cmon wayne, Carter 4 is your album and the best verse on the entire disc comes from Andre on interlude?!

2)Mirror has single potential written all over it and its a bonus tack?

3)Blunt blowin, 6 7 & John = garbage. John is rozays track, its tha carter 4 wayne, throw this shit on a mixtape... 6 7 is a milli gon wrong and blunt blowin is basic & whack

4) How to hate summed up nicely by Nath = D.O.A

5) How to love is the most enjoyable track but not for a hip hop album, not for the carter 4 !!!

Wayne you cant start dissin JayZ then drop this to attempt to dethrone the king. He just laughing at you right now.


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

HoamBoy
Tastemaker

HoamBoy
Total Ratings: 544
Rating:  21321
When the top two songs on the album (Interlude and Outro) don't even feature the actual artist then that's a problem. Not only does that say the album's weak but the rapper too.

Lil Wayne's the most popular rapper in the game...not the best though.


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

Mr.Top Hat
Tastemaker

Mr.Top Hat
Total Ratings: 4267
Rating:  32121
Often in boxing, the true greatness of a fighter is not actually known when he is in his prime as he defeats opponent after opponent (read: beats) rather convincingly. It is only after he ages, slows down behind bars, and gets himself back into ring are we aware of just how good the fighter is or was! Armed with an appreciation of what makes Lil Wayne unique, as well as an appreciation of his mic skills and limitations, the question is, "How good is Lil Wayne?" The answer is good but not great.

While Lil Wayne is never expected to be the most technically riveting rapper, all Carter IV seems to do is retread old ground, and not even to the same standard as previous records. By no means there is a bad song on the album. In pieces each of these songs could stand on their own and be a perfectly serviceable Lil Wayne Track X. There are a few lines that make you smile and give respect. While he is still able to spit darts he is too incoherent and fly in too many different directions at time to form a cohesive song with hooks and choruses. In fact when you place these songs up against some of the others you have to wonder punchlines is all Lil Wayne truly desires to write.

There is stuff to like, especially when he gets a bit more conceptual with his writing, but it is more often than not covered in a format all too similar to listeners, and the songs are so short on content that the album's lasting appeal is limited. Bound together as a body of work however, it’s a semi-mainstream album without the energy and the flow that characterized much of Wayne’s previous work. That flow is what makes Weezy pop.

Now, I’m not going to say that Wayne can never regain his former greatness; I get the impression that he could still absolutely rip a track to shreds if he could only get himself excited about the prospect. And every so often, C4 crackles to life, and we hear flashes of the rap hero Wayne could still be. But even then it’s an exclusive acquired sound that doesn’t rank high with most rap fans even if it is done well. A perfect example would be "6 Foot 7 Foot" - with all the right elements, can only be passed off as old wine in a new bottle.

"Nightmares Of The Bottom" wafts along under the influence of a catchy piano melody, creating plenty of space, which Wayne adeptly fills with a strong performance. T-Wayne have already proven several times that they have a great chemistry together. And with "How To Hate" you are invested in the song even before Wayne starts rapping. When are these guys gonna do an album together?

"Mirror" has all the tried and tested ingredients to make it a hit with audiences. And is definitely the safest bet as a single. Bruno Mars swells to remarkable effect and Weezy delivers with an apt performance, lyrically not complex, yet Wayne cuts a lonely figure indeed; which is the intent of the song.

There are few tracks which don’t quite resonate time after time. The hook on "So Special" for instance don’t really come to a head, whilst "John" is not so much bad as it is unnecessary. "So Special" only garners a mention because it features 'always a pleasure to listen' John Legend. It is a decent song that is driven by its hook and Wayne doesn't do bad... but this is a part of the 'script' with the ladies, included because it fulfills the 'you want to give the females some shine' slot.

Production weakens this album. It’s not iconic, it’s not going to set off any trend. For the first four joints that blend together... you are left wondering there aren’t many speed changes on the album, but soon the album going to be jumping all over the place and needed better cohesion at times. The overall production is a reflection of everything hot from the last 2 years but while passable, it does complement Wayne’s style or his rhyme schemes.

Most of the instrumentals sounds like they were made from a “Lex Luger Drums Pack” and then assembled into slightly varied arrangment, but overall, unspectacular or flat. There is nothing wrong with going for a particular sound but these guys have the budget and contacts to be able to branch out and hit many different sounds instead of the same one again and again.

The other thing that holds the album back other than production is Wayne getting outshined on Carter IV. The problem with Wayne getting outshined on Carter IV is that at his best, he has proven he can hang capably with most of the people stealing the show on his album. Even Rick Ross. It isn’t so much that he’s sharing spotlight. It feels more like he’s asleep at the wheel, and they had to take the reigns. For some part, Wayne's presence isn’t even necessary (sometimes it’s literally nonexistent). The "Interlude" & "Outro" adds to the album, but everyone knows letting your feature artist body you is a no-no. If one were to insist on picking stand out verses, it is the ones done by Andre 3000 and Nas. Andre 3000's verse is easily the best of the entire effort in creativity and depth.

Even though “Carter III” was uber-hyped, it still is a quality album that you couldn’t help but want to slap on repeat. The Carter III was, for the most part, a great combination of both the ferocious pu$sy-monster that thrilled hip-hop fans with his unique wordplay and off-kilter multi-flows AND the charismatic Weezy F Baby who can apparently tear apart the charts by his mere presence.

I applaud and appreciate that Lil Wayne tries to bring drama (Abortion, Nightmares, Mirror) and variety (How To Love) to his music. I only wish he had took a little more time and done more of this. It would keep listeners hanging in and bring them back enough times for the less obvious qualities (punchlines over hard banging beats) of a Lil Wayne song. Simply put, Tha Carter IV has too much of mixtape Weezy in it... and you have probably gathered by now from Nathan's review, this is notably the inferior version.

Just as it seemed a simple task to anoint Wayne as a strong contender in the "Best Rapper Alive" heavyweight division during the "Drought 3" thru "Tha Carter III" era, it seems equally simple to dismiss the post-prison Wayne as a fraud. Though I suppose you could say that post-C3 and not really be wrong.

Undoubtedly the album will do good numbers all over the world. But it is not a stretch to say that much of the sales for the first week or more will owe it to the media hype and the brand name that Lil Wayne has become, and would be little related to what he actually accomplished in the ring... err... I mean studio.

My Top Picks:

1. Nightmares Of The Bottom 2. Interlude
3. How To Hate 4. President Carter
5. Abortion 6. Six Foot Seven Foot


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

HoamBoy
Tastemaker

HoamBoy
Total Ratings: 544
Rating:  21321
Why do people love to bring up Kingdom Come?

What about Rebirth or anything pre-Tha Carter?

Or help about Encore? Or Nastradamous?

Every great rapper has dopped a dud...get over it.


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

Panzerman
Rating:  43211
Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

DJ chrome
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 98
Rating:  32121
i hate to say this but wtf u thinking im amazed im evening givin this 3 but i have to agree were the hell did the fire go from carter 2-3 thats what we lookin for hes lost it.


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

Ninbee
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 14
Rating:  32121
My favorite Carter Albums go in order 1,2,3,4.. this is the worst out of all of them I expected more from him the only songs I liked were singles months ago like 67 and john, the rest of the album fell short So Special and megaman are the only ones I can rock wit, I MISS THE OLD CARTER WAYNE!! I think its laughable for Wayne to think he better than jay that "diss" song was wack and the line was very forgettable. Ill keep WTT on repeat and wait on drakes album...


Posted on Aug 30, 2011    

Daniel Reich
Rating:  43211
Posted on Aug 31, 2011    

Mr Smith
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 222
Rating:  14321
4 good songs tops on this album


Posted on Aug 31, 2011    

JayCL
Tastemaker

JayCL
Total Ratings: 736
Rating:  14321
smh...


Posted on Aug 31, 2011    

Denny_F
Rating:  21321
Posted on Aug 31, 2011    

RamiYesMeRaw89
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 1
Rating:  43211
This review reminds me of the review for Blueprint 3. What we need to remember when we listen to the album is that this is LIL WAYNE. Im not saying he is the best rapper alive but he clearly plays in a league of his own based on his style. Wayne doesnt write his songs and he stays true to this method on each album. I mean how many times do you need to hear Wayne say on a song how much he doesnt give a F*** for you to believe it. Lil wayne gives us music that is FUN to listen to. You dont need to break down lyrics, and analyze metaphors. Instead Weezy gives you raunchy dirty lyrics while also pitching some wordplay here and there. You dont need to listen to Wayne to enjoy his music. Pop in his cd and drive around. Like every song you'll zone out and if the music your listening to doesnt pull you back then you'll change it. If you drive around listening to Wayne you'll find yourself being like "wait...did he really just say that?"

So when Nathan disses lines like "You faker than some titties u get titty f*cked" that line gets immediately imprinted in ur mind so the next time you play the song you wait for that part and the next time you hear it..who knows, u might even say it with him. He's obviously not worrying about how clever he's being but just how raw he is.

Put yourself in Wayne's shoes...Why the hell is The carter not a classic when its clearly one of the most memorable albums of the century so far? Oh because he made party songs like Got Money and Lollipop and put them on the album? All Im sayin is the dude cares more about money than anyones opinion.

How is Wayne not taking risks Nathan? How to Love, ahem..Rebirth?!?!?! Not to mention his willingness to rap on any type of beat, song, melody hence No Ceilings and Sorry for the Wait.

When you review an album all you gotta do is sit down on the computer play the album from beginning to end while browsing ur Tumblr. Dont take a microscope to the song and just let it play in the background..if you find yourself continuously giving it attention then its good sh*t.

Technically speaking its not a great album but its still good sh*t. Every rapper creates a legacy based on their "look". When you think Kanye you think a certain way, same for JayZ, Tupac, Biggie, Nas. Wayne knows how he looks and isnt trading it off so he can try to compete lyrically with Jay and Cole. Maybe theres a reason Wayne had Misunderstood as the last track on The Carter 3.

So i wanna summarize what im saying it make it more clear. Nathan wants an album to be a steak filet mignon
Lil wayne and the carter 4 is an appetizer sampler cuz its everything you've had before but its always good.

P.S

Villematic>Watch the Throne> The Carter 4 and everything else in 2011 and yes including Take Care ..l.. Drake


Posted on Aug 31, 2011    

FredRico
Tastemaker

FredRico
Total Ratings: 1309
Rating:  14321
"I'm a diamond in the rough like a baby in the trash" Lil Wayne

You know what? This is not even funny! I mean, "Game's corollary" at least provided some good jokes (and then he dropped a decent album), but this wack Lil Wayne (since Carter III) is just disturbing.

His "Rock album" was a travesty from the start, so I can't take it seriously as a fail, but this is actually the definitive proof of a "time when Lil Wayne went mediocre".

It's worse than a bad album: it's a BAD RAPPER's album!


Posted on Aug 31, 2011    

Owen Adams
DJ Booth Member


Total Ratings: 15
Rating:  21321
agreed. The whole album sounded like a bad mixtape. Go get R.e.d. or The Throne if you need a good listen.


Posted on Aug 31, 2011    

AK_Littlez
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 33
Rating:  21321
another underwhelming project from wayne


Posted on Aug 31, 2011    

dillon_68
Tastemaker

dillon_68
Total Ratings: 1345
Rating:  32121
In all honesty, this is a very accurate review. Album is decent, but the productions on some of the tracks are borderline horrible, not to mention the recycled lines from Wayne.


Posted on Aug 31, 2011    

Laine94CCC
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 68
Rating:  21321
I have to agree. To be a good rapper or a good rapper in fact one has to evolve musically and lyrically. Lil' Wayne has not... at all.
From the formulaic "line ..pause lame pun" rhyme structure from his heavy drum autotune production - lil' wayne hasnt changed at all since 2008 with the exception that his puns are really lame now.
LOL he has the nerve to diss HOV with such a crappy album as in really?


Posted on Aug 31, 2011    

Bosnian
Tastemaker

Bosnian
Total Ratings: 1142
Rating:  32121
This is average at best. It is like he has become pretty, how should I put it, lazy lately. He has been dropping random punchlines, and nothing else. It's like he doesn't enjoy rap anymore. Excellent review Nathan.


Posted on Aug 31, 2011    

Oakland
DJ Booth Member

Oakland
Total Ratings: 84
Rating:  21321
I am sorry, did you really just say neck and neck with KANYE? Kanye? Kanye? Are you @*#$! serious? He is pathetic. I am pretty sure Nas is still in the game? Isn't he? Nas is far better than Jay-Z ever dream of being. I can't compare Eminem to Nas it wouldn't be right. Not because either one is better, just because one's white and the other is black. I think they are pretty neck and neck though. But Kanye? Dude, do you know anyone in the game? Kanye is down right... he just sucks. Busta Rhymes is amazing. So is The Game, along with Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg, they're still in the game, right? Kanye West wasn't neck and neck with Eminem, there's just no way in anyone's dreams that would even be thought of.

Now, The Carter lV to be honest I agree. It really wasn't all that. I have to agree with how you said he was better when he was young. I am not sure he is really focused on his music making right now, I really don't think he is. No Ciealings - Swag Surf. That song was great, correct me if I am wrong. I would give this album an average.

Reason being: Todays music is @*#$! up. Today there is hardly any rap. This CD is average for today that's all there is to it.

Lil Wayne clearly states in "Blunt Blowin" that he doesn't care anymore. "I don't give a lovely @*#$! ass nigga, with my money growin"


Posted on Aug 31, 2011    

teddybarexxx
DJ Booth Member

teddybarexxx
Total Ratings: 194
Rating:  43211
question: who's putting out classic albums? yeah there's always this first classic album then afterwards just bangers or worst. with carter iv there's no) difference (even the most beloved jay z didnt put out classic albums on every release) i've listen to the carter iv thru and thru and i feel this is just as good as any other carter releases with the exception of maybe carter i and ii, carter iii was in my opinion a banger but not a classic and carter iv is right in line with that. dj booth this is by far the worst rating ever and all you bloggers giving it a one star come on really? stop hating!


Posted on Aug 31, 2011    

hurri90
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 12
Rating:  32121
Just listend to this album...SOUNDS LIKE A MIXTAPE. Track 13 'president carter' is so shit, its shouldnt even be on a mixtape nevertheless an album.


Posted on Aug 31, 2011    

GeneralTapia
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 53
Rating:  43211
I liked it. Not the best thing ever, but good.


Posted on Aug 31, 2011    

Kidd12
Rating:  54321
Posted on Sep 01, 2011    

bradanter96
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 1
Rating:  21321
There are probably 2-3 songs I actually like on this album. Very disappointed.


Posted on Sep 01, 2011    

M-Beatz
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 32
Rating:  14321
garbage. sorry.


Posted on Sep 01, 2011    

SpyGl4ss
DJ Booth Member

SpyGl4ss
Total Ratings: 130
Rating:  32121
A three is as high as I can go. Mediocre album. "How to Love" is easily the best song on the album. And yes, it's pretty sad that the two best songs don't even have Wayne on it.


Posted on Sep 01, 2011    

Collo Drolo
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 4
Rating:  32121
@Mr. Dont talk... there's still good "rap" out there, it's just probably different from the rap you grew up with or your own personal tastes.


Posted on Sep 01, 2011    

NesseyPooh
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 1
Rating:  54321
i Likee It. Bhudd Sorry Fhoa The Wait Was Way Better ! He Could Of DONE BETTER.! JUST SAYiN.....


Posted on Sep 02, 2011    

ReturnOfSanta
Tastemaker

ReturnOfSanta
Total Ratings: 490
Rating:  32121
This album wasn't BAD but it wasn't good either. Felt like an Ace Hood album. Same flow on every song, same punchlines(life a @*#$!, the games a @*#$!, i'm a @*#$!, etc).

Wordplay went down the drain from carter 2.

"I'm busy I got paper to reel in
God I hope they steppin' at the end of my rod
And I hope I'm fishing in the right pond
And I hope you catchin' on to every line
Who am I?" - Best Rapper Alive off Tha Carter 2

"and the weed loud, like a lions roar" - Intro off Tha Carter 4

I wanna give this a 2 but it's not THAT bad.


Posted on Sep 02, 2011    

DJ/ISSAC
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 75
Rating:  21321
the production should have been better and the bottom line when you put a standard up you have to meet that and it's understandable that it can't be that easy to meet all the time but Weezy is just reaching his prime and this is not going to leave a stain on anybodys brain . Let's just move on to the next Album , I am a fan and this just didn't move me , let me put it back on the deck and keep listening I'm sure I'm missing something??? @$%%^?? confused??


Posted on Sep 02, 2011    

blazin-ben
Rating:  54321
Posted on Sep 02, 2011    

Jonel 'Shaq Deisel' Howard
DJ Booth Member


Total Ratings: 1
Rating:  32121
I'll make it simple as to why it gets 3 stars...Tech N9ne, Andre, and Nas


Posted on Sep 02, 2011    

realrap
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 44
Rating:  32121
RED ALBUM> CARTER 4

this is some of weezys best work but its typical weezy


Posted on Sep 02, 2011    

degamarie
Rating:  21321
Posted on Sep 03, 2011    

Khang Nguyen
Rating:  14321
Posted on Sep 03, 2011    

ThaRealKapone
DJ Booth Member

ThaRealKapone
Total Ratings: 2
Lil Wayne ain't changed. He's jus as non-sensical and incohesive now as he was back before Carter IV dropped. People act like he's jus got so cocky now that he'll drop anything on his fans but hasn't that been a constant issue? Out off all the hundreds of songs and mixtapes how many can you say are classic? 10%? Or if we wanna B extremely generous 25% maybe? What's funny to me is how all the Lil Wayne fans who would praise even garbage comin from him now criticize Carter IV. I don't think Carter IV was worse than anything he's done before, there's prolly jus been a changin of the guards. While Wayne was in jail whats current and hot changed up and we gained new tastes and favorite artists, etc. So by the time Wayne came out and started workin on Carter IV, his musical sensibilities were different than ours


Posted on Sep 03, 2011    

D.O.B.
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 126
Rating:  32121
so special, how to love, john, 6 foot 7, abortion, she will, mirror and nightmares of the bottom are all worthy to be on the album . but the rest should be on a mixtape


Posted on Sep 03, 2011    

D.O.B.
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 126
Rating:  32121
president carter and its good are also aight


Posted on Sep 03, 2011    

ReturnOfSanta
Tastemaker

ReturnOfSanta
Total Ratings: 490
Rating:  32121
@ThaRealKapone
Listen to Tha Carter 2 and tell me he wasn't amazing at one point.


Posted on Sep 03, 2011    

D.O.B.
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 126
Rating:  32121
but lil wayne is still one of his kind and in his own league . you gotta remember that .

hardcore wayne fan, will probably think this is the best album, just because there is still 8-9 good where 5 of them are really good .

4 spins as a wayne fan


Posted on Sep 03, 2011    

Abraham Guitron
DJ Booth Member


Total Ratings: 1
Rating:  54321
@Nathan S.
Idk how you could say that WTT is better. Two superstars against one and his album already broke the iTunes record for most sales in a week...in just 4 days. His album has been forecasted to sell the double of WTT. And his bonus tracks are just ill. I think Jay-Z made a mistake in dissing Wayne first.


Posted on Sep 04, 2011    

FredRico
Tastemaker

FredRico
Total Ratings: 1309
Rating:  14321
@Abraham Guitron: what kind of argument is that?! You're questioning Nathan for saying WTT is better (quality), yet you didn't provide any quality analysis?! Those numbers mean nothing as far as quality goes. People buy shit too, you just gotta have hardcore fans.


Posted on Sep 05, 2011    

SJD
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 114
Rating:  43211
Definitely the lowest out of all the Carter editions but I won't go as far to call it garbage, I mean it doesn't matter how big your fan base is, garbage won't sell what Wayne is about to sell. Just saying. Busta was incredible, that's what stuck out for me and it was an okay album for me. Around 3.5.


Posted on Sep 05, 2011    

sean313
Rating:  14321
Posted on Sep 06, 2011    

J Roc the Legend
DJ Booth Member

J Roc the Legend
Total Ratings: 200
Rating:  43211
@Abraham Guitron Im with FredRico. Album sales isn't an argument for comparing quality. Although I disagree with the majority and still say that this cd is about the same as Tha Carter III, I definitely don't believe this is anywhere near as good as Watch The Throne. That cd has several tracks that may stand the test of the time. Tha Carter IV is good, but can never compare to the amazing quality of production and lyricism of WTT.


Posted on Sep 07, 2011    

BKryptonite
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 168
Rating:  21321
this album is simply sad!


Posted on Sep 07, 2011    

GeneralTapia
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 53
Rating:  43211
This aint about sales : I largely preffered Tha Carter IV to WTT, man if i gotta hear someone brag about money and bitches, damn nobody does it better than weezy. Oh, and his album is more diverse and has tracks i love. I mean John is the definition of a banger, how to love is the best kind of pop song, abortion's funy and imiginative, it's good goes hard, so does she will, blunt blowin' hook make's it tight. 6'7 gets old but nightmares of the bottom, hth and so special bring diversity. miror and view are awesome, but two shots is mixtape crap. I don't know why dear anne isn't on this... I agree the production is sometimes disappointing, shyne and bun's feats were just bad, president carter is somewhat incoherent, but, overall, this is a very enjoyable album, but i dare not compare it to other until i've listened to them one more.


Posted on Sep 08, 2011    

Dre Anderson
DJ Booth Member


Total Ratings: 1
Rating:  32121
Real talk


Posted on Sep 10, 2011    

Robby Champ.
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 19
Rating:  43211
Yall Quit Bein Sum @*#$! Haters Tha Only Reason Yall Are Rating It Low Is Cuz It Lil Wayne & Yall Are haters , Listen Too TheseSongs They BUMP I Hate Lil Wayne All I Listen Too Is Odd Future /Tyler Creator & I Think This Bumps , Come On


Posted on Sep 11, 2011    

Jason S
DJ Booth Member

Jason S
Total Ratings: 253
Rating:  54321
Carter IV is a classic


Posted on Sep 13, 2011    

albyLB23
Tastemaker

albyLB23
Total Ratings: 1805
Rating:  32121
ehhh Some yes and no...


Posted on Sep 13, 2011    

OneNation
DJ Booth Member

OneNation
Total Ratings: 10
Rating:  32121
I completely sign this review of Wayne's latest offering. I am listening to a lot of Wayne songs but almost all of them are from Carter II or III. I can't really find a great song on Carterr IV, maybe "How To Love" because you get the feeling that Wayne is trying to put his feelings in this song. I don't know why but I get the opinion that Wayne puts much more love into his tracks released during album releases than into the creation of an album which is, for me, very disappointing.


Posted on Sep 16, 2011    

J'Maal121
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 27
Rating:  21321
this album is weak. there really isn't any creativity in his topic selection, beats, lyrics. etc.. he took like no risks and almost eversong is about nothing. theres some cuts on here but the album is pretty bad


Posted on Sep 18, 2011    

D. Voc
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 3
Rating:  14321
When will people learn that Lil Wayne is garbage?


Posted on Sep 19, 2011    

brown.jo
DJ Booth Member

brown.jo
Total Ratings: 48
Rating:  21321
Love ya Weezy but I'm disappointed with this one...


Posted on Sep 21, 2011    

surfgoop
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 6
Rating:  32121
Disappointing. Even the best tracks on the album (nightmares at the bottom) seem to be full of corny useless punch lines. Thank god its saved by tracks like 'blunt blowing' that are 'anthem' type songs


Posted on Sep 24, 2011    

Cameron Jaworski
Rating:  32121
Posted on Sep 27, 2011    

Haze96
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 9
Rating:  32121
all right not too good but good


Posted on Sep 29, 2011    

djblaze
DJ Booth Crew

djblaze
Total Ratings: 8292
Rating:  43211
I took my sweet time rating this one as well because I feel you need to listen to the music many times before you can give your observation.
Having said that, I thought this album was actually better after the first couple of spins than it is now. I feel that some of the songs are easily skipped and the rest of them can go on repeat. I really liked Abortion, Interlude, She will, Nightmares, Megaman, Blunt Blowin, and How to love the most. Most of the others can be skipped.
Other than that, the highs are high enough for me to make it a Banger. I too thought it would be better, but still a good outing and one that I don't think will jeopardize his credibility as one of the best in the game.
line



Posted on Oct 10, 2011    

Positive Vibe
Tastemaker

Positive Vibe
Total Ratings: 484
Rating:  21321
this album was so ass, i could not get into it for nothin'


Posted on Oct 11, 2011    

Chris K the yung 3rd
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 2
Rating:  32121
Wayne eat greedy i mean it wasnt the best but he spat some fire. and he was in the right for throwing tech nine in that but yeah he deserve 3 starz


Posted on Oct 11, 2011    

asdffdsa
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 1
Rating:  43211
Lil Waynes “Tha Carter IV”
Lil Wayne has grown has a rapper ever since he first started in back in 1998, with his first album “Tha Block is Hot.” It was on his first Platinum Album and released number three on the charts. He was just a rookie than, but now hes already a legend. Breaking a record this year already by releasing 6 songs that were all number one at one time. As the rap game as progressed in the last decade, so had Lil Waynes talents and ambitions to his work. Lil Wayne is among the best in the game. They way Lil Wayne mixes up his flare and flow are remarkable. Lil Wayne could be considered the best rapper ever with his clever word choice, evolution of the rap game, and the way he mixes up his style.
“The Carter IV” is one of those albums you never got tired of listening to. You can turn it on shuffle and any song that starts playing you’ll like it. When “Tha Carter IV” released at number 16, and was only rated a 3 star. No more than five weeks late, it was standing on the top of the podium at number 1 and a four and a half star rating. By the time it reached number one it had had 10 out of its 15 songs in the top 80. There was: How to Love, Blunt Blowin, Megaman, 6 Foot 7 Foot, She Will, How to Hate, Interlude, John, So Special, and Its Good. All of these were in the top 80 at one point and a few still stand in the top 30. The thing that I like most about Lil Wayne is that he gets out of his comfort zone and doesn’t just hide behind a box and sticking with what he knows is easy. He experiments with his talents and used different instruments that you normally don’t see in the rap game. In “Tha Carter IV” he does something completely different. He went back to his early 2000s ways and found what he thought his audience would like the best. He was right. With all the positive notes posted by people all over the world, I’d say I’m not the only one who strongly believes that “Tha Carter IV” is the second best album by Lil Wayne; it is a top 15 album of all time.
“Tha Carter IV” has a mix of rappers in the album that you feel like they are all competeing against one another. The way they sync everything together in the rap and their rhymes blows you away. It is completely unreal. You have a broad mix of rappers from Drake, Busta Rhymes, Nas, Tech N9ne, and Rick Ross. To rappers not a lot of people hear everyday like Corey Gunz, Jadakiss, John Legend, Shyne, and Bun B. I’m not saying that Corey Gunz, Jadakiss, John Legend, Shyne, and Bun B aren’t widely known, they just don’t have the hype as those of Drake, Busta Rhymes and Tech N9ne.
“How to Love” has reached number one twice in the last month and so has “Blunt Blowin.” They both seem unreal when you listen to them. How to Love shows off Lil Waynes mix of talent. He isn’t just rapping the whole time, but he sings the chorus, and it is actually quite great. He released this song as a single and reached number one after just two weeks. My personal favorites on the album are “Interlude” featuring Tech N9ne and Megaman. I like “Interlude” because of the way Lil Wayne and Tech N9ne clash together. These two are completely different entertainers, but they come together to make a great song. Tech N9ne is more of a ‘mosh pit’ kinda group. They are very violent and Lil Wayne is kind of the laid back and get high kind of person. The reason that I like “Megaman” is because of the slang and lyrics Lil Waynes used to catch your attention. He uses words that you wouldn’t expect him to use; he even uses words that aren’t even words but make sense where they are put. The things Lil Wayne does in “Tha Carter IV” is incredibly amazing.
Those aren’t the only one that Lil Wayne fans liked thou. “6 Foot 7 Foot” featuring Corey Gunz, is a top hit in the rap world, and on the radios. The destructive beats mixed with the intense vocabulary makes for a great song. There is also” How To Hate” featuring T-Pain. Everyone knows T-Pain. His Auto-tuned voice, and energetic being makes for a good show and good verse for the song. Just by listening to T-Pain get so hyped up, you feel like you just lifted the world. “John” is the kind of song that punches you in the mouth, it is that good. When you hear this song you will want to take back anything you ever said bad about Lil Wayne and any of his albums. With the number of songs on this album that are that good, is there any reason to doubt that Lil Wayne is not one of the best rappers in the game.
“Tha Carter IV” is one of the best albums I have ever purchase. Lil Waynes use of words and his hypothetical meanings of his context are among the best. The numerous top hits on this album just back up all the supporters Lil Wayne has. I don’t believe that many Lil Wayne fans were disappointed of the outcome of Lil Waynes newest release, “Tha Carter IV.”


Posted on Oct 21, 2011    

meme123
Rating:  54321
Posted on Oct 28, 2011    

Music_Mad_Lover
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 19
Rating:  54321
how can people compared WTT to C4??????????
its like comparing a golf player to a team sport...

WTT should be compared to Bad meets evil.. something like that

i love the album.... DJ Booth Judges Albums Far to quickly like song and album cant grow on you


Posted on Nov 02, 2011    

scout
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 10
Rating:  14321
this shit was so weak. i grew up on waynes mixtapes.. most of those were better than this. loved the interlude (3stacks!). nightmares of the bottom, 6 foot 7 foot, and she will.. the others have great production.. damn shame.


Posted on Nov 09, 2011    

ashley hall
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 2
its suck but what ever itss all good shit no bullsit lolzz heheh ans wheat ever but try this shit out (big krit) its good shit umm like this shity shit lolzz just joke its good


Posted on Nov 10, 2011    

R.E.D.
Rating:  32121
Posted on Nov 23, 2011    

OVOXO.MJM
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 22
Rating:  43211
this is solid man...yall was just expecting this to fail anyway


Posted on Nov 23, 2011    

Tanios Henry Feghali
Rating:  14321
Posted on Nov 30, 2011    

kiwiharris
Rating:  21321
Posted on Dec 07, 2011    

SeanOff
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 4
Rating:  21321
Nothing on Carter III !


Posted on Dec 11, 2011    

John Bush
Rating:  21321
Posted on Dec 25, 2011    

JAMMA32
Rating:  14321
Posted on Dec 30, 2011    

SerialLyricKiller
DJ Booth Member

 
Total Ratings: 46
Rating:  14321
@teddybarexxx bro you must be deaf.. this isn't a good album lil wayne when he was going into his prime he made good music this here is sh**


Posted on Jan 15, 2012    

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