Lil Wayne’s much-anticipated album, ‘Tha Carter VI,’ released on June 6, has sparked chatter amid fans and critics alike. Unfortunately, it’s not for the all best reasons.
In its first week, ‘Tha Carter VI’ is projected to sell 110,000 equivalent units. This figure, reported by HITSDD, includes 35,000 traditional sales. However, this might not be enough to secure the number one spot on the Billboard 200. That crown seems to belong to country star Morgan Wallen, who will hold onto it for another week.
Looking back, Lil Wayne’s previous albums have enjoyed better openings. His last solo album, ‘Funeral,’ hit number one with 139,000 units sold in its debut week. Even more impressive was ‘Tha Carter V,’ which opened with a staggering 480,000 units in 2018. So, while 110,000 units is no small feat, for Lil Wayne, it’s a considerable drop from past performances.
The album’s distinction, however, rests in its eclectic features. Fans find an unexpected guest in U2’s Bono on the track ‘The Days,’ first heard during the NBA Finals promotions. Wayne reflects on his career, rapping, “I ain’t getting younger, but I’m getting better.” Bono lends his voice, singing about life’s defining moments, adding a unique touch to the mix.
Besides Bono, the 19-track project includes collaborations with various artists from different genres, such as 2 Chainz, Kodak Black, Machine Gun Kelly, and Big Sean. It also brings in opera star Andrea Bocelli, country singer Jelly Roll, and the legendary Wyclef Jean. This diverse lineup showcases Wayne’s ambition to mix different sounds and styles under one album.
Despite the lukewarm sales projections and mixed reviews, Lil Wayne’s influence in the music world remains strong. Justin Bieber, a longtime fan, recently shared their emotional connection. Bieber posted their FaceTime call, captioning it with a goat emoji, signaling Wayne’s iconic status in the industry.
Wayne responded to Bieber with equal warmth, sharing on social media about their heartfelt conversation. His message, “It’s a painful walk but we got each other,” with a love heart emoji, highlighted their bond amid the ups and downs of fame.
While the first week for ‘Tha Carter VI’ may not have been as successful as past albums, Lil Wayne’s legacy in hip hop and his ability to connect with fans and collaborators remain unshaken. He’s still the ‘GOAT’ in the eyes of many.
