The rap world is buzzing with Lil Wayne’s latest release, ‘Tha Carter VI’. However, the highly anticipated album has stumbled out of the gate with streaming numbers falling short of fan expectations. Released after a five-year hiatus, this album has left both fans and critics pondering its reception.
On the first day of release, ‘Tha Carter VI’ managed 14.2 million streams on Spotify, a stark contrast to its predecessor, ‘Tha Carter V’, which soared to 66 million streams back in 2018. The numbers paint a picture, and it isn’t the one that Lil Wayne or his ardent followers were hoping for.
Fans were eager to see if Wayne’s new drop would dethrone Morgan Wallen from the top of the Billboard 200. But things are not looking promising. Should it fail, it will mark the first time since 2015 that a solo project by Wayne doesn’t debut at number one. The album, however, isn’t short on star power. Collaborations boast a diverse range of artists—from U2’s Bono to 2 Chainz and even opera singer Andrea Bocelli. The eclectic mix is undeniable, with a track featuring Bono already generating buzz during the NBA Finals promo. On it, Wayne embraces his veteran status in hip hop, rapping about aging with grace while Bono croons about the essence of youth.
Despite the musical star-studded lineup, the absence of a reunion with Young Money stalwarts Drake and Nicki Minaj on this tracklist didn’t go unnoticed. This has been a sore point for some loyalists who were hoping for a bigger nostalgia hit.
Nevertheless, Lil Wayne maintains a loyal fan base. This was evident when Justin Bieber shared moments of a FaceTime call with the rap star on Instagram, calling him the “GOAT”. Wayne reciprocated with a touching post about their emotional conversation. It’s clear that while the album’s numbers may not shine as brightly as hoped, Wayne’s influence and connections in the industry remain strong.
While ‘Tha Carter VI’ hasn’t quite met streaming expectations, Lil Wayne’s legacy as a hip-hop icon is untouched. With an array of collaborations and a lasting fan base, Wayne continues to make waves in the music world, proving that numbers aren’t everything in determining an artist’s impact.
