In the long-awaited, “Tha Carter V”, Lil Wayne finally returns after an ugly lawsuit between the rapper, and Cash Money Label Head, Birdman. Even those who aren’t the biggest fans on the rapper, were looking forward to hearing what has been anticipated for so long.

The album contains 23 tracks and begins with a message from Jacida Carter to Wayne which leads into “Dont Cry” which featured XXXTENTACION, who had recently passed away in June. Lil Wayne also brings out Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Sosamann, Reginae Carter, Snoop Dogg, Ashanti, Mack Maine, Nivea, and Sampha for features. Swizz Beatz is also a featured producer on “Uproar” which results in a great track.  Throughout the album Wayne mentions his personal life and his extravagant lifestyle as a rapper, which is brought up frequently is today’s hip-hop. Since the album was delayed for so long, some of these tracks were recorded years ago, and some just a short time before the album’s release. Still though, Wayne still finds a way to make the tracks work well with each other. On some of the tracks in this record, such as “Dark Side of the Moon” and “Mess”, Wayne attempts to incorporate his old style into a sound that fits a more mainstream style. As a result these tracks are some weaker ones on the record. Some of the better tracks are “Mona Lisa” and “Dedicate” that truly show Wayne’s talent and potential that many were waiting to hear again including myself. I would give this album a 7/10.

Many of our own students at BHS enjoyed the album as well. Alexis Enanian told Eagle’s Cry that “it makes [her] feel peaceful” and Matt Salerno mentioned that it is the “hardest rap since 2014 Forest Hills Drive by J. Cole.”