In the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, few names resonate as profoundly as Lil Wayne. With a career spanning over two decades and a discography that has produced numerous chart-toppers, one might expect the rapper to revel in the nostalgia of his greatest hits. However, in a candid conversation with Rolling Stone, Wayne revealed a surprising truth: he hardly remembers the details of his own achievements, and he’s perfectly okay with it.
“I’m going to be so honest with you: I don’t know Tha Carter III, Tha Carter II, Tha Carter One from Tha Carter IV,” Wayne confessed. This unapologetic admission encapsulates his unique relationship with fame and success. Despite the accolades and critical acclaim that came with his iconic Tha Carter III album, which propelled him to superstar status in 2008, Wayne remains indifferent. “Nah, I don’t even know if that’s when Tha Carter III came out. That’s how much I don’t know,” he stated, emphasizing his daily commitment to creating rather than reflecting.
Wayne attributes this lack of memory to what he describes as a balance of gifts. “I believe that [God] blessed me with this amazing mind, but would not give [me] an amazing memory to remember this amazing s—,” he explained, highlighting a fascinating paradox in his artistic journey. This hazy recollection leaves Wayne without a favorite project or song from his extensive body of work. “Not a favorite at all. My favorite song is the last one I record. And then I will forget it after the next one I record,” he said, showcasing his relentless drive to move forward in his craft.
Despite his forgetfulness, Wayne’s passion for music remains unwavering. He expressed a fierce dedication to his artistry: “Every single action, every single word, every single approach. The reason why I’m still only listening and working on my own s— is because I’m in it.” This commitment to his own journey is evident, as he chooses to focus on his creations rather than getting caught up in the successes of others. “I don’t care how high you jumping. I don’t care how fast you run. You can’t even stand next to me with that s—.”
Wayne’s work ethic is as relentless as ever, and retirement is not on his radar. “When you work the way I work, it gets strenuous, and it might flash,” he remarked, hinting at the challenges that come with a high-output lifestyle. “When you’re an artist — a real artist like myself, I was born this way. So I don’t think that the real true artists and pioneers, they never retire. They died doing this.”
However, this fervent dedication sometimes results in misunderstandings with fans. Recently, Wayne faced backlash for a truncated performance in Los Angeles, where he took the stage over an hour late and performed for just 30 minutes. The audience’s disappointment was palpable, especially after the rapper brought out surprise guest 2 Chainz before abruptly handing the stage over to his Young Money artists.
In a moment captured on video, Wayne addressed the crowd, saying, “We appreciate it, but we ain’t about to be bending over backwards for these folks. We work too hard for this s—.” This statement reflected both his commitment to his craft and a frustration with the expectations placed upon him by fans.
Lil Wayne’s approach to his music and career is a testament to his singular mindset. While he may not dwell on past successes, his focus remains steadfastly on creating and performing, ensuring that his legacy continues to grow with each new project. For Wayne, the journey is far more significant than the destination — a philosophy that not only defines his artistry but also resonates with countless fans who appreciate his authentic passion for hip-hop.
