Recommended tracks: “King Carter,” “Island Holiday,” “Sharks”
Artists you may like: Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Ty Dolla $ign
Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter VI released last Friday as the sixth installment in the Carter series. The announcement came as a surprise to longtime fans, as Tha Carter V was previously expected to be the final album in the saga.
Wayne had hinted at the possibility of a sixth installment with the title of his 2023 album, Tha Fix Before Tha VI, but many still didn’t expect another chapter. The new release blends classic Wayne with fresh sounds and features from newer artists, marking a new era in his career.
This album holds particular significance for the New Orleans rapper. Following disappointment over not being selected to perform at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show in his home state of Louisiana, where fans had speculated he would headline, many are viewing this album as a “redemption era.”
Tha Carter VI features 19 tracks with appearances from 2 Chainz, Wyclef Jean, Mannie Fresh, Jelly Roll, and BigXthaPlug, among others. A lineup of high-profile producers and writers adds to the album’s collaborative power.
Here are a few standout tracks:
“King Carter” – The album’s opening track features a spoken-word intro about Wayne’s legacy and resilience, stating, “Young Money’s king / no throne too high / Wayne stays timeless / he’ll never die.” The song transitions into electric bass riffs with a powerful repetition of “King Carter.”
“Bells” – Track three samples LL Cool J’s “Rock the Bells,” using the metaphor of bells to describe Wayne’s sharp and hard-hitting rap skills.“L-I-L Wayne is hot as hell / Flow so hard / my bars hit like barbells.”
“Sharks” (feat. Jelly Roll and Big Sean) – This anthem explores self-preservation and deception. Jelly Roll delivers the chorus: “Snakes ain’t always in the grass / Sharks ain’t always in the water / Thieves ain’t always in the night / God ain’t always at the altar.” Big Sean joins in the second verse, opening up about his past, mirroring the vulnerability Wayne shares throughout the album.
“The Days” (feat. Bono) – This is a feel-good, uplifting song about perseverance and appreciating life’s moments. Bono sings: “I also remember them days when I was layin’ on / that hospital bed thinkin’ how many days I had left / The revolution is just out the door / Every day is my day.”
“Island Holiday” – We head into a summer-ready track that samples Weezer’s “Island in the Sun.” Wayne raps about needing a break—traveling, drinking, and escaping stress—set to a breezy, upbeat rhythm that contrasts with intense verses.
“Alone in the Studio With My Gun” (feat. mgk and Kodak Black) – The album’s final featured track, this song uses a gun as a metaphor for lyrical prowess. mgk sings the chorus: “I’m alone, I ran away everyone / Ask me where my heart is / I have none.” Kodak Black and Wayne reflect on isolation and their craft’s intensity.
Tha Carter VI delivers Wayne’s signature bars, inventive instrumentals, and sharp wordplay, and also features some fresh and surprising collaborations. The rapper is set to embark on a North American tour in support of the album. Tickets are available here.
Tour dates:
07/30/2025 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
08/01/2025 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
08/02/2025 – Atlantic City, NJ – Boardwalk Hall
08/03/2025 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
08/05/2025 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre
08/06/2025 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
08/08/2025 – Syracuse, NY – Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview
08/09/2025 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
08/11/2025 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
08/14/2025 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
08/16/2025 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
08/17/2025 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
08/20/2025 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
08/22/2025 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater
08/23/2025 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
08/24/2025 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
08/26/2025 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
08/29/2025 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
09/01/2025 – Ridgefield, WA – Cascades Amphitheater
09/03/2025 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
09/05/2025 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
09/06/2025 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
09/10/2025 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
09/12/2025 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
09/14/2025 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
09/16/2025 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
09/17/2025 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
09/18/2025 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Presented by Huntsman
09/22/2025 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center
09/24/2025 – Huntsville, AL – The Orion Amphitheater
09/25/2025 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
09/28/2025 – Memphis, TN – FedExForum
09/29/2025 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
10/01/2025 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center
10/02/2025 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
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