12th studio album from Lil Wayne! It's been 6-7 years since Carter IV, and Carter V, originally planned to be released in 2014, is finally out. At 23 tracks long, the record is a treat for fans that have been hungry for a new Weezy project, and this, reportedly, is the final chapter to the series that ushered him into superstardom. Swizz Beatz reworks G-Dep's "Special Delivery" on "Uproar," and the seasoned rapper goes off; the energy is reminiscent of "Mixtape Weezy" days, and on "Dope N****z" featuring Snoop Dogg, Wayne offers another fresh take on a classic, Dr. Dre's "Xxplosive." "Start This S**t Off Right" is an ode to the unmistakable bounce of Cash Money's yesteryears (s/o Mannie Fresh), and "Let It Fly" w/ Travis Scott places the seasoned rapper square in the context of today's hip-hop landscape. On "Don't Cry" focuses on Wayne's emotions as he deals with up and downs of life, and "Mona Lisa" featuring Kendrick Lamar is another highlight on the album as the two rappers trade bars about two sides to a deceptive woman.

• music label: Young Money 2018

reviewed by pocari papi 02/19