In an earlier blog about
Talib Kweli, I said that I don't find myself listening to Lil Wayne's music. I respect his lyricism and wit on the mic. He is one of the greatest rappers to ever to do it. I listen to the tracks that get radio play. I even watch the videos when they come on. But I have never bought one of his albums, not even
The Carter 3. So it really perplexes me because, given all the evidence I have listed, the contrary should be true. Here are two reasons why:
1. Over-Saturation
Prior to his incarceration, you couldn't find a track that Wayne didn't put out himself, collaborated on, or was associated with. He is the hardest working rapper in the business. He constantly puts out mixtapes at a pace that deserves nothing but respect. But putting out so much music can have the reverse effect. For me, I just can't keep up with it all. Because his music is so ready available I just dismiss it as another Lil Wayne track and it loses its luster. I am not as excited. Having time lapses in between releases gives your fans a chance to miss you and replay the music already out. It keeps them coming back. Which is why going to jail works. Here's
why.
2. Has The Zenith Been Reached?
The most interesting thing about Wayne's career has been his learning curve as far as lyricism. To witness the evolution of his music is an amazing thing. Look at the difference between
The Block Is Hot and
The Carter or
The Carter and
The Carter 3. It's an exaggerated example of what artists' growth looks like over their career. But one must ask, where is there left to go creatively? He is at the top of his game lyrically and he has done the rock thing already. Aside from being a 'Conscious Rapper' I am not sure creatively what he will do next.
I think a rapper's motivation is a huge part of what drives their career. Being angry won't get you too far after a while. When 50 cent came out in '05, he was so hungry and angry. He was anxious to prove to everyone that he belonged in hip hop. He wanted to share his story. A very unique story that seemed like something out of a comic book. But after selling records and endorsement deals, what is there to be angry about? And
no one is we are still waiting for another album.
Eminem is another rapper who had a lot of success venting frustration and anger about his situation. Another unique story that a lot of people liked and could relate to. But now being sober for a while has dulled his edge a little. He seems a little more, normal I think. And he's a lot closer to retirement.
To survive in this industry you can't just rap from emotion. If you are fortunate to be around long enough, advancing the art form should be just as important. That's what separates being hot right now from being remembered years from now.
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