NEW YORK, NY (Universal Records) - Cash Money's signature artist and crescent city rising star
Lil Wayne earns a Grammy nomination in the "Best Rap/Sung Collaboration" category for his work with
Destiny's Child and T.I. This news comes as Cash Money/Universal Records releases his newest album, Tha Carter II, which hit stores this past Tuesday. This is the 23-year old rapper's first Grammy nomination.
Critical acclaim for Tha Carter II is already pouring in: The New York Times raves that II " ... is an impressive CD, and in some sense historic..." Rolling Stone proclaims that Wayne's "fifth solo CD finds him in excellent lyrical command."
The lead single, "Fireman," from Tha Carter II is burning up the radio charts and the video is currently the No 1 "Most Played Video" on MTV2 and BET. Another notable track includes one of the New York Times' picks, the "woosey, bluesy highlight, 'Shooter.'" The song is a departure from Wayne's early musical formula, flexing a more complex lyrical delivery and rhyme scheme. Other tracks from the breakthrough disc include "Money On My Mind," "Hustler Musik," and "Grown Man," which features Lil Wayne's protege Currency.
Along with Tha Carter II, Cash Money/Universal Records is also simultaneously released a deluxe package of Tha Carter II which contains the new CD and a chopped and screwed version of some of Lil Wayne's biggest songs including: "Go DJ," "Tha Block is Hot," "Get Off The Corner" as well as the new single, "Fireman."
Lil Wayne was born and raised in the infamous poverty-stricken section of New Orleans - the 17th Ward. His rise to stardom came in 1995 at the tender age of 12 when he made his debut on his former label mates' B.G's True Story CD. Shortly thereafter, the rap prodigy garnered national attention as a member of the group, Hot Boys, which consisted of rappers Juvenile, Turk and B.G., with their 1997 debut album, Get It How You Live, followed by 1998's platinum certified Guerilla Warfare and 2003's Let Em Burn.
Success continued to follow Lil Wayne, as a solo artist, his debut CD, 1999's Tha Block Is Hot reached platinum status and was a No 1 Billboard Album. He later released in 2000, Lights Out, 500Degreez in 2002 and his defining album, 2004's gold certified, Tha Carter, which featured the hit single "Go DJ."
Lil Wayne is currently winding down a national tour with fellow Southern rapper T.I. and Young Jeezy.
