Lil Wayne has been an international rap star for over a decade now. His music is played on radio stations all around the world, and he’s won many awards including Grammys. But is Lil Wayne actually Nigerian?
Many people think that because his name sounds like “Wayne” and his skin color is darker, so, he is Nigerian.
In an interview, Lil Wayne reveals that he is of Nigerian descent. The rapper got tattoos to commemorate this heritage; one says “Africa” in script across the front of his chest with two large African tribal masks over each shoulder blade.”
Wayne’s most of his family members are American. But somehow he discovered that he belongs to Nigerian more than American.
He has a Nigerian flag tattoo on his left arm and ever since the interview. That made sense how he could rap so well about Africa.
Related: Does Lil Wayne Have Siblings?
Li Wayne’s early Life
Lil Wayne was born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. on September 27, 1982, in New Orleans Louisiana USA. His father and grandmother are both musicians with a history of playing guitar.
He grew up to be the youngest member of Cash Money Records. While his cousin Brian Williams is also part of the label’s dynasty that includes artists such as Big Tymers and Drake who had risen from being Lil Wayne’s protégée.
From his early life, Lil Wayne has been a prolific performer. he began his career at the age of 12 and has been a solo artist for 15 years.
Lil Wayne is best known as one of the most successful hip-hop artists in America, with his level of success still rising day by day.
He’s also recognized as the “best rapper alive” or “the greatest living rapper”. Due to many accomplishments that he’s gained from being on top of hip hop world.
He started early rapping along with other members within Cash Money Records. But later became famous when he dropped off his 1999 debut album “Tha Block Is Hot”.
This album reached #22 on Billboard 200 charts & sold over 109 000 copies worldwide becoming certified platinum in the U.S as well as Canada and New Zealand where it was released under Universal Music Group.
As a Nigerian
Before his fame, he used to work with a Nigerian named Dwayne Carter.
Lil Wayne has been found as having a connection between Nigeria because he also spells out “Nigga” for some songs like ‘Weezy Ni*ger (White Girl) of the album Tha Carter III.
Which came out in 2008 and Weezy F Baby from Tha Carter V dropped last month. This differs from what most people would spell but that’s how you say.
Wayne’s Arrest and Controversies
Lil Wayne’s arrest on gun charges in 2007 only fueled the fire, but he was acquitted of all charges. In 2008 he had a fight with Drake and his crew at New York City nightclub called Club WIP following a performance by Young Money artists. This resulted in Kanye West calling him “a disgrace to America.”
In January 2013, Lil Wayne plead guilty to four counts of drug possession after being arrested for attempted illegal purchase of eight different types of drugs from an undercover officer. That officer told NBC Nightly News that “Wayne seemed happy when I said it was cocaine…his demeanor changed drastically as soon as I mentioned this is crack or heroin”
He spent the next year under house arrest until 2014, where he holed up at his home and recorded new music.
The rapper was released from prison in 2010 after serving eight months of a one-year sentence for criminal possession of a weapon following an arrest in 2007. When he had tried carrying a loaded gun without the proper permit.
In July 2015, Wayne’s lawyers were considering filing papers to have him legally declared as Nigerian. So that he could take advantage of better financial opportunities there while continuing work on U.S. projects; however, it is unclear if this happened or not.”
