Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne (born Dwayne Michael Carter) is currently one of America’s most popular rappers, with an impressive back catalogue, despite aged just 25.
He began rapping at the tender age of 8, having spent his youth watching television programs such as ‘Star Search’ and listening to the radio.
By the age of 13 he was signed to ‘Cashmoney Records,’ and by age 15 was part of the rap group ‘Hot Boys’ and began releasing albums as a solo artist at age 17.
His documentary film The Carter, released on DVD June 6th, offers a unique insight into the world of the global superstar.
1. Lil Wayne was born and grew up in New Orleans, however was forced to relocate to Houston Texas due to Hurricane Katrina. He would later criticise the governments slow reaction to the disaster in the song ‘Georgia... Bush.’
2. He cites ‘Nirvana’ as a strong influence on both his life and his music. He blames his reluctance to write anything down on the publication of Curt Cobain’s journals, claiming he wishes to leave ‘no evidence.’
3. If he became president, among other things, he would put the cocaine back into Coca-Cola, legalise both marijuana and prostitution, and do away with the idea of a pre-nuptial agreement.
4. He claims to have lost his virginity at age 11. He had his first daughter, Reginae Carter, age 15. He married her mother Antonia ‘Toya’ Johnson in 2004, however they were divorced in 2006.
5. He chose to be known as ‘Wayne’ rather than his birth name ‘Dwayne’ in order to disassociate himself from his father whom he is named after.
6. Lil Wayne is a practicing Roman Catholic, who often takes time out of his day to read the bible, and regularly starts hisgigs with a prayer backstage.
7. Lil Wayne, along with his manager and childhood friend Cortez Bryant set up the not-for-profit organization ‘One Family Foundation Inc.’ in order to provide opportunities for disadvantaged urban youths, encouraging them to ‘Dream beyond their circumstances.’
8. When he was thirteen he accidentally shot himself. He claims not to remember the exact circumstances, but was driven directly to hospital by a local off-duty cop.
9. In October 2009 he pleaded guilty to attempted illegal possession of a weapon, and possession of marijuana. In March 2010 he was sentenced to a year in prison, eight months of which he served before being released early for good behaviour.
10. It has been documented that he was addicted to ‘syrup’ a drink formed by mixing codeine-based cough syrup, Sprite and other mixers such as vitamin water. He was often observed to be drinking the mixture out of a stack of 2-3 16oz polystyrene cups. He claims that he had completely stopped the habit beforecommencing his jail sentence.
11. Lil Wayne likens the way that his mind works to that of Russell Crowe’s portrayal of the mathematician John Nash in the 2001 film ‘A Beautiful Mind.’ He describes it as a relief to get into the recording studio at the end of the day to release all of his thoughts.