Lil’ Wayne By Destiny Stokes
The New Orleans native has come a long way from tag-a-long to Bryan “Birdman” Williams and his partner/brother “Slim”. And, like in any good Karate flick, Wayne the protégé has gone through the training, passed the tests and is ready to face all challengers. When the stars of Cash Money left looking for greener pastures, Wayne was faced with his first challenge––carrying the weight of the label where he was first the student. Taking it in stride, he’s shown everyone he absorbed the platinum success that surrounded him, and has now started his own Young Money movement. Equipped with all that was needed to spot talent, coupled with the ability to spit hot bar after hot bar, Wayne found his Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. In other words, Wayne’s Young Money roster is hip-hop’s equivalent of the famed Olympic Dream Team. Drake could be the Magic of his time. The way he took over the game is just like how Magic weaved in and out of traffic on the court. Nicki Minaj is also proving she can play with the big boys. Wayne snatched her early in the game and now she is the premiere chick in a cast of hungry emcees. Wayne also picked up verbal assassin Jae Millz. Wayne remains the voice of the youth. Whether romancing the finest woman or seducing the hottest beat, Wayne is the manifestation of what hard work produces. Platinum and money bore Wayne; he is the purist form of a modern day Russell Simmons. Besides, being the voice of the youth, Lil’ Wayne has everyone listening. Even though he is serving time in prison, we can only hope he realizes his talent and potential. If he’s aware of all his possibilities, we may just see hip-hop’s first billionaire.
Streets Mos Magazine | 43