Why [I Think] The Carter 3 is Whack!

In December of 2005, Lil Wayne saw fit to grace us hip hop stans with The Carter II, an album that many of us would consider a classic. Now, in June of 2008, “The Best Rapper Alive” has finally decided to bless us with the long delayed studio follow-up Tha Carter III. Whether it proves his claims or even its own quality for that matter is up for scrutiny.
Not to go back too far but let’s look at the carter II for starters. This was an album that gave us numerous hot singles (Fireman, Hustlers Musik, Shooter) and one-liners that would become hip-hop quotables. All of theses combined made for not only a good listen but also more importantly, a great fuckin album.
After an album of that caliber, Lil Wayne finally proved skillful as a rapper. He also proved capable of holding the streets ear, a feat the rapper mastered by giving the fans a reason to listen. Lines like “I know you see the gwap, 'cause money is what we on//Ridin' drop-top in the winter with the heat on//Bad yella bitch keep my passenger seat warm//Leg hangin' out the window, you ain't got deeze on” from Da Drought 3.
And lines like “Ya Camera Has Never Saw A Picture This Nice//I'm Fishin And Tha Bicthes Will Bite//Its Probably Cuz My Game Is Fixer Then Tight” from The Drought Is Over: Part. 4 song Brand New.
Lil Wayne flooded the rap game for 3 years with guest spots and verses many of which crossed genres in ways that left us all scratching our heads. From Enrique Inglasias to Britney Spears to M.I.A., Weezyana popped up in more places than a Where's Waldo workbook. He surprised fans and critics alike. And if we bring into question his Best Rapper Alive campaign we would have to admit that there were times when he showed flashes of brilliance. And like a politician on the campaign trail, he made believers out of anyone open to hear his message.
But also like a politician he was ripe for scandal. The Fuck All DJ's statement notwithstanding, there was the post-Pimp C praises of syrup despite the substances role in the rappers death. There was the arrest in Arizona where he was caught with more white girl than Hugh Heffner. There were the jabs from 50 Cent calling him a whore. And let us not forget the allegations of ghostwriter Gillie the Squid.
Then there were all those damn leaks. It seemed that every time he coughed on a mic, it made its way onto somebody’s mixtape. This brings us to the reason why we're here. Is C3 as good as it could have been? Is it a good album? I mean, anybody who heard the fire and intensity of Drought 3 is feeling just a lil aggie at Lil Wayne for some of the sub par joints offered up as music on C3. For as long as we all waited for this album only to receive songs like Phone Home.
I, like over 1 million other people, went and spent 10 dollars of my much needed gas money on an album that was believed to be the best album of 08. What I got instead was an aiight album. Only aiight. I know that people will say that I'm on one but I expected more and you're lying to yourself if you say you didn’t. It’s not a bad album but it’s not great either. 3Peat is no Fly In and the brilliance of “Mr. Carter”, “Let The Beat Build” and “Dr Carter” are offset but missteps like Got Money.
And how many songs do you need with singers!? The joint “Comfortable” with Babyface has whip appeal. Pun intended. But why the fuck is Bobby Valentino making siren noises on “Mrs. Officer”!? And I thought Robin Thicke was dead. Sorry. Nothing against these singers cause they all have talent, respectively. Were Thom York and Chris Martin busy? I don’t know, I guess I just had high hopes.
All in all I expected the most anticipated album of the year to be more than another formula album. I even expected it to be more than a classic. I expected a gem, a play through album, a change the game album. An album that set the bar at a new level and a new standard for years to come. I guess I fell victim to the hype. Maybe my expectations were unrealistic.
Sike! I’m pissed that after 3 years of playing C2 and any and every mixtape I could get my hands on, I finally get a studio effort and it’s a disappointment. I expect better and as a fan I deserve better. But here at Stereo-Type Magazine its not about me its about the faithful readers so let us know what you think.

Mike Jones...The Don!