Mannie Fresh Says Lil Wayne Joint Album Is What the 'Wayne People Want to Hear’

Mannie Fresh disclosed that he and his former Cash Money Records labelmate plan to drop a joint album titled The Fresh Files.

Lil Wayne (L) and Mannie Fresh perform at Lil Weezyana Festival
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Image via Getty/Josh Brasted/WireImage

Lil Wayne (L) and Mannie Fresh perform at Lil Weezyana Festival

After putting on the number 45 jersey and making an explosive return with Tha Carter V, Lil Wayne doesn't seem to be basking in the success of his monumental comeback. Instead, it appears that the rapper is regaining his footing delivering feature verses that remind fans of "Mixtape Weezy." But his bars aren't the only things that feel nostalgic. During an interview with XXLMannie Fresh disclosed that the former Cash Money Millionaires plan to drop a joint album titled The Fresh Files.

On Monday, Mannie Fresh explained to XXL's Kai Acevedo that he and Wayne created a lot of material while locking in with the rapper to perfect Tha Carter V. As a result, the two allegedly have albums worth of material, which Fresh will condense into a joint project. And while he confirms that the tape will drop, Mannie Fresh cites Wayne's storied label struggles as to why he wouldn't dish out a date. 

"Hell yeah! People are asking when are we going to do this, but it can’t interfere with Tha Carter. We have to let it get to the point where they feel like now go ahead you can do this," Fresh said. "I get it, because it’s not just him. It’s Universal and all of that. The label is like, because Mannie is your dude, we’re allowing Mannie to do this. It ain’t got nothing to do with Universal. It would be purely just me. The world is definitely going to get those records. If I could’ve put it out with Universal it would’ve been out."

Although it is unsure when fans will hear Wayne rip into another Mannie Fresh beat, the producer assured that The Fresh Files will not disappoint no matter when it drops. 

"I feel like it’s the Wayne that people want to hear," Mannie described. "The format of those songs are even different from the two that are on [Tha Carter V]. There were some people that felt it was too musical and they dumbed the song down. On the project that I’m putting out, you’re going to get the version of how the song was before it was touched."

As fans wait for The Fresh Files, the CEO of music marketing and management company The Revels Group Jamil Davis took it upon himself to make sure Wayne gets the recognition he deserves. In an Instagram post, Davis alluded to a surprise event to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Lil Wayne's iconic No Ceilings mixtape.

"Whatsup everyone. Good Tuesday. Just got into a big back and forth with [Cortez Bryant] about putting together something special for the [Lil Wayne] 10 year anniversary of #NoCeilings," he wrote. "I have pitched to him a flawless vision and plan to execute it. Let’s see how it plays out!!! We love you Wayne ! Based off my survey yesterday, I know a bunch of people would come out  !!!"

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