From Kanye West's genre-defining heartbreak record to Jack Harlow's attempt at Neo-soul, rappers stepping outside hip-hop have a long and fascinating history. Here are the 20 best albums to come out of it.
Dimas SanfiorenzoLil Wayne
Lil Wayne is a Grammy-winning rapper from New Orleans who first gained fame as a member of the Hot Boys before launching a prolific solo career in the early 2000s. Known for his raspy voice, intricate wordplay, and the groundbreaking *Dedication* mixtape series, he helped bring Southern hip-hop to mainstream audiences and has collaborated with artists ranging from Jay-Z to Nicki Minaj. His cultural relevance comes from his ability to consistently redefine rap through inventive metaphors and punchlines, influencing a generation of lyricists. Fans return to his work for its blend of gritty storytelling and playful bravado, with tracks like "A Milli" becoming anthems that showcase his distinctive flow and creative risk-taking.
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Ian StonebrookLatest Stories
Lil Wayne Says He 'Can't Look' at Milk While Eating Cereal, Has Unhealthy Diet Despite Personal Chef
"I eat breakfast for dinner a lot," Weezy said in a new episode of the 'Friends Keep Secrets' podcast.
Trace William Cowen24 hours ago
Lil Wayne Teams Up With Craig Carton for New 'Joint Venture' Podcast
The duo will tape the debut episode live at Fanatics Fest NYC this weekend before dropping it on YouTube and other major platforms.
Trey Alston4 days ago
Lil Wayne Lawsuit Reveals Ex-Assistant Had to Roll Blunts, Love Dogs, and Have Good Hygiene
New court documents tied to Lil Wayne's ongoing assault lawsuit reveal the surprisingly detailed expectations for his former personal assistant.
Mark Elibert7 days ago
Lil Wayne Ends Speculation He Got Engaged to 23-Year-Old, Confirms He’s Single: ‘Sucks'
Earlier this year, it was reported that Lil Wayne got engaged to 23-year-old Madison Cannon.
Joe Price16 days ago
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Did Lil Wayne Skip Out on Maine Show to Attend Michael Rubin's White Party?
One day after being a no-show on the opening night of his tour, Wayne attended the annual White Party.
Jose Martinez20 days ago
Lil Dicky Argues There's 'No Better Rapper' Than Drake, Crowns Him the GOAT
On the latest episode of Complex's 'GOAT Talk,' Dicky also pointed to Ye as a key influence.
Trace William Cowen34 days ago
Lil Wayne Wins $29,225 Judgment After Security Guard's Lawsuit Gets Tossed
Plaintiff Christian Carlos repeatedly defied court discovery orders.
Trey Alston40 days ago
Lil Novi and North West Drop Joint Single "Mula the Root of All Evil"
The children of Lil Wayne and Kanye West have linked up for a new track — bringing together two legendary legacies.
Trey Alston46 days ago
Rauw Alejandro’s Run Fast Racing Lets Fans Buy into Belmont Stakes Dreams
From Belmont Stakes contender Vitruvian Man to app-based ownership, see how Run Fast Racing is using tech and celebrity power to open up the sport.
Bernadette Giacomazzo46 days ago
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Lil Wayne Reportedly Got Engaged Earlier This Year
He reportedly got engaged to a young woman from Indiana earlier this year, although it's unclear who she is.
Joe Price57 days ago
Kid Cudi Recalls Missing Lil Wayne Recording Session, Jokes He Was 'Butt-Ass Naked' in Bed
Apparently Cudi's sleep schedule doesn't align with Weezy's penchant for late-night studio sessions.
Trey Alston67 days ago
Reginae Carter Reveals the One Thing Lil Wayne Wouldn't Buy for Her
He told her, besides that, he'd buy her the world.
Trey Alston74 days ago
Reginae Carter Says Lil Wayne's Lyrics Got Her Denied From Private School
Reginae Carter says her father's lyrics prevented her from being accepted into top private schools in Atlanta.
Trey Alston80 days ago
Kehlani Shares Self-Titled New Album f/ Clipse, Cardi B, Missy Elliott, Usher, and More
"Enjoy it, live in it, love through it," Kehlani advised fans as the new album hit streaming services.
Trace William Cowen89 days ago
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Lil Wayne Says Coachella and Grammy Snubs Is 'Truly a Humbling Experience'
It comes after the five-time Grammy winner previously expressed how "hurt" he was when he wasn't asked to headline the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.
Jaelani Turner-Williams95 days ago
Juelz Santana Says Lil Wayne Gave Him $100,000 While Behind Bars: 'A Lot of People Don’t Know That'
Santana also gave a depressing update about their long-awaited project, 'I Can't Feel My Face.'
Trey Alston101 days ago
Pooh Shiesty Taps Lil Wayne, Kodak Black Lawyer Bradford Cohen for New Case
The high-profile attorney returns to represent the rapper as he faces a new kidnapping case.
Mark Elibert106 days ago