Lil Wayne - Rebirth
From the instant the bass guitar is stroked and the drum is beat on “American Star,” the opening track off Dwayne Carter’s seventh album, it’s clear his latest musical venture is a sharp turn from what fans have come to know and expect of Lil’ Wayne.
This is not a bad thing. In fact Rebirth, the follow-up to the triple platinum selling Tha Carter III, invites fans of the rapper to not only explore a genre of music they’re not used to, coming from him, but to also delve into the evolution of an artist who refuses to be boxed into hip-hop or better yet—to let hip-hop be viewed through a single lens. In a manner likened, but not equated to Outkast’s Andre 3000 and his genre-twisting approach to the Diamond certified The Love Below, Wayne indulgently auto-tunes, raps, and even smokes on this album as he brings to life the rock star in which he truly is. While the album allows for both hits and misses in its daring approach for its star, it’s a fun, blended, and enjoyable listen for fans of pop, rock, and rap.
Once listeners are ready to dive into this alternate “Wayne’s World” in sound and genre, they’ll find a mixture of both depth and irrelevance in his lyrical content as they navigate through various tracks. The album, which suffered a number of delays in the midst of Wayne’s legal woes, forges ahead with the rock-driven “Prom Queen.” The initial buzz single, leaked January 2009, in which Wayne sings (in auto-tune, of course), tells the story of a popular beauty casting him to the side as she pursues guys she deems cooler. In the end, he has the last laugh as he sings, “The prom queen is crying, sitting outside of my door…You never know how everything could turn around.”
The guitar driven “Ground Zero” tells of the realities in the hardships of the world, and wanting to be away from it all. “I’m so high that the ground is gone/I don’t even know which cloud I’m on.” Make no mistakes what this song is about as Wayne declares, “I got a lot of drugs that I could just share.”
“Paradice” tells the story of a girl and a boy, separately in pursuit of glory and fame. The song speaks to the depths of darkness and sadness that come with it. “The sun don’t shine forever, and everything ain’t glitter and gold,” Wayne cries out. Letting listeners in on the sentiment that many celebrities often seem to share—fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be—Wayne shares, “I’ll probably be better in my afterlife. I should cherish life, but I know this ain’t paradice.” It’s a chillingly sad verse ending a song that draws the listener in from beginning to end.
“On Fire”, the first official single, samples the song “She’s On Fire” from the original motion picture soundtrack to the film Scarface. Completely recreating the beat to the 80s disco track, producing team Cool & Dre, rev up the heavy metal and base to bring forth a mash of hip-hop and rock sure to bring musical generations together. For their part, it’s a great feat.
The pop/dance-infused “Da Da Da,” along with the ska-pop inspired “Get A Life,” leaves a lot to be desired lyrically. But it’s the collaborations: “One Way Trip” with Kevin Rudolph, “Knockout” with Wayne’s rap protégé Nicki Minaj, and “Drop The World” with superstar rapper Eminem, that stand above the rest of the album. If Rebirth was a baby in its embryonic state, this song would be the egg from which it emerged. In it, Wayne talks of his journey on Earth that’s getting difficult as he continues. He speaks of his knowledge and truths as he raps, “I know what they don’t want to tell you. Just hope you’re heaven-sent, and you’re hell-proof.” And in spite of all the BS, he’ll be strong in the end as he declares, “Confidence is a stain they can’t wipe off.” Eminem joins him toward the end, co-signing on the whole “screw the cold, back turning world” sentiment. And while it may seem angry and defiant, it speaks to the core of both of these artists. A must-listen for fans of both.
Last week, Lil’ Wayne earned a reprieve in his much-publicized jail sentencing stemming from his October 2009 conviction on attempted possession of a criminal weapon. Like a few of the world’s biggest musical artists, he, too, is seemingly a troubled genius. While some may have a hard time deciding whether this album alludes to the troubled spirit or the artistic genius, Rebirth is seemingly a reflection of both.
This is the most “on point’ review I have read regarding this album from Lil Wayne. I am really annoyed that most of the reviews have been so negative but I beleive that the reason for this is simply that they want to box him in and define what he should do as an artist. I have found this album fun and entertaining, and a nice view at alternative music whether you want to call it rap or pop. This man is one of the most talented artists today and hopefully people will buy the album and experience that.
no, most reviews are negative because lil wayne is a horrific singer and has little musical talent. why do you think the label kept bushing back the release date and even wanted it to be a part of a 2 disc “carter 4″ ?
If he’s the best rapper alive, its strange because i dont remember hearing about Eminem, Jay-Z, AZ, Andre3000, T.I., or any of a long list of better rappers than wayne dying…
This is the truest, most honest and legit review of this album there is and i believe i’ve read them all. props to the author
Completely agree!! The more I listen to the album, the more I love it! In my eyes Wayne has succeeded again!
ok i love lil fucking wayne
The Best Review I’ve Read. The Album Is Great!!
Ppl don’t get the point. Lil wayne stands out from everyone else. He isn’t limited to one thing only. That’s y his rock won’t sound like the white man’s rock u acustomed to, it’s authentic.
Great review.