Rating: ★★½☆☆
Tha Carter IV begins rather aggressive with Heavy 808’s, archaic strings, and familiar rhythms that would definitely permit the local “goon” to “beat the block up.” Laced with Wayne’s classic metaphors, the first half of “Tha Carter IV” seems to build the anticipation of Lil Wayne’s sought after enthusiasm, only to somber your excitement as the records stagnate on repetitious sounds and punchy raps that begin to sound cliché.
To its praise, the album has a roster of Hip Hop Super friends, with some DOPE and not so dope cameos. Drake is refreshing, Nas is kind of a bore and “Shine” somehow crawls out of the shadows he’s been hiding in only to get sent back to them by Busta Ryhmes in the outro. By far, the Climax of the CD is the Interlude on track 8, Tech N9ne (without KC bias) completely smashes the record and is followed by the Legendary Andre’ 3000, this record alone was literally the aerosol can that broke the ozone layer on Wayne’s World.
For some of Wayne’s fans his song selection may not have been to his benefit but in my opinion, I thought his song variety played to his advantage, at least commercially. After all, as long as Lil Wayne keeps the autotune “ON”, it’s not so bad that he’s reminding girls how to love again. The bonus tracks are not really a bonus at all and I believe if Wayne would have released this album last year when “6’ foot 7’foot feat. Corey Gunz” was actually hot it may have sounded better. All things considered, I’d give “The Carter IV” an overall grade of C-, disappointing? Yes… but not a complete failure.
- John Frederick
