Mark your calendars: Lil Wayne’s highly anticipated album, Tha Carter VI, is set to drop on June 6, 2025, and it's shaping up to be an impressive showcase of collaborations. In a recent profile with Rolling Stone, Wayne revealed a star-studded lineup of featured artists, including pop sensation Miley Cyrus and opera legend Andrea Bocelli.
One of the most surprising aspects of this collaboration is how Wayne approached Bocelli for permission to sample the classic "Ave Maria." After sharing his personal story of survival from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as a child, Bocelli was so moved that he offered to perform the piece himself. This unexpected partnership adds a unique layer to the album, highlighting Wayne's ability to blend genres and connect with artists from diverse backgrounds.
Other notable contributors to Tha Carter VI include Machine Gun Kelly, Elephant Man, Wyclef Jean, Wheezy, Wayne’s son Kameron Carter, U2’s Bono, and Kanye West. While Kanye West is credited as a producer on one track, it remains uncertain whether that song will make the final cut.
In the Rolling Stone interview, Wayne expressed his excitement about the upcoming album, stating, “If there’s one thing about this album that’s different, it’s me approaching it like, ‘Man, what would I sound like on something with such and such?’” This fresh perspective marks a new chapter in Wayne's career, promising fans a unique listening experience.
Wyclef Jean, who spent 24 hours in the studio with Wayne, shared his thoughts on their collaboration. He remarked, “Leaving Wyclef Jean and Lil Wayne in a studio for 24 hours is a dangerous thing. You don’t know what’s going to pop out.” This playful acknowledgment of their creative chemistry suggests that the album may feature unexpected twists and turns.
As excitement builds for the album's release, Wayne also took a moment to reflect on the Super Bowl Halftime Show. He admitted to feeling disappointed about not being chosen to perform this year, stating, “They stole that feeling. I don’t want to do it. It was perfect.” Despite this, he clarified that there are no hard feelings towards Kendrick Lamar, who did perform at the event. Wayne even encouraged Lamar ahead of his performance, showcasing a spirit of camaraderie between the two artists.
With a release date set and an eclectic mix of collaborators, Tha Carter VI is poised to be one of Lil Wayne’s most ambitious projects to date. Fans eagerly await how these collaborations will unfold and what surprises Wayne has in store for them.
As the countdown to June 6 continues, the music world watches closely, anticipating the impact of this new album. Will Tha Carter VI redefine the boundaries of hip-hop? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Lil Wayne is ready to make waves once again.
