Why Are Hip-Hop Fans Turning on Lil Wayne? The Real Story Behind the Backlash

Lil Wayne is one of the greatest rappers of all time. His influence shaped a whole generation of artists and fans. For many years, his music was loved worldwide. But recently, hip-hop fans have started turning on him, especially after the release of his latest album, Tha Carter 6.

Here’s a clear look at what happened—and why so many are disappointed in Lil Wayne right now.

Lil Wayne’s Legendary Carter Series

Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter album series is legendary. Each album sold very well:

• Tha Carter (2004): 878,000 units
• Tha Carter II (2005): 1.4 million units
• Tha Carter III (2008): 3.8 million units
• Tha Carter IV (2011): 2.3 million units

Fans were excited for Tha Carter 6. But when it finally dropped, many thought it was a major letdown. Critics and fans on social media said the album had weak performances, bad production, and disappointing features. Some even called it “shamefully bad.”

Social Media Backlash

After the album’s release, social media was flooded with memes and jokes about how bad it was. One fan posted, “You know the album [is] ass when nobody arguing on the timeline this [ __ ] hurt man.” Another added, “I haven’t seen the timeline this united calling an album trash in a good while.”

The backlash was so strong that older Lil Wayne albums started charting again, as fans went back to his classic hits instead.

The Super Bowl Controversy

Part of the backlash comes from Wayne’s reaction to not being picked for the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show. The game was held in his hometown, New Orleans, but Kendrick Lamar was chosen instead. Wayne went online, posting that he was hurt and felt let down.

Many fans thought Wayne was acting entitled. Kendrick had a huge year, and many believed he deserved the spot. Fans also pointed out that Wayne’s live shows have sometimes been low-energy—or even canceled mid-show—making him a risky choice for such a big event.

Ongoing Complaints and Public Image

Wayne kept bringing up the Super Bowl snub in interviews and during his concerts. Some fans felt he should have been happy for Kendrick, who has always shown Wayne respect. Instead, Wayne’s comments sounded bitter. Even after saying he had “no problem” with Kendrick, he later admitted he didn’t watch the performance and called the NFL’s choice a mistake.

Did It Affect His Music?

Some fans believe all the drama affected Tha Carter 6. They say the album feels rushed and uninspired, like Wayne was still upset about the Super Bowl and the fan criticism. Early sales projections show the album may be one of his worst-selling projects yet, raising questions about his future.

Why Fans Are Turning on Lil Wayne