Music can rock your world, enlighten your mind, and change your perspective. When you think of rap music who comes to mind first? Without hesitation, it has to be the self-acclaimed best rapper alive, Lil Wayne. Only he can make statements like “My picture should be in the dictionary next to the definition of definition” (Wayne, “Shoot Me Down”). Lil Wayne is a major force in the rap world. His 1999 debut album, Tha Block is Hot, went double platinum upon its release and even his lowest-selling album is still certified gold according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Rollingstone magazine declares that "Lil Wayne is one of the most famous and prolific recording artists in the world" (Kreps). Top this with eight Grammy nominations and four Grammy wins and it's certainly hard to argue with the rap star's claims. Lil Wayne, with his simple beginnings, soon rose to the top of the charts with his exceptional lyrics, his unique voice and his wit, silencing all critics with his numerous gold and platinum albums and thus establishing himself as the best rapper. live. Born quietly into poverty on September 27, 1982 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Lil Wayne entered this world as Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. by his 19-year-old mother, Jacita Carter. He is named after his father, Dwayne Michael Turner; however Turner was never part of the child's life. Jacita began raising her son in Hollygrove, one of the poorest neighborhoods in New Orleans. She later became involved with Reginald "Rabbit" McDonald and he became her son's stepfather. Rabbit moved the family to East New Orleans. Dwayne was a smart boy and had straight A's in school. He liked rhymes and wrote his first rap......middle of paper......ayne Fansite | Weezy Blog - The #1 Source 1 for Tunechi fans | Latest news, music, videos, pictures and more. 05 November 2010. Web. 06 September 2011. .RIAA - Recording Industry Association of America. Network. 06 September 2011. .Terrill, Mark J. "The List of 51st Annual Grammy Awards Winners - USATODAY.com." News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, US & World - USATODAY.com. Network. 06 September 2011. .Wayne, Lil. “6 feet 7 feet.” Tha Carter IV. Lil Wayne. Cash Money Records, 2011. CD.---. "I'm coming in." So far away. Drake, foot. Lil Wayne. Cash Money Records, 2009. CD.---. "Shoot me." Tha Carter III. Lil Wayne. Cash Money Records, 2008. CD.