Just last week, New Orleans native and global superstar Lil Wayne announced that his album, “Tha Carter V,” would be released. After some speculation and false predictions, many were fooled into believing the album would be released by midnight Friday, Sept. 21, myself included. The rumor of the most anticipated album of the decade spread quicker than hot butter and led to millions being let down by the beloved artist. Prior to the false release, fake album covers and track lists were posted and shared, only bringing about more disappointment. Internet trolls also gossiped falsely about who would be featured on the album stating that Drake, Kevin Gates, SZA and other stars had been featured on the album. 

When midnight finally came around, after a long day of waiting for the already adored album, posts of all sorts flooded social media all asking the same question, “where is the album?” In disbelief, I searched frantically for the album on several music platforms. I, too, was let down. As we all came to the realization that the album release date would be prolonged, hearts were broken, attitudes let loose and expectations were raised even higher than before. 

Within days of the outbreak of anger towards the rapper, he released a YouTube video to address the issue. This time around, the man himself announced that “Tha Carter V” would be released on his birthday, Sept. 28. The rapper, stated that the false release date was due to a misunderstanding but wanted his fans to know that he appreciated them sticking with him throughout the drawn-out process and sent much love. Wayne claimed that “all the love, passion and every ounce of anything left in [my] heart” is for his dedicated and supportive fanbase. 

The wait was no doubt worth it. Listening to the newly released album, I caught glimpses of the “old Wayne” in songs like “Hitta” and “Demon”. A more advanced Wayne popped out in his song “Mona Lisa,” featuring Kendrick Lamar (easily my favorite track on the album). Wayne and Lamar came together to create a skit-like song that was realistic and hard hitting. Even as a female, I fell for the song’s harsh truths about what a devious woman will do for money. 

As I praise a majority of the tracks, I have to admit that the album lacks some quality. But, to produce a perfect album for everybody is a difficult and rather impossible task. I, along with other listeners, just expect more from Wayne, because I know what he’s capable of. Wayne is a lyrical genius and one of the, if not the most, respected artists in the music industry making his works timeless.