LIL' WAYNE

Born: September 27, 1982
New Orleans, Louisiana

Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., better known as his stage name Lil' Wayne, originally starting out as a member of the rap group Hot Boys with well-known artist Juvenile. He made his first solo debut in 1999 with his album Tha Block is Hot. The debut album put itself among the top ten on the Billboard 200 chart, and Source Magazine nominated him for Best New Artist.
Working gangsta rap in its strictest sense, Lil' Wayne overcame a checkered family past and continued to put out music. Later in 2004, Lil Wayne released another album called Tha Carter, as well as having two following albums called Tha Carter II in 2005, and Tha Carter III in 2008. He's collaborated with such artist including Birdman, Chris Brown, Fat Joe, Wyclef Jean, Akon, and many others.

Lil' Wayne celebrated the birth of his son Dwayne Carter III, in October 2008. Today, Lil Wayne continues to entertain everyone in the rapping world with his lyrics and drive for success!

FUN FACTS:

• GQ Magazine named Lil' Wayne as its "Man of the Year" for 2007.
• He currently resides in Houston, Texas, after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
• His dreadlocks are his trademark style.