Living Legends: Lil Wayne
Living Legends: Lil Wayne
In September 2022, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) celebrated the life and legacy of Hip Hop trailblazer Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., known to the world as Lil Wayne. Born September 27, 1982, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Lil Wayne has risen over three decades from a rebellious teen star with the Cash Money Millionaires to a Hip Hop statesman and mentor to superstars such as Drake and Nicki Minaj.
Unveiled on his 40th birthday, the Living Legends: Lil Wayne exhibition marked the first time a Hip-Hop artist fully supported NMAAM’s mission by donating a curated collection of personal artifacts. More than 25 items told the story of his groundbreaking career, including his wardrobe from the first Hot Boy$ press shoot, his Grammy Award for Tha Carter III, platinum singles “A Milli” and “Lollipop,” a BET I Am Hip-Hop Award, and his red limited-edition Tunechi Beats headphones. One particularly powerful highlight was a handwritten letter he penned to fans during his incarceration at Rikers Island, originally shared through his Weezy Thanx You project.
The display, curated with support from Lil Wayne’s representative Rochelle Cross, invited visitors to explore not only his accolades but also his lasting cultural impact. Guests engaged with interactive experiences like NMAAM’s Rap Booth, where they could record their own verses to Wayne’s lyrics, and a livestreamed lecture hosted by Vanderbilt University professors Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and Dr. Gillum Sharpley that examined his influence on American music and culture.
Through these treasured pieces, Living Legends: Lil Wayne offered a rare, intimate look at the evolution of one of the most iconic and influential artists in modern music.
