CD review: Rebirth - Lil Wayne

BY CHRIS SCHULZ
Last updated 12:38 11/02/2010
Lil Wayne's rebirth is a disaster.
BAD RAP: Lil Wayne's rebirth is a disaster.

Related Links

Rapper Lil Wayne arrested for drug possession Tha Carter III - Lil Wayne Lil Wayne sued over Rolling Stones song Rapper Lil Wayne to go on trial Rapper Lil Wayne heading to prison Lil Wayne sentencing postponed

Relevant offers

Music

Whitney death sparks rush for music The Stone Roses reunion Lady Gaga confirms second show Katy Perry hits back at ex Houston under water when found Web humorists hit new low City and Colour grants fans' wish Adele's ex-boyfriend deserves credit This Is Not a Love Song (list) Beyonce pays special Whitney tribute

He created one of 2008's best albums, reinvigorated hip-hop with his raspy tones and became rap's biggest star. Less than two years later, Lil Wayne seems set for an inevitable downfall.

The cough syrup-sipping rapper, still just 27 years old, is destined to spend much of 2010 in jail thanks to charges relating to gun possession. Judging by the God-awful rap-rock of Rebirth, it might just be the best place for him.

Rebirth, Wayne's much-delayed seventh album and first since 2008's career-defining Tha Carter III, charts at just 35 percent on review aggregate website Metacritic. Needless to say, it's an unlistenable, directionless  mess.

Wayne doesn't have the right voice to work with the tinny nu-metal of Rebirth. He sounds lost and directionless from Autotuned album opener American Star, and the warped metaphors that infused his last album seem to have gone missing.

Star guest Eminem can't save Drop the World, Wayne's attempts at emoting on Paradice are laughable, the punk-rock of The Price is Wrong should be avoided at all costs and when he starts singing about "funky monkeys" on Da Da Da, you'll be shaking your head in wonder.

They say there's a fine line between genius and lunacy, and Wayne has shown signs of both. Perhaps his real rebirth will come when he's had time to think things over in jail.

* What do you think of Rebirth? Post your comments below.

Ad Feedback

- © Fairfax NZ News

38 comments
Post a comment
D-Bake   #38   04:02 am Apr 07 2010

This review guy doesn't know what he's talking about! I looked up Drop The World on Wikipedia cause i wanted to know more about it. And i saw a link to this site, when i typed Lil Wayne into the "Search" area, I found this review. Reading it wasted my time. This person knows nothing about Rap, and needs to stick to his Rock reviewing. Lil Wayne's true fans will remain loyal to the end.

Karl   #37   04:42 pm Mar 25 2010

Drop the world is a exceptional song, Eminem makes it awsome, this Chris Schulz dude probly dont even listen to rap/hip hop, This review was not helpful at all.

janeya   #36   01:50 pm Mar 22 2010

hollah lil waynes new album looks mint az! but hes hardout changed untill the days aye far out he aint no rock fullah he suppost tah be gangsteerrred...

alleyt   #35   03:50 pm Mar 21 2010

Prom Queen is one of the worst songs I have ever heard. I agree with the reviewer, have listened to this album right through and it was a real let down after the mastery that was Tha Carter III.

Sunshine   #34   02:50 pm Mar 14 2010

I have to say that some of his songs in his album carter III were quiet catchy like lollipop (very raunchy) . I would like to listen to his new album to see if he has some up with a new flavour. All though for the down side his voice has no range but his beats are pretty choice

Meez   #33   03:40 am Mar 09 2010

The critics "reviewed" Rebirth without even having really listened to the album. The few songs they sampled, they picked out what they had already pre-concieved as negative just to continue the climate of bashing that has prevailed regarding Lil Wayne since he began experimenting with auto-tune and different forms of musical expression. Lil Wayne is literally a diamond in the rough, and if critics would just drop the bias they would be able to recieve the gifts Lil Wayne has to offer. Lil Wayne is a true artist and I admire his willingness to take risks and his ability to express himself in such a raw but poetic and wonderful way. I glimpsed his deep soulful side when he sang the chorus for Duffel Bag Boy, and he gave me more with Leather So Soft. Rebirth only has a few duds, which is more than can be said for many rock or rap albums that critics have dubbed "great". And YES Lil Wayne can sing, rap, and compose music regardless of what biased minds and talking heads might be babbling about.

R-Lee   #32   04:56 pm Mar 02 2010

You should get someone who has a good knowledge and appreciation of Hip Hop and Rap to Review Hip Hop and Rap Artists. I am happy to volounteer and make an unbaised opinion! We (fans) know what we are talking about, unsure if these reviews are the same guy but it seems to me like he has a chip on his shoulder when it comes to the world of GANGSTA rap and hip hop!

T-Wayne   #31   08:14 am Feb 25 2010

haha this review guy is rubbish. lol. the album is his best work but sure isnt what he makes it out to be. maybe cos many of the tracks were leaked or available for download before the album drop.. drop this world is ok. i like the knockout.. lil wayne is hip hop.

"im da best rapper in the game no arguin"

ron   #30   02:40 pm Feb 18 2010

Best Rapper alive, yup.

"what should i scream for, this is my theme park"

Bruce   #29   10:17 am Feb 18 2010

lol your ridiculous and you are not very good at giving reviews you sir are trash!!!


Show 1-28 of 38 comments

Post comment


Required

Required. Will not be published.
Registration is not required to post a comment but if you , you will not have to enter your details each time you comment. Registered members also have access to extra features. Create an account now.


Maximum of 1750 characters (about 300 words)

I have read and accepted the terms and conditions
These comments are moderated. Your comment, if approved, may not appear immediately. Please direct any queries about comment moderation to the Opinion Editor at blogs@stuff.co.nz
Special offers

Featured Promotions

Sponsored Content