Lil Wayne leaks “You & I” single from DJ Drama mixtape

Lil Wayne and Birdman starred in the "Fire Flame" video on January 2011. In February 2011, Wayne leaked a snippet of his song, "You & I," with DJ Drama.

Lil Wayne Teases New Mixtape Single with DJ Drama, Called “You & I”

Lil Wayne is known for his relentless mixtape grind, consistently dropping projects that shake up the hip-hop scene. Since his release from prison four months ago, fans have eagerly awaited new material beyond his official singles. Now, it appears Weezy is back in full force, teaming up once again with DJ Drama for a brand-new mixtape.

When Wayne disappeared from the mainstream, he turned to the mixtape scene. There, he and DJ Drama went on a historic run. Already, Drama was known for his mixtape series with various rappers. However, after his run with Wayne, DJ Drama took things to new heights. With Tunechi now focusing on Tha Carter IV, it’s only right he and DJ Drama reunite.

Ahead of his mixtape release with DJ Drama, Lil Wayne has dropped a snippet of a new song. This record is called “You & I” and it’s rumored to be a part of a DJ Drama collaboration.

Lil Wayne’s Mixtape Legacy

Before reaching global superstardom, Lil Wayne carved his reputation through mixtapes, proving his lyrical prowess on the underground circuit. His Dedication series with DJ Drama remains one of the most celebrated mixtape collections in hip-hop, providing raw, unfiltered bars over some of the hottest beats. Whether spitting over industry instrumentals or delivering original tracks, Wayne built a movement that redefined the role of mixtapes in mainstream hip-hop.

His approach was simple—flood the streets with music. Leading up to Tha Carter III, Wayne’s mixtapes kept fans engaged, making every release a must-listen. With projects like Da Drought 3 and No Ceilings, he showcased his ability to dominate both mainstream and underground simultaneously.

Now, following a relatively quiet post-prison period, Lil Wayne is back at it, and fans are here for it. After all, he has returned to his mixtape roots. Most of the core fans of Tunechi got to know him through his mixtape run. Ironically, Wayne is one of the few rappers who built his mixtape clout, after having initial mainstream success.

A Snippet of “You & I” Leaks

The first sign of Wayne’s return to mixtapes came today when Funkmaster Flex leaked a snippet of a song titled “You & I.” The short preview features a mellow, introspective Wayne reflecting on love and relationships over acoustic guitar-driven production.

“But all we do is fuss and f— / Over this and that and such and such,” Wayne raps. “Man, I think I gotta toughen up/ Love knocks you down/ And it feel like I been sucker-punched.”

The tone of the track is reminiscent of some of Wayne’s deeper cuts, balancing vulnerability with clever wordplay. While known for his boastful, larger-than-life personality, Wayne has never shied away from emotionally raw tracks, making “You & I” a potential standout on his next project.

What to Expect from Wayne’s New Mixtape

While details remain scarce, the return of DJ Drama signals another classic in the making. Their chemistry on past projects like Dedication 2 and Dedication 3 set the standard for street mixtapes, and with Wayne hungry to reclaim his dominance, expectations are sky-high.

Wayne’s past mixtape rollouts have been unpredictable, often leading to surprise releases packed with freestyles and original bangers. Given his work ethic, it’s likely that “You & I” is just the tip of the iceberg, with more heat on the way.

Then, DJ Drama is reestablishing himself as a force in the music industry. When it comes to the mixtapes, he’s always been a driving force. However, he’s never had much commercial success. By reuniting with Lil Wayne, as he prepares his biggest album release, Drama inserted himself into the spotlight.

Tha Carter IV and Wayne’s Expanding Catalog

Aside from his mixtape resurgence, Lil Wayne has also been hard at work on Tha Carter IV, his highly anticipated studio album. The project has already given fans hits like “6 Foot 7 Foot,” featuring Cory Gunz, proving that Wayne hasn’t lost a step since his incarceration.

Additionally, Wayne is still riding the momentum from his collaborations on major tracks. His verse on Chris Brown’s “Look At Me Now” alongside Busta Rhymes has been in heavy rotation, and his feature on Birdman’s “Fire Flame” is gaining traction as well. Not to mention his radio-dominating presence on “Right Above It,” his single with Drake that is still getting radio play.

Despite the limited releases since his return, Wayne’s presence in the industry remains unshaken. Whether it’s mixtapes, album cuts, or high-profile guest verses, he continues to remind the world why he’s a GOAT contender.

Weezy’s Work Ethic: Still Unmatched

Lil Wayne has built his brand on an unmatched work ethic. Fans remember when he famously shot nine music videos in a single weekend, emphasizing his non-stop grind. With his mixtape era possibly returning in full swing, it’s not far-fetched to expect an influx of new music, freestyles, and visuals in the coming weeks.

Even when Tunechi was behind bars, he was working. As he was going to prison, he was simultaneously preparing the release of Rebirth. Despite the album not being a traditional Lil Wayne release, he still posted a major hit in “Drop The World” with Eminem. Then, before 2010 ended, he released I Am Not A Human Being and scored another hit in the aforementioned “Right Above It,” featuring Drake.

Wayne has often operated with an “all gas, no brakes” mentality when it comes to music. Even when mainstream success seemed certain, he never abandoned the raw, unfiltered mixtape format that made him a legend.

Final Thoughts

Lil Wayne’s return to the mixtape circuit marks an exciting chapter for both longtime fans and newer listeners who may not have experienced his legendary Dedication run firsthand. With DJ Drama in the mix, the anticipation is at an all-time high.

As Tha Carter IV continues its rollout, the leak of “You & I” suggests that Wayne is stacking music for an onslaught of releases. Whether it’s another classic Dedication tape or a brand-new series, one thing is clear—Lil Wayne is back, and the industry better be ready.

Stay tuned as more details emerge, and prepare for the resurgence of Mixtape Weezy in full effect.