Lil Wayne making Retirement Plans, "Tha Carter IV" may be Final Album

Lil Wayne Opens Up About Retirement Plans and ‘Tha Carter IV’

Lil Wayne is once again stirring up talk of retirement. However, this time, he’s more serious than ever. With his long-awaited Tha Carter IV album just months away, the Grammy-winning rapper is openly contemplating stepping away from rap for good. Fans have heard whispers before. However, the Cash Money veteran is speaking with renewed conviction about putting down the mic.

In a candid cover interview with XXL magazine, Lil Wayne — born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. — makes it clear that he’s seriously considering making Tha Carter IV his final full-length project. “I’m bowing out still on top,” Wayne states. “I’ma make y’all want me when I retire; I’ma make y’all be like, ‘Nooo!’ I ain’t leaving out this b*tch when y’all be like, ‘Yeah, it’s about time, dawg.’ Carter IV might be my last one. I’ma make y’all be like, ‘F*ck!’ Yeah, n*gga, I’m gone.”

Wayne Prioritizes Fatherhood Over Fame

At the center of Wayne’s desire to walk away is his growing role as a father. The Young Money founder has four children, and he says continuing at his current pace would be unfair to them. “Honestly, this is the real truth,” Wayne says. “I honestly think it’s unfair to my kids. I’m super dedicated into what I do. Like, it’s no questions — it’s hands down, I do this. I live this.”

Wayne stresses that his success is built on complete commitment — a lifestyle that leaves little room for anything else. “I don’t have a day out my week that I do something else. I do this every day of my life, and I’m not about to stop, ’cause that’s the only way you can succeed in this business,” he continues. “You can succeed. You can put out a hit… But to do it the way I want to do it, to be comfortable to do what the f*ck I want to do, you’ve got to work like no other. Like I said, it’s unfair to my kids.”

For Wayne, the timeline is clear. “So about 30, 31, 32, I gotta get ready.”

A Career of Reinvention and Resilience

Lil Wayne’s rise in the industry has been anything but ordinary. Joining Cash Money Records at age nine, Wayne has dedicated more than two decades to music. From his early work with Hot Boys to his explosive solo success with albums like Tha Block Is Hot, Tha Carter, and the Grammy-winning Tha Carter III, Wayne has evolved from teenage prodigy to rap icon.

Despite minor setbacks — including his stint in prison in 2010 — Wayne never lost his momentum. Even during incarceration, he released I Am Not a Human Being, which charted highly and showcased his ability to stay relevant against all odds. His experimentation with the rock-influenced Rebirth album demonstrated a willingness to push boundaries, regardless of critical reception.

“Tha Carter IV” and a Potential Exit on Top

As anticipation builds for Tha Carter IV, set to drop on August 29, Wayne is framing the album as his potential swan song. The project marks his ninth studio release and first since leaving Rikers Island last fall. It’s also a symbolic return to form, rekindling the classic Carter series that helped define his dominance in the 2000s.

The album’s lead single, “6 Foot 7 Foot,” already feels like a statement — a lyrical showcase proving that Wayne hasn’t lost a step. Additionally, “John (If I Die Today),” featuring Rick Ross has been a success. It’s clear that if Tha Carter IV ends up being his final project, Wayne intends to leave no doubt about his abilities. For him, going out at his creative peak is essential.

Young Money’s Future Without Wayne

Wayne’s potential departure from rap doesn’t spell the end for Young Money Entertainment. The label has become a powerhouse in recent years, with stars like Drake and Nicki Minaj helping to extend its reach and relevance. When asked about the future of his imprint, Wayne once said, “I would say me, I’ll be the first to retire… I’m gone at like 35. I promise, I’m retiring early.”

In interviews, he makes it clear that his exit is not a failure or retreat, but a reflection of priorities. “I have four kids and I would feel selfish not to [retire] at that age,” he told Angie Martinez. “At 35, I would feel selfish still going to the studio when it’s such a vital point in their lives, not to be there. That would be very selfish of me. This is a solid plan and I stick with my plans. I’m gonna be a dad, a full-time dad.”

Retirement Isn’t New — But This Time It Feels Real

Lil Wayne has discussed retirement before. In 2009, while speaking with Tim Westwood, Wayne said he never wanted to be an “old man rapper” and planned to retire before turning 35. At the time, he mentioned his interest in possibly becoming part-owner of a professional sports team, underscoring his love for the game.

“I gotta work as hard as I can so I ain’t gotta look back,” he told Westwood. “I’m gonna retire from this and probably jump into some ownership of some sports team or you know, I’m very heavy into sports.”

But the tone has changed since then. These days, it’s not just about aging out of rap — it’s about being present for his children and choosing purpose over popularity. The sentiment isn’t for show. Wayne seems more grounded, more serious. More ready.

Conclusion

As Tha Carter IV approaches release, Lil Wayne stands at a crossroads. With more than two decades of dominance, he’s proven himself time and again. Now, he’s weighing what matters most — family, legacy, and personal growth. While it’s hard to imagine hip-hop without Lil Wayne, his decision to retire reflects a mature artist who knows when to step away. Whether or not Tha Carter IV becomes his final album, Wayne is already crafting the narrative of an exit on his own terms — and if that’s the case, he’s leaving on a high note.