Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter VI” debuts at number two in US
Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter VI” sees number two debut in US
After years of anticipation, Lil Wayne finally dropped his “Tha Carter VI” album last week, marking a powerful return to the album series that helped define his legacy. Released nearly six years after Tha Carter V, the new project features 19 tracks and collaborations with artists like Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Jelly Roll, and several others.
The release was met with fanfare—and strong numbers. According to Chart Data, Tha Carter VI earned 114,000 units in its first week, landing it at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. It’s yet another reminder of Wayne’s staying power, even in an industry that has dramatically shifted since his last Carter drop in 2018.
Tha Carter VI: A Star-Studded Return
One of the most compelling aspects of Tha Carter VI is its blend of nostalgic elements and fresh energy. While Wayne sticks to his core identity—lyrical dominance, clever punchlines, and wild metaphors—he also embraces modern production styles and collaborators.
Tracks like the Big Sean-assisted anthem carry undeniable radio appeal, while collaborations with 2 Chainz and Jelly Roll stretch Wayne’s versatility. He even sprinkles in introspective bars about longevity and fatherhood, showing that he can evolve without sacrificing his signature style.
The Numbers: 114,000 First Week Units
Wayne’s Tha Carter VI not only generated buzz but delivered when it came to pure performance. Selling 114,000 equivalent album units in its debut week, the album became the second-highest debut of the week, falling just short of the top spot.
This performance is even more impressive when considering the current streaming-first landscape, where only a handful of legacy artists consistently break the 100K mark on album drops.
The strong numbers reflect both Wayne’s loyal fanbase and the strength of the Carter brand. It also reinforces his position as one of the few rappers from the 2000s who can still move major units over 20 years into his career.
Tha Carter VI Tour: Dates, Cities & Special Guests
Coinciding with the album rollout is the launch of Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter VI Tour, set to begin July 30 in Bristow, VA. The nationwide trek will take Wayne through major cities like Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago, and more, concluding on October 2 in West Palm Beach, FL.
Wayne kicked things off with a surprise first show at Madison Square Garden in New York City on the day the album dropped, giving fans a live taste of the new material. Early footage from the concert shows Wayne mixing classics like “A Milli” and “Lollipop” with fresh tracks from Tha Carter VI.
Joining him on tour are longtime collaborator Tyga, rising Alabama artist NoCap, and emerging Atlanta talent Belly Gang Kushington, whose inclusion adds an exciting local element to several southern dates.
Who Is Belly Gang Kushington?
One of the most buzzed-about names on the Tha Carter VI Tour flyer is Belly Gang Kushington, a new rapper out of Atlanta making serious noise in 2025. Known for his smoky voice, experimental production, and Southern swagger, Kushington has been building a following through viral freestyles and regional mixtapes.
His presence on this tour could be the start of a major breakout. Atlanta rap has long been the breeding ground for national stars, and Wayne’s co-sign adds serious credibility.
The Carter Legacy: Why It Still Matters
The Carter series is more than just an album saga—it’s a cultural cornerstone in hip-hop. Starting in 2004 with Tha Carter, Wayne used the franchise to evolve from a young Hot Boy to one of the genre’s most respected lyricists.
Tha Carter III (2008) won a Grammy for Best Rap Album, while Tha Carter V broke streaming records in 2018. Now, Tha Carter VI proves that even two decades later, the series still holds immense cultural and commercial weight.
While many artists pivot away from sequels or retire series altogether, Wayne leans into his legacy—giving fans continuity, evolution, and nostalgia all at once.
Why Lil Wayne Still Moves the Culture
Even with a new generation of rappers dominating charts, Lil Wayne remains one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. Artists like Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Young Thug openly credit him as a major inspiration, and his unique blend of creativity and fearlessness continues to resonate.
Unlike many of his peers, Wayne has maintained artistic freedom without becoming a legacy-only act. Tha Carter VI isn’t just a nostalgia play—it’s an active statement of relevance, skill, and ambition.
His tour, his sales, and his impact in 2025 are proof: Wayne still moves the culture.
A Strong Return and a Hot Summer Ahead
Tha Carter VI arrives at a perfect time. With summer just beginning and the live music calendar heating up, Wayne has momentum on his side. The album’s success, paired with a star-studded tour, positions him for a powerful second half of 2025.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer introduced through TikTok, there’s never been a better time to revisit Wayne’s catalogue—or catch him live on tour.
From mixtape dominance to multi-platinum albums, Wayne’s journey proves that longevity in hip-hop is possible—when it’s built on talent, vision, and evolution.