Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter VI” heading for number two debut in US
Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter VI” expected to debut at number two in US
Lil Wayne is no stranger to making headlines—and last week, the five-time GRAMMY-winning rapper did just that with the long-awaited release of Tha Carter VI, the latest entry in his iconic album series. Arriving nearly six years after Tha Carter V, the 19-track project marks a new era for Wayne while reflecting on the legacy that helped shape modern hip-hop.
Released to major anticipation on [insert official date], Tha Carter VI featured a wide-ranging lineup of collaborators, including 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Jelly Roll, Wyclef Jean, and Mannie Fresh. But while fans were excited to dive into the sixth chapter of the Carter saga, the album’s reception proved to be mixed, raising questions about Wayne’s current creative direction—and his future.
A Star-Studded Tracklist Can’t Fully Unite Fans
Clocking in at just under an hour, Tha Carter VI offers everything from trap anthems to emo-laced introspection, along with surprise genre fusions—especially with tracks featuring Jelly Roll and Wyclef Jean. Songs like “King Carter,” “Welcome to Tha Carter,” and “Hip-Hop” aim to capture the grandiosity fans expect from a Carter installment.
But not every track landed for listeners.
While some fans praised Wayne’s lyrical sharpness and free-flowing delivery, others criticized the production choicesand said the project felt uneven at times. Online discussions pointed to a lack of cohesion and called out certain tracks as “fillers” rather than worthy Carter-level entries.
The polarized response mirrors how fans received Tha Carter V back in 2018—except this time, expectations were arguably even higher, given Wayne’s continued influence and the buildup surrounding the release.
Projected to Debut at No. 2 on Billboard 200
Regardless of mixed feedback, Tha Carter VI is still showing strong commercial muscle.
According to Hits Daily Double, the album is projected to debut at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. It’s estimated to move between 120,000 and 140,000 units in its first week. That includes traditional sales, streaming equivalent albums (SEA), and track equivalent albums (TEA).
If the projection holds, it would mark another Top 2 debut for Wayne—continuing his streak of high Billboard placements. His last album, Funeral (2020), debuted at No. 1, while Tha Carter V sold nearly 480,000 units in its first week, landing Wayne his fourth No. 1 album.
While Carter VI likely won’t reach those heights, it’s a testament to Wayne’s enduring star power that he can remain chart-competitive nearly three decades into his career.
Madison Square Garden Show Launches a New Chapter
Wayne didn’t just drop an album last week—he also made history.
On the same day as Tha Carter VI’s release, he headlined New York City’s legendary Madison Square Garden for the first time in his solo career. The sold-out show was a career-spanning celebration, packed with mixtape classics, Carter-era hits, and live debuts of brand-new tracks from the album.
Wayne opened with “King Carter,” joined by a live gospel choir, before moving into high-energy staples like:
- “A Milli”
- “6 Foot 7 Foot”
- “Hustler Musik”
- “Drop The World”
Surprise guest LL Cool J added extra star power to the night, igniting the crowd with nostalgic energy.
Fans in attendance described the show as “electric,” noting Wayne’s stamina, charisma, and genuine love for the stage.
Tha Carter VI Tour: Kicking Off in Late July
Wayne is far from done. In celebration of the album, he’s launching the Tha Carter VI Tour, set to begin July 30 in Bristow, VA at Jiffy Lube Live.
The North American tour will hit major cities including:
- Toronto
- Detroit
- Chicago
- Atlanta
- Los Angeles
- New Orleans (hometown)
- West Palm Beach, FL – where the tour will wrap on October 2
Expect the setlist to blend new tracks with era-defining classics, and possibly feature surprise guests along the way. Given Wayne’s extensive collaborative history and ties to younger artists, the tour could easily become one of the most exciting live rap events of the year.
VIP packages, including meet-and-greet opportunities, exclusive merch, and early venue access, are already available for purchase.
The Legacy of Tha Carter Series: Then vs. Now
Wayne’s Tha Carter series is more than just a run of albums—it’s a blueprint for modern rap success. Beginning with Tha Carter in 2004, the franchise helped elevate Wayne from promising lyricist to global icon. Tha Carter III, released in 2008, remains one of the most celebrated rap albums of the 2000s and won Best Rap Album at the GRAMMYs.
So naturally, Tha Carter VI carries the weight of legacy—and that legacy can be a double-edged sword.
On one hand, the album taps into Wayne’s legendary status. On the other, it must fight against nostalgia and ever-changing expectations in a streaming-dominated era.
Still, the fact that fans—even critics—still care enough to passionately debate the album speaks volumes. Wayne remains one of the few artists with a deep enough catalog and reputation to spark full-scale cultural discussion with every new release.
What’s Next for Lil Wayne?
Beyond the Carter VI rollout, there are signs that Wayne is plotting an even busier second half of 2025. He’s reportedly working on:
- A joint project with 2 Chainz (possibly ColleGrove 2)
- A new mixtape under the Dedication brand
- More Young Money compilation efforts featuring rising artists
He also continues to expand his GKUA Ultra Premium cannabis brand and Young Money Radio platform, connecting with fans across business and entertainment lanes.
The Goat Keeps Running
Lil Wayne’s legacy is secure—but that doesn’t mean he’s slowing down.
While Tha Carter VI may have received mixed reactions, it also demonstrates an artist still willing to take risks, explore new sounds, and reflect on his journey. With strong projected sales, a monumental MSG performance, and an arena tour on the horizon, Wayne proves he’s still a central figure in the rap conversation.
And if history tells us anything, it’s this: Whenever fans count Wayne out, he finds a way to remind them why he’s in the GOAT discussion in the first place.