Lil Wayne - I Am Not a Human Being II






Few artists touch upon the essence and vitality of life as successfully and intrinsically as Lil Wayne. Since 1999's The Block Is Hot, Wayne has coined some of the noughties' most enduring anthems and proved time and time again that his witty lyricisms and ear for fine vocals. Some might call him a great rapper: I call him a great.





The New Orleans genius is back in 2013 on the back of a highly-publicised health problem that saw TMZ reporting him dead. That such a talent can command the entertainment media to fear the worst at the smallest hiccup should illustrate his legacy and impact upon the music industry. Not since Michael Jackson has the music world stopped and stared with bated breath.

I Am Not a Human Being II makes a convincing argument for its title; surely such an awareness of the human condition as displayed in the album's lyrics and nuances has to be observed from an outsider perspective? The attention to detail and connection to the human soul that Wayne summons is an illuminating and groundbreaking output, and it's tracks like 'Rich as Fuck' and 'Trippy' that really resonate - not just with the hip hop community but with any ounce of empathy in general.

The production remains as sleek and well-executed as any other period of his career, and whilst hot, brand new talents like Mike WiLL and Cool & Dre feature, so too do long-time veterans and classics such as Soulja Boy and Birdman.





If there's a record in 2013 that makes me feel more alive and connected to every emotional status possible, it's this one.

Rating: 10/10
Highlights: Days and Days; Love Me; Romance; Gunwalk; Beat the Shit; Trigger Finger; Curtains
Avoid: n/a

Artwork Watch: Lens flares are totally artistic.
Up next: A review that's not an April Fool.   

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