Although Lil Wayne’s last studio album was 2015’s Free Weezy Album, it’s been seven years since the release of Tha Carter IV. Now, he’s back with the latest installment of the autobiographical series, Tha Carter V. Early projections state that sales could be in upwards of 500,000 (including streams and traditional sales) in the first week. The looming question most fans had in their mind was whether or not Lil Wayne still had it. Does Tha Carter V live up to its predecessors?

Tha Carter V begins with a somber voicemail from Lil Wayne’s mom. Then he breezes through memorable tracks featuring the late XXXTENTACION (“Don’t Cry”), the syrupy southern “Dedicate” and the Swizz Beatz produced pep rally frenzy (that sounds like an overused sample of  G-Dep’s “Special Delivery”). Travis Scott joins him on the trippy album filler cut, “Let It Fly”. He likely felt the pressure to deliver a large body of work to his fans, which is evident by the massive 23 track list. 

The lyrically potent “Can’t Be Broken” sounds like a lost track from Twenty One Pilots, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There are many genres that he tests here, including a pleasantly surprising melodic duet between him and Nicki Minaj (“Dark Side of the Moon”). But it’s the picturesque showstopper, “Mona Lisa” (which details his distrust in women), featuring Kendrick Lamar, that proves while Lil Wayne’s presence was minimal, it was not forgotten. 

“What About Me” is an emotional track that sounds better suited for Drake than Lil Wayne. He gets back to his natural element on the introspective talk-rap song, “Open Letter”. That sentiment is taken a step further on “Famous”, which features his daughter, Reginae Carter. “Hittas” bangs with a knock reminiscent of the early 2000s Lil Wayne. However, it’s “Open Safe” that is a ready made club bass thumper. Expect this one to be a big hit on the Billboard charts. 

The old school R&B influenced “Demon” is just as disturbing as it is infectious. Lil Wayne nonchalantly details all of the demons that sleep with him. Plus, he explains the roles they play in his life. He even recruits his ex fiance, Nivea, on the boastful “Dope New Gospel”. Despite some questionable references to Michael Jackson and referencing himself as a hero, it’s worth the hype. Although Tha Carter V could have benefited from cutting a few tracks from the final track listing, it’s his best offering in quite some time.