Juvenile Declares Lil Wayne the Greatest Rapper Alive
When it comes to hip-hop royalty, Juvenile’s name rings out as a true pioneer. His third album, 400 Degreez didn’t just go quadruple platinum—it established Cash Money Records as a powerhouse in the rap game. As the first Hot Boys member to achieve solo superstardom, Juvenile paved the way for fellow label mates like Mannie Fresh and the now-legendary Lil Wayne. Recently, Juvenile and Mannie Fresh stopped by The Breakfast Club to discuss their Hot Boys reunion, and in doing so, Juvenile made a bold proclamation: Lil Wayne is the greatest rapper of all time.
The Moment Juvenile Crowned Lil Wayne as Rap Royalty
It all began when Charlamagne tha God brought up Lil Wayne’s reputation as a lyricist. Rather than just acknowledge Wayne’s skill, Juvenile took it a step further, declaring Weezy the best to ever grip a microphone. “I’ve been with him from the start, that’s my guy,” Juvenile explained. “I witnessed his entire evolution, and where he’s at now is nothing short of extraordinary.”
Lil Wayne’s growth as an artist is often discussed alongside his unique approach to songwriting, especially since he credits Jay-Z for his pen-free raps. This transformation is part of what makes his journey so compelling to watch.
This isn’t just Juvenile’s personal belief—Kendrick Lamar, widely regarded as a GOAT contender himself, echoed similar sentiments back in 2022. In an interview with The Coveteur, Lamar didn’t hesitate to name Lil Wayne as the greatest, citing not just his musical prowess but the cultural influence he’s wielded throughout his career. “It’s not just about the music. It’s the culture he built around it,” Kendrick remarked.
Kendrick and Juvenile: A Mutual Respect for the Culture
Kendrick didn’t stop there. He made sure to acknowledge Juvenile’s own contributions to the Cash Money legacy. “We hold Lil Wayne in high regard, but Juvenile deserves his flowers too. Both of them shaped a movement,” he stated. This is evident not only in the revolutionary impact of 400 Degreez but also in iconic moments like Juvenile’s unforgettable Tiny Desk Concert. The mutual respect between these rap icons underscores the lasting impact of Cash Money on the hip-hop landscape.
Hot Boys Reunion: A Dream or Reality?
While the love between Juvenile and Lil Wayne is evident, there’s a bit of confusion surrounding the Hot Boys reunion. Juvenile mentioned that a new Hot Boys album is in the works, but when Lil Wayne appeared on Not Just Football with Cam Heyward in June, he seemed completely unaware. “Sh*t, you just told me,” Wayne joked when asked about the reunion. “When’s that happening? I’d love to see it.”
Whether the Hot Boys reunion materializes or not, one thing is clear: Lil Wayne’s influence is undeniable, and with icons like Juvenile and Kendrick Lamar singing his praises, his legacy as one of the greatest to ever do it is all but cemented. If you’re diving deeper into hip-hop history, don’t miss out on the best hip-hop albums of all time, including the game-changing 400 Degreez. Plus, check out the story behind Juvenile’s hit Back That Azz Up—a track that not only defined an era but also became an unexpected anthem for a generation.
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