Lil Wayne: Dedication 4
Young Money
Lil Wayne has never been shy about helping himself to the medicine cabinet. By 2007’s syrup-glazed salvo Da Drought 3, it had become clear that Wayne - who wrote “I Feel Like Dying” about opiate withdrawal - was burning out. He comes unglued on Dedication 4. To his credit, DJ Drama is an exhaustive host, culling OutKast’s “SpottieOttieDopaliscious” and G. Dep’s “Special Delivery” from the annals of the Clinton era. But what’s the use when Wayne falls off every beat like some dribbling junkie? He projects like the world’s worst theater major, overselling punch lines like “I got a red bitch and a black bitch/Call ‘em Aunt Vivian” with a voice mousier and more constipated than ever. The depletive effects of the drank have clearly worn on rap’s original night owl. (1 out of 5 stars)