Lil Wayne uses 'Unplugged' performance to address jail stint, debut track from new album
Lil Wayne had run through a string of hits during the taping of his “MTV Unplugged” special Thursday night before he took on a rather serious tone.
“A few months ago I was in a dark place that I don't like to really shed light on,” he said referring to his time behind bars last year. “Everyone always asks, 'How was it?' I figured I'd find a way to answer that question.”
The rapper then launched into a cover of 2Pac’s "Hail Mary" –- the last single from his final studio album, “The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory.”
Wayne was incarcerated for attempted gun possession, from a 2007 arrest following a Manhattan concert.
During his time behind bars -- which included a month of solitary confinement as punishment for possessing "music contraband" (headphones and a charger for an MP3 player) -- he released his last disc, “I Am Not a Human Being," and it debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, with 110,000 downloads in its first week.
He’s aware going forward that people are going to continue to ask, and he said he'll do more than offer the 2Pac classic -- he previously spoke about his experiences for Rolling Stone's February issue.
During the concert he also treated the hundreds of fans who packed a soundstage at Sony Studios to a track off his highly anticipated disc, “Tha Carter IV,” with a performance of “Nightmares of the Bottom,” where he reflected on his troubles -- with a bit of humor.
“If I knew I was going to jail I would have … my attorney,” he rapped.
He’s tight-lipped about the disc, which was pushed back to a June 21 release, but did offer a cryptic teaser when asked about it.
“Just know that I have a pleasant surprise. A very pleasant surprise for this album when it comes out,” he said. “I’m only doing this for the fans. Which I do every … thing for.”
Wayne joins a small roster of hip-hop acts to have gotten the “Unplugged” treatment, including LL Cool J, Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill and B.o.B.
“It was humbling just to be a part of. As an artist that’s watched the game as closely as I did, to be on ‘Unplugged’ is a high honor,” Wayne said. “I’ve gotten people that haven’t texted me in a long time, text me today saying congratulations. It is that kind of thing. I felt great about it.”
“MTV2 Presents: Lil Wayne Unplugged” will premiere on June 12 on MTV and online at 9 p.m.
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-- Gerrick D. Kennedy
Twitter.com/gerrickkennedy
Photos: Lil Wayne performs during his "MTV Unplugged" special Thursday. Credit: Frank Micelotta / MTV / PictureGroup.
yeah..he's back!
Posted by: Andre Boyd | May 16, 2011 at 01:34 AM
Most ridiculously overrated rapper of all time. And, possibly, the most ridiculous rapper of all time.
Posted by: Mumbles Slam | May 16, 2011 at 01:39 AM
okay whatever. why don't open up about what he sid about dark skinned people.
Posted by: netta | May 16, 2011 at 01:50 AM
I'm all for supporting those with special needs, but...
Posted by: Brianna | May 16, 2011 at 06:19 AM
Mmmm Wayne know he still look good!!! And he still going big! Love you Wayne
Posted by: Nikki Betterton | May 16, 2011 at 06:44 AM
I just can't wait fo rthat suprise in Lil Wayne new album. Just can't wait.
Posted by: Adanna Pierre | May 16, 2011 at 07:10 AM
ridiculous? overrated? Lady Gaga is ridiculous and over rated... britney spears is ridiculous and over rated... Mr. Carter loves music, all kinds of music, not just hip hop and rap... he loves preforming... he loves his fans, the black ones the white ones the asian ones and whatever other colors there are, he loves his parents, and he's an AMAZING business man with endless waves of artisic capabilities...... what's ridiculous and over rated about that?? Find me ONE thing about this dude that makes him ridiculous or over rated... I dont even like hip hop, and I appreciate everything this dude does...
Posted by: amber | May 16, 2011 at 07:42 AM
... what DID he say about "dark skinned" people??? he's a black guy, and he's NOT LIGHT SKINNED!! what could he have possibly said to offend!?
Posted by: amber | May 16, 2011 at 07:44 AM
The most overated rapper ever. Off the top of my head I can name at least 150 MCs that never got the attention that this jerk gets. It used to be about wordplay, breathcontrol, battling, etc. Now it's all about "swagger". In a swagger contest I'd put em in the top 10. As far as MCing, he doesn't make the top 2000. He sucks! Plain and simple.
Posted by: The Sandman | May 16, 2011 at 07:46 AM
you are a very creative and special person. Wayne you put a smile on my face baby keep doin what you do best
Posted by: latoya lavender | May 16, 2011 at 08:15 AM
Lol so what did he say about dark skinned people?
Posted by: moo moo boo | May 16, 2011 at 08:18 AM
If Wayne were to give his life over to Christ, he, his life, and his story would be a powerful witness. My prayers are for him and his family - for their salvation.
Posted by: 116 | May 16, 2011 at 08:29 AM
Dewayne Carter is an interesting person, I mean that he's just that type of MC that's trying to prove he is the best(Rapper) out right now. But when your life becomes more than your music lyrics... i.e. Drug issues, Baby Mama Drama, Law enforcement and Jail time.... Etc. But at the same time, I'm glad that he's back to the grind if it were and promoting his new project and maybe with a little help from the right people and not(Yes men, Groupies, Record label personnel) he can't shut up all the critics and prove he is the number one MC in the game.
Posted by: Notalwaysdownwitbull-ishrappers | May 16, 2011 at 08:48 AM
Yall trippin, Wayne is CLEARLY like the best, thr's a reason is fanbase is so widespread , his lyrics are ridiculously awesome .
Can you rap like so ? I think it is amazing how a person can even think of SO MANY rhymes in their lifetime lol
Yall hatin .
Posted by: JasminSharmaine | May 16, 2011 at 09:14 AM
I believe in him, no matter what he think about people. "Represent Wayne!!"
Posted by: Lovely | May 16, 2011 at 01:26 PM
Wayne is keeping it real, that's how you do it! Salute to the greatest man alive..
Posted by: Lovely | May 16, 2011 at 01:36 PM