Lil Wayne’s Son, Neal Carter, Critiques Lil Baby’s WHAM: “A Terrible Album”
When Lil Baby released his highly anticipated album WHAM, the rapper confidently declared it his “best work yet.” Considering the massive success of his 2022 album My Turn—the most-streamed rap album of the 21st century on Billboard—it wasn’t an exaggeration to expect big things. Fans showed up in droves, helping WHAM debut at No. 1. However, critics weren’t as enthusiastic. Many described the album as repetitive and uninspired compared to Lil Baby’s earlier works. Among the voices calling it out was a surprising critic: Neal Carter, son of rap icon Lil Wayne, who didn’t mince words when sharing his thoughts.
The Instagram Live That Sparked It All
During an Instagram Live session, Neal Carter—also known as Lil Novi in his budding rap career—engaged with fans in real time. When a viewer suggested that Carter collaborate with Lil Baby, his response was swift and cutting.
“You must’ve lost your mind,” Carter said, visibly baffled by the idea. “That dude dropped a terrible album.” He didn’t stop there, doubling down on his position and making it abundantly clear that a partnership between him and Lil Baby would never happen.
“I’m not making music with Lil Baby. Never,” Carter asserted, setting a firm line.
Backing Up His Claims
Though his initial comments were harsh, Neal later clarified that his issue was specifically with WHAM and not Lil Baby’s artistry as a whole. “Lil Baby isn’t trash,” Carter admitted, “but this album? WHAM was awful.”
His sentiments mirror a growing chorus of disapproval. Popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, known for his engaging music reactions, also found WHAM underwhelming. He gave it a 6/10 during a live stream, a score that quickly caught Lil Baby’s attention.
Lil Baby Responds to Critics
Unsurprisingly, Lil Baby had his own take on the lukewarm reception from younger audiences. In a recent interview, he dismissed Cenat’s critique as a generational gap.
“People like Kai Cenat, I feel, are younger,” Lil Baby explained. “Streamers and reviewers, they’re just sharing opinions. They don’t really know music.”
The rapper went on to argue that WHAM might not resonate with younger listeners immediately but would gain appreciation over time. “They don’t truly get where I’m coming from. You have to be a little older to understand it,” he added, suggesting that his work requires a level of maturity to fully appreciate.
Given Neal Carter’s youth—he’s even younger than Cenat—it’s likely Lil Baby would chalk up his critique to the same reasoning.
A Generational Divide in Hip-Hop
The debate around WHAM reveals a larger conversation about generational differences in hip-hop. While Lil Baby’s established fan base continues to support him, the skepticism from younger voices like Neal Carter and Kai Cenat highlights the challenges of staying relevant in an ever-evolving industry.
It’s worth noting that Neal Carter’s opinions carry significant weight, not just because he’s Lil Wayne’s son but because he’s carving out his own identity in the music world as Lil Novi. His willingness to publicly critique a heavyweight like Lil Baby signals a boldness and confidence that may set him apart as he develops his career.
What’s Next for Neal Carter?
Carter’s comments may ruffle feathers, but they also shine a spotlight on his growing presence in hip-hop. With his father’s legacy behind him and his own vision ahead, Carter is poised to make waves in the industry. Whether or not his critiques of WHAM lead to friction between him and Lil Baby remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Neal Carter is not afraid to speak his mind.
As the conversation around WHAM continues, the divide between critics and fans only seems to grow. For Lil Baby, the challenge is clear: balancing his established style with the need to evolve and capture the attention of younger audiences. Whether Neal Carter’s comments represent a broader trend or just one young rapper’s perspective, they add fuel to the fire of a debate that’s not cooling down anytime soon.
In the world of hip-hop, where authenticity and opinions reign supreme, the clash of generations is nothing new. But with voices like Neal Carter’s rising, the next chapter of this debate promises to be as compelling as the music itself.
