LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Lil Wayne performs onstage at the NBA 2K23 Launch Event at Rolling Greens on September 07, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images for 2K)
Lil Wayne is being honored with his own exhibit at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) in conjunction with his 40th birthday.
The NMAAM, which is headquartered in Nashville, will host an event with artifacts provided by Weezy himself, including his Grammy for Rap Album of the Year, his BET “I Am Hip-Hop” Award, alongside an original CD pressing from his major label debut “The Block Is Hot,” and even a handwritten letter of his from Rikers Island, according to a press release.
Those who attend the exhibit will also be privy to a virtual speech by Wayne as well as live music, and an interactive portion of the exhibit where people can record themselves in a rap booth singing Wayne’s lyrics.
Attendees will also be treated to a lecture, which will be live-streamed by a group of Vanderbilt professors, which will reflect on Wayne’s career.
Professors Dr. Gillum Sharpley, Associate Chair of African American & Diaspora Studies, and Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Centennial Chair and University Distinguished Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies will be participating in the lecture.
Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., known professionally as Lil Wayne, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and record executive. He is commonly regarded as one of the most influential hip hop artists of his generation, and often cited as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
His career began at the age of 12 in 1995, when he was signed by rapper Birdman, joining Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label.
From then on, Wayne was the flagship artist of Cash Money Records before ending he ended association with the label in 2018.
The museum features exhibits of musical genres created or influenced by African Americans and provides interactive educational opportunities enabling visitors to better understand the influence African Americans have had on American music and culture.
Its exhibits have included such artists as Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye and Whitney Houston, to name a few.
The museum was said to eventually comprise “five permanent themed galleries” as well as “a 200-seat theater and traveling exhibits.” Its founding curator, Dr. Dina Bennett, was appointed in May 2018.
The National Museum of African American Music broke ground in April 2017. The grand opening was January 18, 2021, after the COVID-19 pandemic delayed it’s official opening.
