Lil Wayne's Tha Carter VI Debuts at No. 2 with Mixed Reviews, Weaker Streaming

Lil Wayne's latest album, Tha Carter VI, released on June 6, 2025, has received mixed to negative reviews from critics and fans alike, with Pitchfork rating it 2.9/10 and Billboard's panel describing it as the weakest entry in the series. Criticisms focus on the album's lack of standout songs, Wayne's delivery, and disappointing features, although the eclectic guest list includes notable names like Bono, 2 Chainz, and Wyclef Jean. Despite the lukewarm reception, Tha Carter VI is projected to sell around 110,000 units in its first week, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200, a significant drop from Tha Carter V's 480,000 units but still a solid performance for Wayne at this stage of his career. The album's streaming numbers are considerably lower than previous installments, with only 14.2 million first-day Spotify streams versus 66 million for Tha Carter V, raising questions about its commercial impact. Wayne continues to maintain a loyal fanbase, as evidenced by Justin Bieber's public support and the kickoff of his North American tour following the album's release. Overall, while Tha Carter VI may not meet the high expectations set by its predecessors, it highlights Lil Wayne's enduring presence and influence in hip-hop.