Lil Wayne shared a poignant anecdote during the Recording Academy Honors ceremony on Thursday, February 2, as he accepted the esteemed Global Impact Award bestowed upon him by the Black Music Collective.
With tears welling in his eyes, the renowned rapper paid tribute to his mother, Jacida Carter, and reflected on his upbringing with heartfelt gratitude.
Amidst his expressions of thanks to God, the Recording Academy, and fellow music industry professionals, Lil Wayne revealed a touching moment from his adolescence, recounting how his mother, affectionately referred to as “Cita,” had longed for companionship when he embarked on his first tour at just 14 years old.
In a vulnerable moment, Lil Wayne shared how his mother, faced with the prospect of being alone while he was away on tour, expressed her desire for a grandchild to keep her company.
Reflecting on the memory, he recalled his mother’s plea, stating, “I walked into my mama’s room when I was 14… My dad was killed, so she asked me if I wanted a child.” This heartfelt revelation shed light on the challenges his family had endured and the sacrifices made during his rise to fame.
Expressing his gratitude for the support he received throughout his career, Lil Wayne extended his thanks to key figures in his personal and professional life, including Cash Money Records and Young Money executive Mack Maine. Emphasizing the significance of Cash Money Records in his journey, Lil Wayne likened the label’s impact to that of a hometown sports team, stating, “Coming from New Orleans, Cash Money Records was [like] if you was from Dallas and you just got signed to the Cowboys.”
Lil Wayne’s acceptance of the Global Impact Award was a testament to his monumental contributions to hip-hop culture. Alongside fellow rap icons Missy Elliott and Dr. Dre, he was recognized for his enduring influence and groundbreaking achievements in the music industry. As the Recording Academy honored Lil Wayne for his remarkable impact, it underscored his legacy as a trailblazer in hip-hop and celebrated his indelible mark on the genre.
