20 Best Songs From Lil Wayne’s ‘Dedication’ Series

Recently, Lil Wayne made a vow to his fans on Twitter: “Noticed I wasn’t nominated nor involved n da MTV VMA’s nor da BET awards…I apologize to my fans and I promise 2 work harder if it kills me.” If there is one thing Wayne knows, its hard work.

Throughout his career, Wayne has put out classic albums just as much as classic mixtapes. The nickname “Mixtape Weezy” didn’t come out of nowhere: It was given based on his output of tapes filled with his best material yet. And it doesn’t look like is slowing down, either. Just one year removed from Dedication 4, the self-proclaimed “Best Rapper Alive” is back with the fifth installment of his Dedication series. As with every Wayne release, it’s an event waiting to be dissected by rap Twitter, fans, critics and more.

The Dedication mixtapes is Wayne’s bread and butter. This is where he established his street cred as a lyricist who rapped over tracks by Jay Z, Kanye West, Rick Ross and more. DJ Drama, the mind behind the beat selections, created chemistry with Wayne that allows him to toss around words in unlikely combinations. In songs like “Georgia ... Bush,” and “Hustlin’” Wayne is at the sharpest. On other tracks, he’s still has that spark to go harder. Combing through all 121 tracks, we’ve selected the 20 best ones from Wayne’s celebrated catalogue. Call it a dedication.

"N*ggas know I'm sick, I don't spit, I vomit, got it?"—Eric Diep (@E_Diep)

Previously: Lil Wayne Releases New Mixtape, ‘Dedication 5′
Previously: Lil Wayne On Top – XXL Issue 149

"Momma Taught Me"
Mixtape: Dedication

Over The Roots’ “Star” instrumental, Lil Wayne gives us early evidence of his showmanship and lyricism. His confidence and charisma overwhelms, and on this song he’s doing more than just rapping over someone else’s beat. Just peep the lines that make it his own: “Momma ain’t teach me no better but to get this cheddar/For that I do and for it I get at you.”

"Please Say The Baby" Featuring Mack Maine & Curren$y
Mixtape: Dedication

“Please Say The Baby” highlights the regional bounce sound of New Orleans. Here, Wayne gathers his N.O. homies Mack Maine and Curren$y for a song aimed for the streets. One of Wayne’s many nicknames, Weezy F. Baby, starts off his rapid-fire rhymes and the rest plays out as throwback to his Hot Boys days.

"Stilettos"
Mixtape: Dedication

In the second half of Dedication, Weezy buries this gem near the end of the tape called “Stilettos.” For two minutes, he fires his stream of conscious rhymes about guns, drugs, and even lamping in the Hamptons. He sounds as hungry as ever, letting off enough lyrical detail that’s impressive. Drama concludes the track by shouting out Wayne’s then start-up label Young Money.

"Get 'Em"
Mixtape: Dedication 2

This is pure rider music courtesy of Drama’s beat selection. Don Cannon supplies minimal drums claps for Weezy’s entertaining rhymes about the street hustle (“One pistol, two clips/I aim at lips.”) Opening tracks are a big part of setting the tone of a project, so it’s no surprise Wayne let his bars do the talking.

"Hustlin'"
Mixtape: Dedication 2

Wayne conquers Rick Ross’ cadence by spitting merciless rhymes on the national hit. He tosses plenty of nasty one-liners and hard snarls like it’s that easy. Light work for Weezy.

"Georgia Bush … Ambitionz Of A Rydah (Freestyle)"
Mixtape: Dedication 2

Praised by rap fans and music critics for a song about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Lil Wayne dedicates “Georgia … Bush” as an emotional protest. Some of Wayne’s best lines were contrived out of frustration: “The white people smiling like everything cool/But I know people that died in that pool/I know people that died in them schools.” He continues to display his intelligence of the tragedy while putting on for his city. At the end, Wayne freestyles over Tupac’s “Ambitionz Az a Ridah” instrumental. When he blacks out in the booth, the results are often deadly.

"Where Da Cash At? Featuring Curren$y & Remy Ma"
Mixtape: Dedication 2

Pushed as Curren$y’s first commercial offering as a Young Money member, “Where The Cash At?” went beyond the basics of New Orleans rap. It’s one of the few mixtape cuts that actually made a presence on the Billboard charts. You’ll find many of Wayne’s priorities—getting girls, dope smoking—in his typical style of witty wordplay with a tough attitude. On the other hand, Spitta raps about getting dimes like a revolving door and Remy Ma grabs our attention with her own excellent verse.

"Canon (Remix)" Featuring Freeway, Willie the Kid, Detroit Red & Juice
Mixtape: Dedication 2

Weezy, who is already warmed up at this point in D2, drops a show-stealing verse on “Canon.” It’s a song where Wayne’s free associative rhymes are instantly highlighted. Simply put—it’s a banger.

"Thingy Pleaser" Featuring Jae Millz
Mixtape: Dedication 3

Ok, Wayne does rap about getting head a lot. “Thingy Pleaser” isn’t as blatant as his other songs though. It’s one of the rare occasions on Dedication 3 where the Auto-Tune is removed, and Wayne is to free to chronicle all the bad girls he’s been slaying. Jae Millz also keeps up with the YMCMB boss with his punchline-driven flow.

"The Other Side" Featuring L.A. The Darkman, Jae Millz & Gudda Gudda
Mixtape: Dedication 3

Aside from the title track, “The Other Side” is Dedication 3’s standout posse cut. L.A. The Darkman, Gudda Gudda, and Jae Millz deliver, but its Wayne who spits potent venom. When his mind isn’t on warbling, Weezy can channel his former mixtape self to craft some of his best lines: “But I'm a let that A.K. go Rawer than a Qualo /Shoot you like Halo /Give ya ass a halo.”

"No Worries" Featuring Detail
Mixtape: Dedication 4

The talk surrounding Dedication 4 was can Lil Wayne make a successful comeback? And more importantly, did he fall off? Thankfully, “No Worries” was his single that swayed the opinion back in his favor. From the triumphant production by Detail to how comfortable Wayne sounds rapping, the single had a lot of positive responses behind it.

“No Worries” was made just the way you would have thought. Wayne and Detail commands our attention with slick lines about living life carefree. As a whole, this song shows Wayne still has the right formula to make a hit. It’s a standout mixtape cut that has plenty of replay value.

Previously: The Come Up: Detail

"Green Ranger" Featuring J. Cole
Mixtape: Dedication 4

G. Dep’s “Special Delivery” instrumental was the canvas for Wayne and J. Cole to spit epic verses. The two have never collaborated before and it was a huge look for both parties. Cole recalls hearing the beat when he was 16 and an “I-don’t-like-this-beat” Wayne murders it for three minutes. More tracks with these two, please.

"Get Smoked" Featuring Lil Mouse
Mixtape: Dedication 4

Keeping the surprises coming, Lil Wayne co-signed 13-year-old Chicago rapper Lil Mouse by remixing his controversial “Get Smoked” record. Weezy and Lil Mouse exchange gun-toting bars over the menacing production of P. Noble. Get your money dance on.

"Mercy" Featuring Nicki Minaj
Mixtape: Dedication 4

G.O.O.D. Music’s “Mercy” received a lot of spins last summer, so it’s only right that Wayne brings along Nicki Minaj for his version. Just like any song Minaj is on, she kills her verse, mimicking Big Sean’s flow all the while stating “these bitches is [her] sons” and a “Republican voting for Mitt Romney.” Meanwhile, Weezy hits the second half and flexes his skill over the beat.

"Typa Way" Featuring T.I.
Mixtape: Dedication 5

Rich Homie Quan’s “Type Of Way” was deemed the song of the summer by Drake. Though will probably never hear Drizzy’s remix in the near future, “Type Of Way” is a testament to how Rich Homie Quan is about to huge star. Wayne and featured guest T.I. borrow his flow and talk women, haters and other things that’ll make you feel some type of way. Two of America’s Most Wanted gets it done here.

"Levels" Featuring Vado
Mixtape: Dedication 5

Once again, Wayne proves he hasn’t lost his touch on Meek Mill’s “Levels.” There is little variation from the original here, just Weezy spewing off tight rhymes with confidence. Vado is showcased as the newer talent out of the New York scene and does his thing with strong lines about drug talk and the streets. Don’t count him out yet, slimes.

"Started"
Mixtape: Dedication 5

Drake’s “Started From The Bottom” was remixed by every MC from Meek Mill to the song’s producer Mike Zombie. Weezy’s rendition is him bragging about how the opposition doesn't want any problems. He shines on this instrumental showing little effort. Veteran status.

"FuckWithMeYouKnowIGotIt" Featuring T.I.
Mixtape: Dedication 5

Jay-Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail released on July 4. Tracks like “Holy Grail” and “Picasso Baby” were elaborate accounts of his new direction, but nothing had more rotation than “FuckWithMeYouKnowIGotIt.” On the remix, Wayne delivers signature lines (“Had a phone a jail, that’s a cell phone”) and Tip comes through with a sped-up flow that doesn’t let up.

"Bugatti"
Mixtape: Dedication 5

“I woke up in a new punani,” Wayne croons on his change to Ace Hood’s “Bugatti.” Originally one of the first tracks that teased D5, Wayne uses his Auto-Tune flow to let loose rhymes about his near-death experience and the new G-code. (“You can call me an S.O.B. Cause its skateboards over bugattis.”) Wayne’s tongue-in-cheek remixes are entertaining and displays his way of living by no limitations.

"You Song" Featuring Chance The Rapper
Mixtape: Dedication 5

Chance The Rapper and Lil Wayne on the same track? You don’t see that every day.

D5 was delayed from its Friday evening release date because Chance The Rapper and his go-to producers of Nate Fox, Peter Cottontale and Cam were on a deadline to send Wayne “You Song.” Well, we’re glad it made the tape. Chance drops a noteworthy verse and also provides the song’s catchy hook: “This is not a love song, this is a you song/I just happened to love ya.” Later on, Wayne steps in and channels his Tha Carter II days with vivid imagery about telling his love interest his true feelings. Another collaboration with an up-and-coming rapper that doesn't disappoint.