Tha Carter III
by Lil Wayne
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 380 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 274 out of 380
  2. Mixed: 41 out of 380
  3. Negative: 65 out of 380

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  1. Zeke_Chaney
    Jul 29, 2022
    10
    The greatest rap album i’ve listened to, amazing rhymes and wordplay all across the album
  2. tonto
    Jun 17, 2021
    9
    Lil Wayne’s best album to date. A classic, this was most successful album Wayne had up to that point in 2008. Lil Wayne uses clever wordplay to make memorable songs. His flow is at its best, and the production on the album is from some big name producers like Bangladesh, Jim Jonsin, Kanye West, and Cool & Dre among others with Weezy as executive producer. You can listen to the album fromLil Wayne’s best album to date. A classic, this was most successful album Wayne had up to that point in 2008. Lil Wayne uses clever wordplay to make memorable songs. His flow is at its best, and the production on the album is from some big name producers like Bangladesh, Jim Jonsin, Kanye West, and Cool & Dre among others with Weezy as executive producer. You can listen to the album from start to finish without skipping anything, but the best tracks are Got Money, A Milli, Lollipop, Comfortable, and Mrs. Officer.… Expand
  3. TBD101
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    Lil Wayne is a GOAT, and this album proves it. One of the best albums of all time.
  4. Mbminas
    Feb 4, 2020
    10
    Best rap album ever made in the history, Wayne is the GOAT and this album proved it.
  5. calebcorleone
    Feb 3, 2020
    10
    One of the greatest albums of all time. Changed music as we know it. Leaked a week before release and still sold A MILLI the first week. Absolutely legendary and essential.
  6. Rapuser123
    Jul 30, 2019
    10
    Great album. This album was great. It is a classic without a doubt. My favorite Lil Wayne album
  7. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    8
    Lil Wayne is at his peak lyrical genius here, but with more flavor and eclectic production than his earlier work. The album is a rollercoaster and fun to listen to with it's genius quotables, eclectic production (soulful, alien-like), quick pace and surprisingly solid depth.
  8. WTF_
    Sep 29, 2018
    10
    Tha Carter III was a great album. Honestly some of the "critics" are against rap culture...
  9. SuchiB14
    Aug 31, 2018
    9
    One of Wayne's best works. The main substance of the album tends to be better than the commercial hits like Lollipop, but overall the album is a banger, one of the greats.
  10. OGHipHopCritic
    Jun 9, 2018
    9
    88 which rounds up to a 9/10. I'd say this is the most enjoyable lil wayne album. The album was made of consistently good beats which were way ahead of it's time. The album starts off with 3-peat which is an instant hard hitting song. The lyrical content of this album was full of the greatest punchlines and using those punchlines he was able to send a message. Songs such as Tie My Hands88 which rounds up to a 9/10. I'd say this is the most enjoyable lil wayne album. The album was made of consistently good beats which were way ahead of it's time. The album starts off with 3-peat which is an instant hard hitting song. The lyrical content of this album was full of the greatest punchlines and using those punchlines he was able to send a message. Songs such as Tie My Hands with Robin Thicke are the most relaxing songs and have such a good message about persisting through struggling times. However, the only disappointment of this album is Ms. Carter.… Expand
  11. iCronic
    Aug 6, 2017
    10
    Tha Carter III is one of my favorite Hip Hop Albums in the last ten years. Probably the peak in his career. Still have this as a cd, one of the few i kept.
  12. GabrielVictor
    May 15, 2016
    8
    " The Carter III " tem tudo aquilo que um bom álbum de Rap precisa para ser consagrado. (B+)
  13. ihavevocaloid
    May 17, 2015
    8
    Tha Carter III is undoubtedly one of Lil Wayne's best albums (if not THE best). I don't think it's a classic, but it was probably one of the best albums of 2008. Diverse production is all over Tha Carter III, ranging from Robin Thicke's neo-soul production on "Tie My Hands" to jazz on "Dr. Carter" to Nina Simone sampling on "Dontgetit". In addition to the great production, Lil Wayne showsTha Carter III is undoubtedly one of Lil Wayne's best albums (if not THE best). I don't think it's a classic, but it was probably one of the best albums of 2008. Diverse production is all over Tha Carter III, ranging from Robin Thicke's neo-soul production on "Tie My Hands" to jazz on "Dr. Carter" to Nina Simone sampling on "Dontgetit". In addition to the great production, Lil Wayne shows that he is an entertaining rapper. Sure, his lyricism isn't Nas or Jay-Z but he has some funny lyrics and entertaining punchlines. And he even addresses some serious topics on here ("Tie My Hands", "Dontgetit"). And speaking of "Dontgetit", him talking for the last half didn't bore me at all like Kanye West's "Runaway" did (nothing against "Runaway"). That proves that Tha Carter III never bores at all. It's uplifting and puts you in a good mood with his entertaining lyrics and great production. Grade: B+/A-. Highlights: "3 Peat", "A Milli", "Phone Home" (I seem to be the only one that likes this song), "Dontgetit". Worst song: This was a hard one, but probably "La La" because of those annoying babies singing throughout the whole song.… Expand
  14. comebackkid12
    Dec 8, 2014
    8
    The entire time throughout "Tha Carter III," you can just tell Wayne is having way too much making the record; what would it hurt to maybe revel in the excitement and enjoy the moment with him? From beginning to end, Mr. Carter is constantly on his game, throwing many different themes at you all at once, yet keeping the whole album balanced like it was his odd, confused, wild child (whichThe entire time throughout "Tha Carter III," you can just tell Wayne is having way too much making the record; what would it hurt to maybe revel in the excitement and enjoy the moment with him? From beginning to end, Mr. Carter is constantly on his game, throwing many different themes at you all at once, yet keeping the whole album balanced like it was his odd, confused, wild child (which is important because, as a group of singles, it would sound disheveled). Sleek production coats the entire project, and Wayne's wordplay is something glorious to behold, as it begs for other emcees to one-up him. A fantastic job, and one of his best (probably his best) work yet.… Expand
  15. axs126330
    Oct 17, 2014
    9
    This album isn't the Blueprint, Get Rich or Die Trying, or The Eminem Show, but it is a step below which is good enough to have an ninety rating. The album is a little bit of both the mix-tape Lil Wayne, like A Milli and the friendlier Lil Wayne, like Got Money.
  16. Luckyluke93
    Aug 13, 2014
    10
    Absolutely the best Wayne's album ever: 16 awesome songs (Playing with Fire original) and eccellent Weezy.. Only one bad song: La La is terrible, but Tie My Hands and Dontgetit are just amazing. If you don't like this album you probably don't like hip hop music.
  17. BubblyBear
    Mar 19, 2014
    10
    The single greates album released all time in the history of rap music or any genre ever. Lollipop changed rap forever. Lil Wayne is the greatest of all time
  18. yeezus_crust
    Mar 1, 2014
    9
    This album's strong point is easily the beat selection, along with Wayne's outlandish metaphors ("We are not the same, I am a Martian" he explains in the ET-inspired track "Phone Home") which make for an enjoyable album. As an avid hip hop listener the songs that I didn't find as appealing were the radio hits such as "Got Money", "Mrs. Officer" and "Lollipop" which, despite being poppyThis album's strong point is easily the beat selection, along with Wayne's outlandish metaphors ("We are not the same, I am a Martian" he explains in the ET-inspired track "Phone Home") which make for an enjoyable album. As an avid hip hop listener the songs that I didn't find as appealing were the radio hits such as "Got Money", "Mrs. Officer" and "Lollipop" which, despite being poppy and dumbed down, are by no means unenjoyable.… Expand
  19. Fierce_Deity
    Dec 6, 2013
    10
    Amazing album. Those users giving him Negatives and 0-5, really? This album shook up Hip Hop and is one of the most significant mainstream albums out there. This album is a great mainstream crossover, and features one of the greatest songs in the whole Hip Hop genre, "Dr. Carter". Those hating on this album need to remember, he's a legend and your reviews won't tarnish his legacyAmazing album. Those users giving him Negatives and 0-5, really? This album shook up Hip Hop and is one of the most significant mainstream albums out there. This album is a great mainstream crossover, and features one of the greatest songs in the whole Hip Hop genre, "Dr. Carter". Those hating on this album need to remember, he's a legend and your reviews won't tarnish his legacy whatsoever. Great job, Wayne. Hoping Carter 5 could be another classic.… Expand
  20. anggy12002
    Sep 26, 2013
    7
    The best Wayne album ever. That's not saying a lot, though. The main issue with this album is that there are way too many track and not enough substance too those tracks. After the track La La I found myself saying hey this sounds just like this track from earlier. The stand out awesome tracks are Mr. Carter, A Milli, Dr. Carter, Phone Home, Tie My Hands, and Lollipop. If you are a fan ofThe best Wayne album ever. That's not saying a lot, though. The main issue with this album is that there are way too many track and not enough substance too those tracks. After the track La La I found myself saying hey this sounds just like this track from earlier. The stand out awesome tracks are Mr. Carter, A Milli, Dr. Carter, Phone Home, Tie My Hands, and Lollipop. If you are a fan of Tha Carter 2, or any of his later work, you'll love this, but if you are a Tha Block Is Hot or Lights Out type of guy, you may be disappointed.… Expand
  21. samir634
    Aug 4, 2013
    10
    All these people with negative reviews are simply hating on the album for the sake of hating on it. This album is a masterpiece, Lil Wayne's Magnum Opus, an album that will put Lil Wayne with the greats. The song has a great mix of emotion with songs like Shoot Me Down, and bangers like A Milli, and Pop masterpieces like Lollipop, there is something mesmerizing about the way Lil WayneAll these people with negative reviews are simply hating on the album for the sake of hating on it. This album is a masterpiece, Lil Wayne's Magnum Opus, an album that will put Lil Wayne with the greats. The song has a great mix of emotion with songs like Shoot Me Down, and bangers like A Milli, and Pop masterpieces like Lollipop, there is something mesmerizing about the way Lil Wayne flows so easily over his tracks. "Swallow my words, taste my thoughts, And if it's too nasty, spit it back at me" raps Lil Wayne on the intro, "3 Peat." This I feel is the definition of Lil Wayne's music, sharp edged words that sting and strike deep, and extreme sexual perversion to the point where it almost gets disgusting on a song like Monster." To the people that hate this album, give it an objective listen instead of judging it because it is a Lil Wayne album, this is a masterpiece.… Expand
  22. lilgnzlo
    Feb 26, 2013
    10
    I think Lil 'Wayne proves that you can make good rap music and at the same time cover broader musical genres. This is an album that contains the best rap mixtapes of 2007 and a good production that is pleasant to listen in any radio station.

    Lil 'Wayne made ​​a radical shift in what we were used to seeing in previous rap albums that were talking about the same issues and the same beats    I think Lil 'Wayne proves that you can make good rap music and at the same time cover broader musical genres. This is an album that contains the best rap mixtapes of 2007 and a good production that is pleasant to listen in any radio station.

    Lil 'Wayne made ​​a radical shift in what we were used to seeing in previous rap albums that were talking about the same issues and the same beats and productions. Looking backwards, it is clear that since this album was released rappers began to make good use of auto-tune until a few years ago.

    The best album of 2008 and the best of Lil 'Wayne.    … Expand
  23. dilpickle722
    Oct 4, 2011
    8
    This is a pretty awesome album the reason is is because if this album wasnt aound lil wayne wouldnt be half as popular as he is now because rebirth and im not a human being failed everyone hated carter 4 this album had great songs some songs like lollipop were just stupid but a milli and got money were great

    1 A milli
    2 got money
    3 let the beat build
    4 3 peat
    5 Dr carter
  24. wikipediabrown
    Aug 13, 2011
    7
    This album gets an 8 mostly because of the relative strength of a few tracks towards the beginning of the album. It's difficult to tell if the other tracks - which are of the elite tier of production value as rap can get - are actually just slightly above average tracks or whether the heavy hitters at the beginning just make the rest of the tracks seem dull only in comparison.

    Standing    This album gets an 8 mostly because of the relative strength of a few tracks towards the beginning of the album. It's difficult to tell if the other tracks - which are of the elite tier of production value as rap can get - are actually just slightly above average tracks or whether the heavy hitters at the beginning just make the rest of the tracks seem dull only in comparison.

    Standing far above the other top-tier tracks on this album is "A Milli", a no-holds barred surreal flow of apocryphal lil wayne non sequitors, laced with as phrases as clever and nonchalantly vulgar as it is required for Weezy to explain to us in such brilliant creative ways why he is the best. All this is set against a surprisingly palatable (assumedly hefty) dude just saying "A Milli" over and over again.

    A Milli seems to be the most revered track on the biggest studio album - 1,000,000 copies in a week, and the #1 best-selling album of 2008 - the pop-mega rap star has so far released. Known for achieving success simultaneously, if not primarily, because of underground, non-radioplay mixtape releases, the song stands on its own as a stalwart in rap's history books.

    3 Peat is a formidable beginning to any album, a firm, bold roar of the arrival of Wayne, obviously not only as the beginning of this album, but as a dominating figure in the spotlight of rap.

    With the crescendo of 3-Peat coming near the end, as soon as it brings you back from Wayne's planet to Earth, you turn right over into Mr. Carter, a relaxed track with a solid kick and a chantable chorus held up by a high-pitched Kanye-like sample. Lil Wayne's birth name being Dwayne Carter, the song speaks for his fans and friends, asking where he has been recently, while he reveals the new heights his life has reached, and through a barrel's worth of clever phrases, explains that he's been traveling all around the world being a superstar rapper. His point is capped off when another Mr. Carter, Shawn Carter, aka Jay-Z pops in to say, yes, I am a legend and, yes, we few superstar rappers are too hard to catch, a true jet setter. Keep 'em searchin.

    In full disclosure, the author of this article has as a surname Carter, so feels a certain affinity for this track. Hopefully this wasn't evident.

    If you haven't heard Lollipop and are an American and under 35, I'm guessing you have never been social in a public place. That American part might be irrelevant. Lollipop was a genuine radioplay megahit, indeed the best selling digital single of 2008, and is one of the reasons Wayne remains interesting to critics - and labels - alike: he can please intellectual Pitchfork critics while blowing up the pockets of the radio conglomerates. The other tracks on this album suffers from common-rap album syndrome. At times, listening from beginning to end, it feels too disjointed due to the sheer quantity of producers submitting different types of tracks to what's supposed to be a like-minded compilation. That said, the all-star producers who composed Tha Carter iii - from Swizz Beatz to David Banner to Kanye - definitely do their job individually.

    Yet still, the themes of this album are scatterbrained, despite, obviously all being loosely based around the fact that Lil Wayne, is in fact, "Ill, not sick," an expert rapper and lyrically genius. Of course, this isn't actually far from the truth, but this album ends up being much more a bunch of interesting tracks featuring a five-star rapper and a few of his peers and forefathers, than a classic album.    … Expand
  25. Kaztaj
    Nov 17, 2010
    10
    The best album of 2008. Lil Wayne shows his rap skills and out-does his singing skills. Even though with autotune, the effect has a unique way with him. Album of the year... No Doubt!
  26. JoeC.
    Jan 24, 2010
    9
    This album is much better than all u people r saying how can u give this less than a 8 do u people actually listen to the albums or just hate it because of all the good reviews damn listen to this first!
  27. RandomP.
    Sep 23, 2009
    10
    The dyanamics are great.And btw Lil wayne is hot as it gets yo i luv it yo His voice so hot.
  28. MGF.
    Aug 23, 2009
    10
    The album was brilliant and is still a favorite listen a year after it's release. Be warned that you have to look past the radio singles of "millionare" and "lollipop" and listen to the meat of the album which lies in brilliant songs like "comfortable," "tie my hands," "Missunderstood," and "Shoot Me Down" brilliant tracks and for an age in hip hop where content has been lost, this The album was brilliant and is still a favorite listen a year after it's release. Be warned that you have to look past the radio singles of "millionare" and "lollipop" and listen to the meat of the album which lies in brilliant songs like "comfortable," "tie my hands," "Missunderstood," and "Shoot Me Down" brilliant tracks and for an age in hip hop where content has been lost, this album has plenty once you peel the layers past the songs meant to garner radio airplay.… Expand
  29. AliB
    Jun 13, 2009
    10
    Best rap album ever. this is my favorite number 1 rap album. lil wayne is the best rapper alive.
  30. SolG
    Feb 16, 2009
    7
    The album is very strong with some tracks like "Mr.Carter", "Comfortable", "Tie my hands", "Dr.Carter", "Let the Beat Build" and "I'm Me" are all more or less instant 5 star classics, in my opinion. But overall the album does not live up to the enourmous hype and awards it receives. I would've been much more willing to give the Grammy to either Jay, Lupe or Nas (although my The album is very strong with some tracks like "Mr.Carter", "Comfortable", "Tie my hands", "Dr.Carter", "Let the Beat Build" and "I'm Me" are all more or less instant 5 star classics, in my opinion. But overall the album does not live up to the enourmous hype and awards it receives. I would've been much more willing to give the Grammy to either Jay, Lupe or Nas (although my personal all time favourite is, of course, Mr.West and his inspired 808's...). Don't get me wrong, in some sense Weezy deserves the most plaudits he receives, the album is very good and highly original, but not a classic by any means. It lacks a concept first of all, and sorry but I really do not get his obsession with constant use of a words like "Pussy" in every second verse he uses.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best Album of 2008
16
#16 Most Discussed Album of 2008
5
#5 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. AllMusic
    80
    Filled with bold, entertaining wordplay and plenty of well-executed, left-field ideas, Tha Carter III should be considered as a wild, somewhat difficult child of Weezy's magnum opus in motion, one that allows the listener an exhilarating and unapologetic taste of artistic freedom.
    Read full review
  2. Boston Globe
    80
    That said, it's not an instant classic, but it is the best rap album since Kanye West dropped "Graduation" last year.
    Read full review
  3. Hartford Courant
    80
    We should have known. If his raspy, cartoonish voice didn't mark him as different, his quick wit, offhanded wordplay and quirky subject matter should have in a genre populated largely by grim-faced imitators.
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