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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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!
  8. GabrielVictor
    May 15, 2016
    8
    " The Carter III " tem tudo aquilo que um bom álbum de Rap precisa para ser consagrado. (B+)
  9. 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
  10. WTF_
    Sep 29, 2018
    10
    Tha Carter III was a great album. Honestly some of the "critics" are against rap culture...
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. Rapuser123
    Jul 30, 2019
    10
    Great album. This album was great. It is a classic without a doubt. My favorite Lil Wayne album
  19. 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
  20. Mbminas
    Feb 4, 2020
    10
    Best rap album ever made in the history, Wayne is the GOAT and this album proved it.
  21. TBD101
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    Lil Wayne is a GOAT, and this album proves it. One of the best albums of all time.
  22. Stoo
    Jul 20, 2008
    10
    Guess what ? It's an amazing album. It's crazy controversial because it's audaciously and crazily good, and different, and it scares those who can't deal with something that is actually progressive quality music developing out of the mainstream rap they were already becoming way out of touch with. When all the reviews of an album are mostly very positive, praising its Guess what ? It's an amazing album. It's crazy controversial because it's audaciously and crazily good, and different, and it scares those who can't deal with something that is actually progressive quality music developing out of the mainstream rap they were already becoming way out of touch with. When all the reviews of an album are mostly very positive, praising its uniqueness, or reviews that give it a 0 saying "OMG THIS IS HORRENDOUS TRASH I AM PERSONALLY OFFENDED", you KNOW that there is something good going on there. every innovative artist faces the same narrow-sighted critics.… Expand
  23. sashaj
    Sep 6, 2008
    10
    I was expecting good from Lil Wayne on this album considering the horrible guest appearences of him on various songs in the months prior to the release. On June 5th, a friend of mine sent me a link where I could download the album. I did, and after hearing 3 Peat and Mr. Carter I was amazed and decided that I would buy it in stores. After I bought it I thorougly listened to it and decided I was expecting good from Lil Wayne on this album considering the horrible guest appearences of him on various songs in the months prior to the release. On June 5th, a friend of mine sent me a link where I could download the album. I did, and after hearing 3 Peat and Mr. Carter I was amazed and decided that I would buy it in stores. After I bought it I thorougly listened to it and decided that this is the first album where I didn't have to skip any songs. Some might say the album did not have had a concept or a general idea but trust me it did. The general message was: All of these songs are the new Lil Wayne.… Expand
  24. YeahYeah
    Jun 20, 2008
    9
    Very good album. Wayne has shown growth with concept tracks and introspective lyrics. With an all round very good album with tracks for everybody. Wayne can do better basically cuz he gets better every year but this album shows his growth.
  25. PaulC
    Jul 16, 2008
    9
    One of the best rap albums in years.
  26. Joe
    Jul 17, 2008
    9
    Solid mix of lyrical swag and though provoking lyrics. Wayne delivers and with incredible sales has put Hip Hop back on top.
  27. JacobM.
    Jul 2, 2008
    10
    This is what hip-hop needs: Creativity. I would love to see Wayne pick some new topics to tackle, but even when he says the same thing as every other rapper, he does it in a completely new way. He is way out there, and I like that.
  28. JeffP
    Sep 20, 2008
    10
    The best album I have ever heard in my life! People hate Wayne because he uses the auto-tune but he only uses it on Lollipop, Got Money and the hook of You Ain't Got Nuthin. If you REALLY listen to it, he is hands down the greatest MC to ever live, and how he took his time to come out with the album proves it. I love it.
  29. DeepA.
    Jan 30, 2009
    9
    This is the best rap album from 2008. Nearly no filler and on an album with this many tracks, its a feat. How can anyone not like his flows? On 'Dr. Carter', he flows like a poet. Its impressive without beats and with them, he's knocked it out of the park!
  30. JesseJ
    Feb 8, 2009
    9
    The beat production is eclectic, and Lil' Wayne adapts to all of them like a chameleon. His lyrics from this album get stuck in my head all the time!
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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.
    Read full review
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