Earlier this week, a preview of Lil Wayne’s story in the “Survivor” feature of GQ’s “Gods of Rock” issue hit the web, detailing the rapper’s past struggles with drug addiction. Now, the full article has been released and Wayne bares all as he discusses highlights such as his much-talked-about retirement plans and his strained relationship with his biological father.
Wayne, now 29-years-old, has previously stated that he wants to retire from the mic by 35. Asked why he plans to take a final bow from the stage, Wayne explains that he’s achieved all of his rap goals and wants, one day, to begin life anew for himself and his kids.
“Basically, I have been doing this for eighteen years. That’s reason number one. I have accomplished all that I have set out to accomplish and more. Also, I have a label, and I’ve only put out two artists [Drake and Nicki Minaj]. I have a lot more work to do, and it’d be selfish to not focus on being the boss and focus on their projects.” said Wayne. “But the main reason is my kids, my children. Now, if I thought I’d be selfish to my artists, imagine what I think I would be doing to my kids. I have enough money that they don’t have to ever do anything—which, they will do everything, ’cause they ain’t getting s–t. [cackles wildly] Six [more] years, I can do this Lil Wayne thing, and my boys will be about 7 and 8 years old. And man, it’s all about them then. You know, whatever they’re doing. Sports. Whatever they’re into. That’s where I am. I’m at every game. I’m the dad with the hat on. The jersey. That’s me.”
Though such a career change would bring about quite the identity crisis for most,Wayne says he’s unafraid of the lifestyle change that’s coming his way.
“I feel like I’ll be a new me, and how good is that? To actually be opening a brand-new door of life at 35? That’d be awesome. Totally awesome. I’m looking forward to it,” said Wayne.
As the article shifts from his aforementioned drug use, his love of tattoos and skateboard culture, Wayne becomes cold and candid on the issue of his non-existent relationship with his estranged biological father, Dwayne Carter. And as he explains it, his resentment for his father runs so deep that he despises the fact that he even looks like him.
“He don’t give a s–t about me. And I don’t give a s–t about him. I know his friends be like, “Damn, ni–a. That is not your son. Stop lying. Ni–a, you could be living in a motherf–king ranch right now, ni–a.” You know, whatever your father’s into, if you’re rich, you’re gonna get him that s–t. I would’ve got that ni–a all kinda harnesses, ranches—you know what I mean? I saw the ni–a recently—I had a show in New Orleans. And I ain’t afraid to put this out there, ’cause this is just how much I don’t give a f–k about a ni–a, and I want people to see how you’re not supposed to be. I was parked at the hotel, and I saw him walking outside the hotel. Just walking back and forth. I’m like, “Look at this ni–a! You gotta be looking for me.” If Lil Wayne got a show in New Orleans, the whole of New Orleans knows. Basically, you’re not there for nothing else but me. So I call my man on the bus. I’m like, “Ni–a, that’s my daddy.” He’s like, “Word? Oh s–t. That ni–a looks just like you!” So I tell my man, “Go see what’s up.” So my man goes to holla at him. He tells my man, ‘Oh. I didn’t know y’all was here. I’m here waiting for this little h- to get off. Get off work from the hotel.’ For real? That’s when I was like, ‘Typical Dwayne Carter.’ So that’s what’s up with me and my real father. I don’t want to look like his a–, but I do.”
Though his relationship with his father is less than joyful, it’s good to see that Wayne is so intent on being a better father to his kids and with such brassy determination and resolve, it’s not likely that Wayne will fail. – nicholas robinson
