6 Unpopular Facts About Lil Wayne

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25 Oct 2024

Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., is one of the most influential figures in the world of hip-hop. With a career spanning over two decades, he has carved out a place as a pioneer of Southern rap, a mentor to a new generation of artists, and an unpredictable force in the music industry.

While many are familiar with his chart-topping hits and record-breaking albums, there are several lesser-known facts about the rapper that reveal much more about his life, struggles, and personal journey.

These truths, some unexpected and others downright shocking, paint a more complex picture of the artist often simply labeled as a rap icon.

1. He Accidentally Shot Himself When He Was 12

One of the most striking, yet rarely discussed, facts about Lil Wayne is that he accidentally shot himself when he was just 12 years old. This harrowing incident occurred when the young Wayne found a gun in his mother's home and, while playing with it, shot himself in the chest. The bullet narrowly missed his heart, and the young rapper was rushed to the hospital by a local police officer, Robert Hoobler, who Lil Wayne later credited with saving his life.

Although the accident left him physically scarred, it also profoundly impacted his outlook on life and music. Wayne has referenced the incident multiple times in his songs, but it’s still surprising to many fans who are unaware of this traumatic moment in his childhood. While other rappers often glorify violence, Wayne's experience has given him a personal, sobering perspective on the topic.

2. He Signed His First Record Deal at Age 12

Many artists struggle for years before getting their first break, but Lil Wayne was signed to Cash Money Records when he was just 12 years old. This was the same year as his near-fatal gun accident. Wayne's early entry into the rap game made him a prodigy of sorts, and he quickly gained recognition as one of the youngest talents in the industry. His first group, The B.G.'z, formed with fellow rapper B.G., was a local success, and he later became a key member of the supergroup Hot Boys.

His early start in the music industry meant that Lil Wayne had to grow up fast, both personally and professionally. By the time he was a teenager, he was already familiar with the ups and downs of the music business, touring the country, and working on major projects. Despite the pressures, Wayne thrived, and his early dedication to his craft laid the foundation for his future solo success.

Fun Fact: Lil Wayne has been a part of the music industry for so long that many people don't realize he started out under the name Baby D.

3. He Has a Degree in Psychology

Despite his larger-than-life persona and a career deeply rooted in the world of hip-hop, Lil Wayne has pursued interests outside of music. In fact, he enrolled at the University of Houston in 2005 to study psychology. While many expected him to pursue something related to the music business, Wayne chose to challenge himself academically, opting for a subject that would help him better understand human behavior and the workings of the mind.

Although he had to leave the university due to scheduling conflicts with his burgeoning music career, he later continued his education through online courses at the University of Phoenix. This commitment to intellectual growth is something that surprises many fans, especially considering Wayne's often wild public persona. It shows a side of the rapper that many are unaware of—a man dedicated not just to his art but also to personal development.

Trivia: Wayne has frequently expressed that his pursuit of psychology was less about a backup plan and more about feeding his curiosity and expanding his understanding of people.

4. He is a Skater and an Advocate for the Skateboarding Community

When people think of Lil Wayne, they typically imagine tattoos, grills, and baggy clothes—but a skateboard? In fact, Wayne has been a passionate skateboarder for over a decade. Around 2011, he started taking the hobby seriously, spending hours each day practicing and honing his skills. Though this shift in interest surprised many of his fans, Wayne has fully embraced skateboarding, even dedicating a part of his home to a private skatepark.

In a genre known for its machismo and urban grit, Wayne’s embrace of skateboarding—something more often associated with punk rock or alternative subcultures—set him apart from many of his contemporaries. Wayne's passion for the sport goes beyond just riding; he has actively supported the skateboarding community by partnering with brands and building skate parks in underserved areas, encouraging young people to pick up the board.

Skater's Spirit: Wayne has said in interviews that skateboarding gives him a break from the pressures of fame, and allows him to feel like a kid again.

5. He Owns a Successful Clothing Line and Beverage Brand

Beyond music and skateboarding, Lil Wayne has proven himself to be a savvy businessman. One of his more successful ventures is his clothing line, Trukfit. Launched in 2012, Trukfit features urban streetwear that reflects Wayne's eclectic style and bold personality. The brand caters to skaters, artists, and anyone who embraces a free-spirited, rebellious attitude. Wayne's eye for fashion has made Trukfit a popular choice among fans, and it’s another demonstration of his entrepreneurial spirit.

In addition to his fashion endeavors, Lil Wayne has also dabbled in the beverage industry. In 2014, he introduced a new line of flavored sparkling water called "Wize & Ope," which started in Europe before expanding to the U.S. market. Both of these ventures show that Wayne is not just a rapper; he is a businessman with a diverse range of interests.

Business Moves: While many artists have failed to maintain relevance in industries outside of music, Wayne’s ventures continue to thrive, underscoring his ability to adapt and innovate.

6. He Survived Multiple Seizures

Wayne’s health has been a topic of concern for fans and loved ones alike. Over the years, he has suffered from multiple seizures, some of which were so severe that they led to emergency hospitalization. Wayne has openly admitted to suffering from epilepsy, a neurological condition that causes recurring seizures. His battle with epilepsy has added a layer of vulnerability to his otherwise tough image.

Though some speculated that Wayne’s health issues were connected to his past drug use—particularly his well-documented affinity for "lean" (a mixture of prescription-strength cough syrup and soda)—the rapper has been clear that his epilepsy is a separate and serious condition. He continues to take steps to manage his health, but the repeated hospitalizations have served as a stark reminder of the dangers he faces.

Did you know? Despite the severity of his seizures, Lil Wayne has continued to tour and release new music, showing incredible resilience.

Conclusion

Lil Wayne is much more than a rap legend. He is a complex individual whose life has been shaped by triumph, tragedy, and an unwavering commitment to his art. From his near-death experience at the age of 12 to his later pursuits in fashion, skateboarding, and even psychology, Lil Wayne’s journey has been anything but ordinary. While some facts about his life remain well-known, others fly under the radar, revealing a multi-dimensional figure who continues to defy expectations and redefine success on his own terms.