But Lil Wayne was so prolific on the mixtape scene that he redefined it.

NPR: 'Tha Carter III' Takes Lil Wayne Platinum

But I prefer Lil Wayne in untrammeled mixtape mode, and there's plenty of that on the new release as well, especially the slightly pricier deluxe version.

NPR: 'Tha Carter III' Takes Lil Wayne Platinum

George Clooney's entire collection of suits may be less expensive than Lil Jon's chain, but the latter certainly comes with its perks--it's safe to say that a 5-pound "Crunk Ain't Dead" pendant is a bit too conspicuous to be lost at a coat check.

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Young Money publicist Sarah Cunningham acknowledged Friday that Lil Wayne had had a seizure, but members of the New Orleans artist's camp have shot down reports that he was near death.

CNN: Lil Wayne leaves hospital

But there's actually plenty of evidence, like Lil' Wayne's album...

NPR: Coldplay, Katy Perry and More New Releases

Lil Wayne is not only a platinum-selling artist in his own right, but he's also the man responsible for stars like "American Idol" judge Nicki Minaj and rapper Drake.

CNN: Hip-hop highs: Long on lyrics, short on rehab

But gone are the days of jaw-dropping liplocks (Where were you, Madge?), wildly inappropriate (and wildly entertaining) speeches and scantily clad starlets (rapper Lil' Kim, newly released from prison, gave a shout-out to former cellmates but was, disappointingly, covered up).

FORBES: Magazine Article