Growing up in the Hollygrove section of New Orleans, Lil' Wayne (Dwayne Carter), also known as Weezy F Baby, Birdman Junior, and Raw Tunes, wrote dozens of gangsta rap hits while still in his teens.

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Lil Wayne was born Dwayne Carter.

NPR: 'Tha Carter III' Takes Lil Wayne Platinum

Born Dwayne Carter, Lil Wayne is one of the rap world's most successful artists.

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Tha Carter III is Lil Wayne's sixth official solo album.

NPR: 'Tha Carter III' Takes Lil Wayne Platinum

In the week after its June 10 release, New Orleans rapper Lil Wayne moved a million copies of Tha Carter III, his first official album in two-and-a-half years.

NPR: 'Tha Carter III' Takes Lil Wayne Platinum

So in light of his recent prolific output, is Tha Carter III a definitive artistic statement from Lil Wayne?

NPR: Lil Wayne: Best Rapper Alive?

In 2005, New Orleans MC Lil Wayne proclaimed himself the "best rapper alive" on his album Tha Carter II.

NPR: Lil Wayne: Best Rapper Alive?