Lil Wayne received the Global Impact Award at the Recording Academy Honors, an event presented by the Black Music Collective, on Thursday. In his emotional acceptance speech, Lil Wayne spoke about his upbringing and the impact it has had on his life and career. He explained that receiving such a prestigious award is not something that someone from his background is "supposed" to achieve.
Lil Wayne shared a poignant moment from his youth when he was 14 years old and touring as a young musician. He remembered walking into his mother's room and finding her so lonely that she asked him for a grandchild to keep her company. This request came after the loss of his father, and Lil Wayne's sudden rise to fame.
The rapper expressed gratitude for many people in hip-hop and his personal life who helped him pave the way, including Young Money executive Mack Maine and Cash Money Records. He compared Cash Money Records to being signed to the Dallas Cowboys, coming from New Orleans.
Lil Wayne received the Global Impact Award along with other prominent figures in rap, including Missy Elliot and Dr. Dre. Sylvia Rhone, a member of the XXL Awards Board and the first woman to become CEO of a major record label, was also honored.
The Recording Academy recognized Lil Wayne's exceptional contributions to hip-hop culture in its announcement of the award. The five-time Grammy Award-winning artist is known for his music, his role as the founder and CEO of Young Money Entertainment and Young Money APAA Sports, his book writing, pro skateboarding, and philanthropic efforts. He is considered one of the best-selling artists of all time.
The recognition of Lil Wayne as a Global Impact Award honoree comes shortly after the announcement of his Welcome to Tha Carter Tour, which will be his first headlining tour in four years. This tour marks an exciting new chapter in the career of this talented musician and is a testament to his lasting impact on the culture.
