How Lil Wayne's Leaks Made 'Tha Carter III' A Hit

On 2005’s 'Tha Carter II,' Wayne proclaimed himself to be the “best rapper alive.” It may have felt lofty then, but by the end of 2007 it became the general consensus amongst rap fans and Wayne no longer had to sing his own praises. MTV crowned him the “Hottest MC In The Game,” GQ’s called him the “Workaholic of the Year,” and by 2008 Rolling Stone said he was, in fact, the “Best MC.” Going into 2008, at the height of his popularity, it was time for Wayne to deliver an album. After great anticipation, on June 10, 2008, 'Tha Carter III' was released to high praise from fans and critics alike. It sold over a million records in its first week, a fitting achievement for an album boosted by the hit single “A Milli.”