Lil Wayne the Rapper  

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Initially known best as the youngest Hot Boy, Lil Wayne grew up quickly and enjoyed a steady stream of hits in the process. The New Orleans rapper began his long stint with Cash Money as part of the Hot Boys, a popular late-'90s supergroup also comprised of Juvenile, Turk, and B.G. that set the stage for respective solo careers. [ Lil Wayne the Rapper ]

Juvenile and B.G. made their solo debuts first in 1999 and racked up a pair of simultaneous big hits, "Back That Azz Up" and "Bling Bling," respectively. Lil Wayne made his solo debut later that year and similarly came out of the gate with a huge hit, the title track of his album, Tha Block Is Hot (1999). Following this wave of astounding success in 1999, the Cash Money frenzy simmered a little bit thereafter.

During the two years between Lil Wayne's second album, Lights Out (2000), and his third, 500 Degreez (2002), Cash Money consequently purged itself of Hot Boys, dropping Juvenile, B.G., and Turk while retaining only Lil Wayne. The label's loyalty paid off, as 500 Degreez sold massively, driven by the single "Way of Life." Tha Carter was released two years later, powered by the hit single "Go DJ."

Lil Wayne the Rapper