We may have already covered 11-plus music related films at Sundance, but we wanted to save the mother of them all, Lil’ Wayne’s “The Carter” for its own story.
We all know what Weezy’s rhymes sound like. At the rate he puts mix-tapes out, we will soon be getting them in the mail with the coupons. What many of us haven’t seen is the more personal side of Dwayne Carter Jr., the artist many critics, not to mention Lil’ Wayne himself, claim is the “greatest rapper alive. That is what is fueling the buzz for Adam Bhala Lough’s documentary, “The Carter.” The film, which is being shown at the Sundance Film Festival, mixes intimate moments with Carter as he tackles intimate personal subjects such as his first sexual encounter and his current drug habits with footage of the eccentric artist on-stage. Could we have the second-coming of Russell Simmons’ critically acclaimed “The Show“?
There aren’t many rap artists currently that could draw our attention to a documentary focusing on their lives. Whether the world of rap, particularly the mainstream circuit, has been watered down is debatable. But Lil’ Wayne is somewhat of a rap anomaly. He has a tireless work ethic, carrying around a portable studio, and he has found a way to maintain popularity both in the mainstream and underground rap forums. Combine that with Carter’s somewhat troubled personal life (He was arrested on counts of drug possession last year) and you have a compelling story. The chance to see what goes on behind the curtain is reason enough to see “The Carter.” Let’s just pray that Souljah Boy isn’t inspired to do a documentary of his own. But who knows, The Disney Channel might be looking for a formulaic video ripe full of catchy dance moves. so cheer up, Souljah. Your career isn’t over quite yet!