Lil Wayne Will Drop ‘Tha Carter VI’ in June, Featuring Andrea Bocelli & More
After a six-year wait, Lil Wayne is officially back on the rap scene with an ongoing powerhouse album. Tha Carter VI is set to drop on June 6, 2025, marking his first full-length LP since 2020’s album, Funeral. His thirteenth studio album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with multiple collaborations like Jay Rock, Adam Levine, 2 Chainz, and more.
The buzz surrounding this album isn’t just about Lil Wayne’s return. Like his last album drop, it’s also the moment where rap fans are about to witness the stacked lineup of collaborators. From pop stars to opera legends, Tha Carter VI is shaping into one of the most extensive projects in his discography.
His fanbase will probably ask this question: When does Lil Wayne’s new album drop? You’ve got your answer—and there’s plenty more to unpack.
Among the first major reveals are two pop giants: Billie Eilish and Miley Cyrus. In a Rolling Stone cover story published on April 17, Lil Wayne confirmed both stars will appear on Tha Carter VI. While he didn’t detail their contributions, the announcement set the internet ablaze.
Eilish’s feature is still pending clearance since it reportedly involves an uncleared sample. Whether her track makes the final cut is still uncertain, but her involvement already elevates expectations for Wayne’s new album.
Lil Wayne is no stranger to unexpected moves, but his latest collabs might top them all. One standout track, “These Are the Days,” features Bono of U2. The song from the rap icon’s album also includes his son, Kameron Carter. This cross-generational, genre-blending track is already dubbed one of the album’s emotional centerpieces.
And then there’s the jaw-dropping inclusion of Andrea Bocelli. Yes, the legendary opera tenor will sing “Ave Maria” on one of the album’s songs.
According to the Rolling Stone interview, Wyclef Jean personally flew to Italy to convince Bocelli to participate. He shared the emotional story of Wayne’s self-inflicted gunshot at age 12, where he described it as a pivotal moment in the rapper’s life. This trauma is Jean’s way of connecting the opera singer to the album’s deeper themes, and it worked.
Wyclef Jean plays a central role in shaping Tha Carter VI. He and Wayne recorded around 30 tracks together, though not all will make the final cut. Their creative partnership is the heart of the project. One track, rumored to be produced by Ye (formerly Kanye West), has yet to be confirmed for the album. As of now, it remains unclear whether it will appear in the final version. He teased possible features from Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) and dancehall legend Elephant Man. Despite these hints from Wayne, those collaborations haven’t been officially locked in.
In his interview, Lil Wayne shared insight into his evolving collaboration approach. He explained that this time around, it wasn’t just about name recognition.
“I wanted to hear how I’d sound with these artists,” he said, emphasizing the chemistry and vibe over clout. The rapper also shared his feelings on the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Despite being active and influential in recent years, Wayne admitted he was disappointed not to be invited to perform. He didn’t even watch Kendrick Lamar’s halftime set. “I feel like the opportunity was stolen,” he said. “I’m not interested anymore.”
With Lil Wayne’s new album just weeks away, Tha Carter VI is already shaping to be a genre-defying record. This project blends hip-hop, pop, rock, and opera, bringing together a lineup that few would imagine sharing the same tracklist. The album also has the potential to redefine what a rap project is as it combines with the emotional narrative and Wayne’s veteran lyricism.
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