Though he likes some of the music on Tha Carter III, Paine says it's certainly not a classic.

NPR: Lil Wayne: Best Rapper Alive?

So in light of his recent prolific output, is Tha Carter III a definitive artistic statement from Lil Wayne?

NPR: Lil Wayne: Best Rapper Alive?

Its release long delayed, Tha Carter III is easily the most anticipated hip-hop release of the year to date.

NPR: Lil Wayne: Best Rapper Alive?

He won best rap album for "Tha Carter III" at the 2008 Grammy awards and took home three more Grammys the next year.

CNN: Lil Wayne leaves hospital

He won best rap album for "Tha Carter III" at the 2008 Grammy awards, and took home three more Grammys the following year.

CNN: Rapper Lil Wayne suffers seizure

Tha Carter III is Lil Wayne's sixth official solo album.

NPR: 'Tha Carter III' Takes Lil Wayne Platinum

In the week after its June 10 release, New Orleans rapper Lil Wayne moved a million copies of Tha Carter III, his first official album in two-and-a-half years.

NPR: 'Tha Carter III' Takes Lil Wayne Platinum

Tha Carter III's first-week sales, which were easily pop's strongest since Kanye West's Graduation last September, were spurred by a daring marketing strategy that doubled as a cocky musical challenge.

NPR: 'Tha Carter III' Takes Lil Wayne Platinum