The album is a massive improvement from the rock-disaster “Rebirth,” and Lil Wayne shows his flow is still unbeatable. He apparently can also still go out and party, at least according to his songs, which are stumbling odes to nights out, drugs and women. His title track declares, “I am the Rhyming Oasis / I got a cup of yo time, I won’t waste it.”

Lil Wayne’s signature is writing clever lines. He uses them to brag, and his rants possess a weirdly endearing quality. In true Weezy fashion, the bizarrely titled “Gonorrhea” is full of digs at his competition. But it seems Lil Wayne just threw them all in every song. He teams up with others in the Cash Money label collective, bringing energy and offhand verses that only Lil Wayne can create. But he is all too aware of his musical strengths, and each song seems to follow the same formula. His lack of commitment sounds too disconnected and many of the tracks fall flat. 

Nicki Minaj and Drake sound like a breath of fresh air in the midst of Lil Wayne’s monotone mumbles. Manaj shows her rapping can rival the boys in “What’s Wrong With Them.” The collaborations are what save the album and provide relief from Lil Wayne’s mind-numbing rants and rhymes. Since his imprisonment, something has happened that Lil Wayne likely did not expect — his protégés are starting to outshine him.

Reach staff reporter Bekah Stein here.