Tha Carter II
Tha Carter II is the fifth studio album by American rapper Lil Wayne, released on December 6, 2005, by Cash Money Records and Universal Distribution.[1] The album features 22 tracks and marks a significant evolution in Lil Wayne's artistry, showcasing his improved lyricism, flexible flow, and departure from longtime collaborator Mannie Fresh's production in favor of a diverse range of beats from producers including The Heatmakerz, The Runners, and Robin Thicke.[1][2] Upon release, Tha Carter II debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 238,000 copies in its first week, which was Lil Wayne's highest opening sales figure at the time.[3] The album has sold over 2 million copies in the United States and was certified double platinum by the RIAA on September 25, 2020, for shipments of two million units.[4][5] Its lead singles—"Fireman", "Hustler Musik", and "Shooter" featuring Robin Thicke—highlighted Lil Wayne's blend of introspective storytelling and street-oriented bravado, contributing to the project's commercial momentum.[2] Critically, Tha Carter II received widespread acclaim for Lil Wayne's artistic growth and commanding lyrical presence, with reviewers praising tracks like "Shooter" and "Receipt" for their clever wordplay and emotional depth, though some noted occasional unpolished verses and skits.[1] Pitchfork awarded it an 8.1 out of 10, commending the rapper's nimble delivery and layered themes amid a post-Hurricane Katrina context subtly referenced in the lyrics.[1] The album is often regarded as a pivotal work in Lil Wayne's discography, solidifying his transition from a promising talent to a dominant force in hip-hop.[1]Background and recording
Development
Tha Carter II was conceived as the second installment in Lil Wayne's Tha Carter series, directly following the release of his fourth studio album Tha Carter in June 2004, which revitalized his career after earlier solo efforts like 500 Degreez (2003) underperformed commercially.[6] The debut Tha Carter marked Wayne's emergence as a leading solo artist within Cash Money Records, building on his foundational role in the Hot Boys collective and signaling a shift toward more introspective and skillful lyricism.[7] Recording sessions for the sequel began in late 2004, positioning it as a continuation that aimed to capitalize on the momentum from the mixtape circuit where Wayne had honed his rapid-fire delivery and wordplay through projects like Da Drought (2004). Amid Cash Money's internal challenges in 2003–2004, including the departure of key artists like Juvenile to Asylum Records, Wayne committed to remaining with the label under Birdman (Bryan Williams), reinforcing themes of loyalty and street-rooted authenticity in the album's conceptual framework. This decision came during a period of label reconfiguration following distribution shifts and artist exits, which had delayed Tha Carter's original 2003 rollout after an initial version was scrapped due to those changes.[6] Wayne sought to demonstrate his artistic maturation, transitioning from underground mixtape acclaim to mainstream viability by prioritizing solo performances that highlighted his evolving prowess as a lyricist over reliance on guest features.[8] Initial track selections emphasized Wayne's individual versatility, with early cuts focusing on hard-edged Southern rap and personal narratives to establish Tha Carter II as a platform for his growth beyond group dynamics and earlier commercial struggles.[9]Recording process
The recording sessions for Tha Carter II took place from late 2004 to mid-2005, involving intermittent work over more than a year at several key studios, including The Hit Factory Criteria and Circle House Studios in Miami, Florida, as well as Cash Money Studios (also known as CMR Studios) in New Orleans, Louisiana.[10] Additional locations such as The Record Room and CMR South Studios in Miami, M&M Studios in Spring Hill, Florida, and Encore Studios in Burbank, California, were used for specific tracks, reflecting the project's mobility amid Lil Wayne's schedule.[10] These sessions were delayed in part by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, which disrupted operations in New Orleans and shifted some final work to Miami.[6] Lil Wayne's approach to recording emphasized freestyling directly into the microphone, a method he described as capturing whatever "comes out" without pre-writing lyrics, enabling quick iterations and a high volume of material.[11] This workflow was frequently interrupted by promotional obligations for his 2004 album Tha Carter, including tours and media appearances, yet allowed for the completion of dozens of potential tracks from which 22 were selected and finalized for the release.[6] Sessions often occurred during Wayne's brief enrollment at the University of Houston, where he majored in political science, blending academic commitments with studio time.[6] with Birdman and his brother Ronald "Slim" Williams serving as executive producers. Guest appearances were kept limited and purposeful to complement Wayne's vision, with notable involvement from Robin Thicke, who provided production, background vocals, and a feature on the track "Shooter."[12] Other collaborators included Birdman, Curren$y, and Mannie Fresh, appearing on select cuts to add familial Cash Money ties. Engineering was primarily handled by Fabian Marasciullo, who recorded and mixed the majority of the album, assisted by professionals like Andrews Correa, Robert "Big Brizz" Brisbane, and Kevin Mayer for various tracks.[10]Musical content
Style and production
Tha Carter II embodies the Southern hip hop genre, infused with emerging trap elements characterized by booming 808 bass, sparse synth lines, and sample-heavy beats that define its expansive 77:22 runtime across 22 tracks.[1][13] This sonic palette draws from New Orleans bounce traditions, featuring syncopated drum patterns and regional flair, while broadening into the Dirty South aesthetic to create a versatile sound that prioritizes rhythmic drive and atmospheric depth.[13] The production emphasizes Lil Wayne's raspy, flexible vocal delivery, layering it over crackly soul samples and minimalistic instrumentation to highlight his growing technical prowess.[1] Over 15 producers contributed to the album, showcasing a collaborative approach that diversified its sonic identity. The Runners delivered high-energy beats for tracks like "Money on My Mind," utilizing dynamic rhythms and club-oriented hooks.[2] The Heatmakerz brought gritty, East Coast-inspired loops to "Tha Mobb," employing looped samples from Willie Tee's "Moment of Truth" for a raw, introspective edge.[2][14] DVLP and Filthy handled "Fireman" with pitched-up samples and siren effects, crafting an anthemic, urgent vibe, while Robin Thicke added smooth R&B textures to "Shooter."[2][15] Other contributors, including Cool & Dre and Deezle, further enriched the beats with soulful interpolations and streetwise percussion.[2] The album marks an evolution from Lil Wayne's prior work, shifting away from Mannie Fresh's electro-dixie production style toward more polished, radio-friendly arrangements that retain the raw bounce of New Orleans roots.[16][1] Notably, it predates the heavy auto-tune usage that defined Tha Carter III, allowing Wayne's natural vocal timbre and flow to shine amid the layered production.[17] This balance reinforces its place in Southern hip hop's progression, blending regional authenticity with broader appeal.[13]Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of Tha Carter II mark a maturation in Lil Wayne's artistry, shifting from the gangsta rap clichés of his earlier work toward semi-autobiographical reflections on success and personal growth following his Juvenile-led career phase.[18] This evolution is evident in tracks that blend street narratives with introspective commentary, drawing heavily from Wayne's New Orleans upbringing to infuse authenticity into his storytelling.[1] Core themes revolve around hustling and street survival, personal ambition and fame, vulnerability in relationships, and braggadocio laced with introspective twists. In "Hustler Musik," Wayne delivers reflective tales of perseverance amid urban struggles, portraying hustling as a pathway to self-reliance rather than mere glorification.[19] Ambition drives narratives like "Grown Man," where he asserts maturity and dominance in the rap game, declaring himself a "grown man" navigating fame's demands.[19] Vulnerability emerges in "Shooter," a tense collaboration with Robin Thicke that exposes emotional rawness, including lines about absent father figures and Southern doubt, as Wayne raps, "Standin’ on stage in front of thousands/ Don’t amount to me not having my father."[1] Braggadocio, meanwhile, often carries deeper layers, rejecting explicit violence for clever punchlines that underscore career highs and autonomy.[18] Wayne's lyrical style showcases advanced wordplay, multisyllabic rhymes, and metaphors rooted in New Orleans culture, such as syrupy flows evoking local slang and post-Katrina pride—exemplified in "Feel Me" with the line "Weezy F Baby, now the F is for FEMA," critiquing institutional neglect.[1] His raspy, flexible delivery alternates between deliberate pacing and nimble bursts, as in "I ain’t talking too fast you just listening too slow," enhancing the album's layered introspection over crackly soul samples.[1] This approach avoids gangsta tropes, favoring personality-driven raps that blend whimsy with solemn biography.[19] Standout examples include "Best Rapper Alive," a victory lap on career triumphs where Wayne's inventive rhymes boast lyrical supremacy, positioning the track as a triumphant statement that cements his self-proclaimed status as the "best rapper alive."[20] Overall, these elements highlight Wayne's growth, prioritizing clever, culturally resonant punchlines over aggression to convey narrative depth.[18]Release and promotion
Singles
The lead single from Tha Carter II, "Fireman", was released on October 25, 2005, and produced by the duo DVLP and Filthy (also known as Doe Boyz).[15] The track peaked at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 10 on the Hot Rap Songs chart, marking Lil Wayne's growing commercial presence in mainstream hip-hop.[21] Its accompanying music video, directed by Aaron Courseault, featured fiery imagery and explosive visuals to symbolize Wayne's commanding style, aligning with the song's theme of dominance in the rap game.[22] Following the album's December release, "Hustler Musik" served as the second single, issued on January 10, 2006, with production handled by T-Mix and Batman.[23] It reached number 87 on the Billboard Hot 100, reflecting a more modest chart trajectory compared to the lead single but resonating with fans through its introspective lyrics on perseverance.[21] The music video, directed by Benny Boom, depicted scenes of urban street life and hustling, underscoring the track's narrative of ambition amid adversity.[24] The third single, "Shooter" featuring Robin Thicke, was released on April 9, 2006, and produced by Thicke himself, blending hip-hop with soulful R&B elements.[25] It peaked at number 97 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart, demonstrating crossover potential without entering the main Hot 100.[26] Notably, the song appeared on both Tha Carter II and Thicke's album The Evolution of Robin Thicke, enhancing its promotional reach across genres. These singles were strategically selected to balance high-energy club tracks like "Fireman" with more reflective cuts such as "Hustler Musik" and the collaborative "Shooter", effectively building anticipation for the album within broader marketing efforts.[27]Marketing strategies
Tha Carter II was released on December 6, 2005, through Cash Money Records and Universal Records, with marketing efforts emphasizing Lil Wayne's continued allegiance to Cash Money amid the label's challenges following the departure of key artists like Juvenile in 2003. This positioning highlighted Wayne as the enduring face of the label, leveraging his growing solo prominence to reaffirm Cash Money's viability in the Southern rap scene. Promotional campaigns centered on building anticipation through the lead singles, particularly "Fireman," which received substantial radio airplay starting in October 2005 to generate buzz ahead of the album's launch.[16] Wayne supported this with television appearances, including performances and video premieres on BET's 106 & Park, where tracks like "Fireman" and "Hustler Musik" were showcased to connect with urban audiences.[28] In-store promotions at major retailers further amplified physical sales, tying into the era's reliance on traditional retail distribution. The strategy placed a strong emphasis on Southern markets, particularly New Orleans, positioning the album as a resurgence for the city's rap scene in the wake of Hurricane Katrina's devastation earlier that year.[16] Despite logistical disruptions from the hurricane, which displaced many residents and affected event planning, promotional activities included regional events and media tie-ins to rally local support and underscore Wayne's roots. Digital promotion remained limited but emerging, with early previews available on platforms like iTunes to complement the physical rollout.Reception
Critical response
Upon its release in December 2005, Tha Carter II received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for Lil Wayne's sharpened lyricism, versatile flows, and artistic maturation. Pitchfork rated it 8.1 out of 10, emphasizing Wayne's evolution from mixtape dominance to more sophisticated songwriting, with a flexible delivery that shifts from deliberate, syrupy cadences to nimble precision, as evidenced in lines like "Standin' on stage in front of thousands / Don’t amount to me not having my father."[1] Rolling Stone gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising the production's diversity—from soulful street narratives in tracks like "The Mobb" to reggae-inflected energy in "Mo Fire" and synth-heavy bounce in others—which elevated Wayne's brash persona into something more expansive.[19] Despite the praise, some critics noted flaws in the album's structure and execution. Pitchfork pointed to unpolished verses overloaded with repetitive motifs, such as excessive shark metaphors, and intrusive skits that felt overly vain and blunt.[1] Rolling Stone similarly critiqued the extended 22-track runtime for leading to uneven pacing, though it maintained the project was "often thrilling" amid its excesses.[19] Aggregating these and other contemporary reviews, the album earned an average critic score of 81 out of 100.[29] In retrospective assessments, Tha Carter II has solidified its status as a hip-hop classic, frequently hailed as the zenith of Lil Wayne's pre-auto-tune phase and a pivotal link between his underground mixtape prowess and impending superstar ascent. Pitchfork's 2009 ranking of the 2000s' top albums positioned it as the project where Wayne substantiated his bold self-proclamation as the "best rapper alive," through punchline density and innovative bars unmarred by later vocal effects.[30] A 2022 Rolling Stone reflection echoed this, noting how the album captured Wayne asserting dominance just before his transformative commercial breakthrough, underscoring its role in bridging gritty lyricism with broader appeal.[31]Accolades and rankings
Tha Carter II earned a nomination for CD of the Year at the 2006 BET Hip-Hop Awards, recognizing its impact within the hip-hop community shortly after release.[32] The album received no Grammy Award nominations, though Lil Wayne's subsequent works like Tha Carter III would later achieve such honors.[33] In later assessments of hip-hop and broader music canon, Tha Carter II has been ranked at number 370 on Rolling Stone's 2020 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, highlighting its role in elevating Lil Wayne's artistry. It placed at number 25 on Complex's 100 Best Albums of the 2000s, praised for its versatile production and lyrical prowess that positioned Wayne as a leading voice in rap.[34] The album frequently appears in top rankings of Southern hip-hop releases, such as second place in Vibe's ordering of Lil Wayne's Tha Carter series and inclusion in XXL's retrospectives on essential 2000s rap works.[35][36] Post-2010 compilations have further affirmed its status, with The Guardian ranking it second among Lil Wayne's discography in 2018 for its breakthrough in flow and thematic depth, contributing to its lasting elevation in critical discourse. In a 2025 Billboard staff ranking of Lil Wayne's 14 studio albums, Tha Carter II placed second, praised for solidifying his status as a rap superstar.[37][38]Commercial performance
Chart positions
Tha Carter II debuted at number 2 on the US Billboard 200 chart on the issue dated December 24, 2005, finishing behind Eminem's greatest hits compilation Curtain Call: The Hits.[3] The album topped both the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums charts, marking Lil Wayne's fourth number-one album on the former list. It remained on the Billboard 200 for 24 weeks.[39] On year-end tallies, Tha Carter II ranked number 47 on the 2006 Billboard 200.[4]| Chart (2005–2006) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 2 |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums | 1 |
| US Top Rap Albums | 1 |
Sales and certifications
Tha Carter II sold 238,000 copies in its first week of release in the United States, marking Lil Wayne's strongest debut at that point according to Nielsen SoundScan data.[3] By March 2008, cumulative sales in the US reached 1.3 million copies. The album's enduring success led to its certification as 2× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on September 25, 2020, recognizing 2 million units consumed, which includes traditional sales and streaming equivalents.[5] In the streaming era, equivalent album units from digital platforms have significantly contributed to the RIAA certification, with the album accumulating over 327 million streams on Spotify as of November 2025.[40] No further certifications beyond the 2020 RIAA award have been issued as of November 2025.Legacy
Cultural impact
Tha Carter II played a pivotal role in elevating Southern rap's prominence in the mid-2000s, helping to solidify its dominance alongside contemporaries like OutKast and T.I. by showcasing Lil Wayne's intricate wordplay and street-oriented narratives on tracks like "Fireman," which infused high-energy delivery over booming production.[41] This album contributed to the groundwork for trap music's evolution, as Wayne's aggressive flows and thematic focus on hustling influenced later artists such as Future and Young Thug, who drew from his rhythmic experimentation and vocal versatility evident in Tha Carter II's structure.[42][43] The album bridged the raw improvisation of mixtape culture with commercial rap's polish, as Wayne incorporated freestyle-like cadences into polished tracks, a hybrid approach that post-release mixtapes like Dedication expanded upon to build hype for future albums.[44] This transition marked a shift where mixtapes became promotional tools for mainstream success, influencing the industry's embrace of free releases to sustain artist momentum. Tha Carter II cemented Lil Wayne's self-proclaimed status as the "best rapper alive," a declaration on the title track that resonated through his prolific output and propelled the Tha Carter series as a cornerstone of his discography, with each installment building on the previous one's blueprint of introspective street tales and collaborations.[45] The track "Shooter," featuring Robin Thicke, exemplified an early foray into pop-rap crossovers, blending Wayne's gritty lyricism with R&B hooks to foreshadow his broader appeal in later works.[41] Beyond music, Tha Carter II symbolizes New Orleans' resilience in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, released just months after the disaster, with lines on "Feel Me" like "I gotta bring the hood back after Katrina" capturing Wayne's role as a voice for his displaced community and aiding Southern rap's post-storm resurgence.[46] The album has been featured in hip-hop documentaries such as The Carter (2009), which chronicles Wayne's career trajectory including the era surrounding Tha Carter II, highlighting its enduring place in discussions of his rise.[47]Reissues and remasters
In 2016, Tha Carter II received a limited-edition vinyl reissue for Record Store Day, pressed as a 2×LP set with a lenticular cover, distributed by Cash Money Records and Republic Records.[48] This edition maintained the original 2005 tracklist without alterations.[48] A 2019 club edition followed, limited to 2,000 numbered copies on red vinyl, housed in a deluxe wide-spine jacket with foil stamping, again via Cash Money Records, Universal Music Special Markets, and Republic Records.[49] Like prior reissues, it featured no changes to the tracklist or significant audio enhancements.[49] In 2025, a new 2×LP vinyl reissue was released by Cash Money Records and Universal Records, available in standard black and milky clear with black splatter variants, sold through Republic Records.[50] Limited to four copies per customer, it preserves the original artwork and track sequencing, with no documented remastering or bonus content.[50][51] Digitally, the album has been accessible on iTunes since its 2005 debut, with high-quality FLAC (16-bit/44.1 kHz) versions offered for download, though no dedicated remasters have been announced.[51] It streams on platforms including Spotify and Apple Music, optimized for modern playback since their respective hip-hop catalog expansions in the mid-2010s, but without deluxe editions or added tracks as of November 2025.[52][53]Track listing and credits
Track listing
All tracks are written by Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. (Lil Wayne) unless otherwise noted in the writers column below.| No. | Title | Featuring | Length | Producer(s) | Writer(s) | Sample(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Tha Mobb" | 5:20 | The Heatmakerz | Dwayne Carter Jr., Gregory Green, Sean Thomas, Wilson Turbinton | "Moment of Truth" by Willie Tee [] (https://www.discogs.com/master/93038-Lil-Wayne-Tha-Carter-II) | |
| 2 | "Fly In" | 2:23 | Batman, T-Mix | Dwayne Carter Jr., Bryan Williams, Tristan Jones | ||
| 3 | "Money on My Mind" | 4:31 | The Runners | Dwayne Carter Jr., Andrew Harr, Jermaine Jackson, Johnny Mollings, Lenny Mollings | [] (https://www.discogs.com/release/570373-Lil-Wayne-Tha-Carter-II) | |
| 4 | "Fireman" | 4:23 | DVLP, Filthy | Dwayne Carter Jr., Bigram Zayas, Matthew Delgiorno | ||
| 5 | "Mo Fire" | 3:23 | Young Yonny | Dwayne Carter Jr., Ronald Ferebee Jr. | ||
| 6 | "On tha Block #1" (skit) | 0:38 | ||||
| 7 | "Best Rapper Alive" | 4:53 | Bigg D | Dwayne Carter Jr., Derrick Baker, Steve Harris | "Fear of the Dark" (live version) by Iron Maiden [] (https://www.discogs.com/master/93038-Lil-Wayne-Tha-Carter-II) | |
| 8 | "Lock and Load" | Kurupt | 4:46 | Batman, T-Mix | Dwayne Carter Jr., Tristan Jones, Bryan Williams, Ricardo Brown | |
| 9 | "Oh No" | 3:11 | Young Yonny, Matlock | Dwayne Carter Jr., Ronald Ferebee Jr., William Matlock | ||
| 10 | "Grown Man" | Curren$y | 4:06 | Batman, T-Mix | Dwayne Carter Jr., Tristan Jones, Bryan Williams, Paul Harden, Shante Scott Franklin | "Sparkle" by Cameo [] (https://www.discogs.com/master/93038-Lil-Wayne-Tha-Carter-II) |
| 11 | "On tha Block #2" (skit) | 0:26 | ||||
| 12 | "Hit Em Up" | 4:07 | DVLP, Filthy | Dwayne Carter Jr., Bigram Zayas, Matthew Delgiorno | ||
| 13 | "Carter II" | 2:24 | Batman, T-Mix | Dwayne Carter Jr., Tristan Jones, Bryan Williams | ||
| 14 | "Hustler Musik" | 5:03 | Batman, T-Mix | Dwayne Carter Jr., Tristan Jones, Bryan Williams | ||
| 15 | "Receipt" | 3:48 | The Heatmakerz | Dwayne Carter Jr., Gregory Green, Sean Thomas, O'Kelly Isley Jr., Ronald Isley | "Lay Away" by The Isley Brothers [] (https://www.discogs.com/release/570373-Lil-Wayne-Tha-Carter-II) | |
| 16 | "Shooter" | Robin Thicke | 4:35 | Robin Thicke | Dwayne Carter Jr., James Gass, Robert Daniels, Robert Keyes, Robin Thicke | Sampled from "Horizon Drive" by Vic Juris; remake of "Oh Shooter" by Robin Thicke [] (https://www.discogs.com/master/93038-Lil-Wayne-Tha-Carter-II) |
| 17 | "Weezy Baby" | Nikki | 4:18 | Deezle | Dwayne Carter Jr., Darius Harrison, Nikki Kynard | [] (https://www.discogs.com/release/570373-Lil-Wayne-Tha-Carter-II) |
| 18 | "On tha Block #3" (skit) | 0:13 | ||||
| 19 | "I'm a D-Boy" | Birdman | 4:00 | Batman, T-Mix | Dwayne Carter Jr., Bryan Williams, Tristan Jones, Eric Barrier, William Griffin | "Paid in Full" by Eric B. & Rakim [] (https://www.discogs.com/master/93038-Lil-Wayne-Tha-Carter-II) |
| 20 | "Feel Me" | 3:48 | DVLP, Filthy | Dwayne Carter Jr., Bigram Zayas, Matthew Delgiorno | ||
| 21 | "Get Over" | Nikki | 4:42 | Cool & Dre | Dwayne Carter Jr., Leary, Andre Lyon, Marcello Valenzano, Phillip Hurtt, Walter Sigler | "Love Is What We Came Here For" by Garland Green [] (https://www.discogs.com/release/570373-Lil-Wayne-Tha-Carter-II) |
| 22 | "Fly Out" | 2:25 | Batman, T-Mix | Dwayne Carter Jr., Tristan Jones, Bryan Williams |
Vocals
- Lil Wayne (Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.) – lead vocals, composer on all tracks.[54]
Featured Artists
- Birdman – featured vocals (track 19: "I'm A Dboy")[2]
- Curren$y – featured vocals (track 10: "Grown Man")[2]
- Kurupt – featured vocals (track 8: "Lock and Load")[2]
- Nikki – featured vocals (tracks 17: "Weezy Baby", 21: "Get Over")[2]
- Robin Thicke – featured vocals (track 16: "Shooter")[2]
Producers
- Batman – producer (tracks 2, 8, 10, 13, 14, 19, 22)[54]
- Big D (Derrick Baker) – producer (track 7: "Best Rapper Alive")[54]
- Cool & Dre – producers (track 21: "Get Over")[54]
- Deezle – producer (track 17: "Weezy Baby")[10]
- DVLP and Filthy – producers (tracks 4: "Fireman", 12: "Hit Em Up", 20: "Feel Me")
- The Heatmakerz – producers (tracks 1: "Tha Mobb", 15: "Receipt")[54]
- The Runners (Jermaine Jackson & Lenny Williams) – producers (track 3: "Money on My Mind")[10]
- Robin Thicke – producer (track 16: "Shooter")[54]
- T-Mix (Tristan Jones) – producer (tracks 2, 8, 10, 13, 14, 19, 22, in collaboration with Batman)[55]
- Yonny – producer (tracks 5: "Mo Fire", 9: "Oh No")[54]
- Matlock – producer (track 9: "Oh No")
- Executive producers: Bryan "Birdman" Williams, Ronald "Slim" Williams[10]
Additional Musicians
- Dave Karmiol – bass guitar (track 21: "Get Over")[54]
- DJ Khaled – scratches (track 7: "Best Rapper Alive")[54]
Technical Personnel
- Andrews Correa – recording engineer (track 21)[54]
- April DeVona – assistant engineer (track 14)[54]
- Fabian Marasciullo – mixing engineer (all tracks), recording engineer (select tracks)[10]
- Danielle Premone – assistant engineer (tracks 21, 22)[54]
- Jose Rodriguez – assistant engineer (track 5)[54]
- Javier Valverde – recording engineer (track 15)[54]
- A&R: Bryan "Birdman" Williams, Genevieve Zaragoza[10]
- Mastering: Brian "Big Bass" Gardner[56]
- Photography: Jonathan Mannion[2]