Lil Wayne's biggest controversies as he makes first VMA performance in a decade

12 September 2023 , 16:04

1092     0

Lil Wayne will be performing at the 2023 VMAs (Image: WireImage)

Lil Wayne isn't the most polished celebrity of our time. Although a major player in hip-hop history, he has a background of getting himself into some scandals.

Nonetheless, he is set to take the VMA stage, leaving fans unsure what to expect. This will be the rappers first performance on the stage in a decade. He made his debut to the show in 2008 and, in 2011, he even scored the coveted closing slot. Most recently, in 2012, he performed alongside 2 Chainz.

This time, he'll be sharing the stage with some other hip-hop icons to celebrate the genre's 50th anniversary. Alongside host Nicki Minaj, LL Cool J, and more, he'll give fans yet another VMAs performance to remember. Before then, though, this is a look back at some controversies you may have forgotten.

He's praised Donald Trump

Lil Wayne faced major backlash after supporting Donald Trump (WireImage for Parkwood)

Lil Wayne gave a shout out of support to then-Presidential-candidate Donald Trump. He tweeted out a photo of them together. He wrote: "Just had a great meeting with [Donald Trump]. Besides what he's done so far with criminal reform, the platinum plan is going to give the community real ownership. He listened to what we had to say today and assured he will and can get it done."

Of course, many fans were not happy with this 'endorsement'. Not to mention, most his industry rivals are not the biggest fan of the former President. Even 50 Cent publicly called him out for the stunt.

Aaron Rodgers slammed by famous Packers fan Lil Wayne after Lions loss

Trump then gave Lil Wayne a Presidential pardon

He received a presidential pardon (FilmMagic)

Keeping up with niceties, Trump went out of his way to help Lil Wayne out. In 2021, he was facing 10 years in prison for possessing a firearm. Right before Trump's term in office came to an end, he gave Lil Wayne a pardon. This effectively kept Lil Wayne out of prison altogether. No one is sure if Trump and Lil Wayne are still on good terms, but they definitely have a history.

He's credited for popularizing lean

He was known for drinking lean (FilmMagic)

While Lil Wayne certainly didn't invent lean, a codeine cough syrup and soda combo, he had some part in making it mainstream. Rapper Bernard Jabs told Complex: "Wayne the most influential rapper of all time. He was the first rapper and person I ever saw with a face tat, now everybody got one. He was the first rapper I heard using Auto-tune, now everybody use it. He was one of the main pioneers for lean and pills, now everybody on it."

In a Public Service Announcement, Lil Wayne did try to push back against. He said: "I don't want to be known as the innovator of syrup... It didn't come from me. It came from beyond me."

Lil Wayne has a questionable gang affiliation

He claimed to have an affiliation with the Bloods (Getty Images)

He admitted that may not be entirely truthful (Getty Images for BMI)

Any hip-hop fan knows that Lil Wayne is affiliated with the Bloods and he is very proud of it as well. Lil Wayne has referenced his affiliation to the gang throughout his musical discography. However, whether or not he is actually a member of the Bloods is debatable. He told Nightline in 2016 that he was a "gangbanger", but many rap legends over the years seemed to disagree.

After years of push back, including from Nipsey Hustle, Lil Wayne himself eventually conceded. He said in a documentary: "I'm not from L.A. I don't know too much about the Bloods and Crips. All I know is that it's not a good thing."

Alex West