Semi freeform, braided dreads, bleached, thinning would explain why Lil Wayne Dreads continuously make the headlines.

What makes this even more impactful is the new generation of rappers with dreads he’s inspired due to his cultural impact.

Our editorial covers each stage of Lil Wayne’s Dreads past and present until 2024 today!

How and When did Lil Wayne Dreads Start?

How: Lil Wayne dreads were initially started by the semi freeform method in 2002.

This would explain his thick hair and roots in his earlier photos. He then transitioned into having his hair maintained at the root.

When: Lil Wayne began his dreads back in 2002 and has been growing his hair for over 20 years at this point.

Within that 20 year period we have seen his hair in a loose afro, curls, cornrows, traditional dreads and free formed.

Lil Wayne Dreads Gallery

Late 90s – 2003
Style at the time – Cornrows and Semi Freefom Dreads

Prior to his starter dreads Wayne can be seen in multiple cornrow hairstyles throughout the late 90s and early 2000s.

All archive images of Wayne during the late 90s features his braids styled in multiple ways during his time in the Hot Boyz music group.

His transition began in 2002 when his hair was taken out of cornrows and placed in semi freeform dreads, this would eventually grow into short thick locks.

As time when on his hair began to form and shape into its own pattern due to the minimal manipulation.

2003 – 2006

Style at the time –  Semi Freeform Dreads

With his hair still growing and maturing at this stage we were able to see his hair density increase whilst simultaneously growing in length as they reached his shoulders.

2007 – 2010s

Style at the time –  Traditional Dreads

Now a household name at this point and the period most would deem the peak of his career we saw Wayne’s hair at full maturity with his dreads reaching his back.

For most people 2008 is the year Wayne took over the rap world with his album The Carter 3 and in most of the music videos in support of his album we saw his dreads now pencil sized and maintained at the root.

With the resizing of his dreads Wayne began to style his hair in multiple ways from his braids to his 2 strand twists, both trademark looks for the rapper.

2014 – 2015 (Dreads Cut)

Style at the time – Freeform Dreads

In 2014 Wayne had cut his dreads as you can see from his ends. At this point he had been growing them for 12 years.

The decision to cut them was primarily for wanting a new look whilst also being easier to maintain.

As dreads begin to grow in length weight is increased which can be an inconvenience to some.

Its also at this point we begin to see Lil Wayne dreads get experimented with bleach and colour with one of the first colours being red at the tips.

2018 – 2022 (Bleached Hair)

Style at the time –  Freeform Dreads & Bleached

 Having cut his dreads in half a few years ago he also joined multiple dreads to form multiple big dreads which is a common practice.

In addition to this we can see Wayne’s crown thin at the top which the next sections perfectly pinpoints out.

2024 (Current)

Wayne’s dreads were predominately styled in tightly in the early 2000s which has lead to thinning crown in 2024.

Since he has increased the density and size of his dreads today he won’t be able to style his hair as he used too.

The crown is particularly susceptible to traction alopecia because it bears the brunt of the tension from these hairstyles.

Since Wayne has been doing styles since the 90s as our gallery proves the repeated pulling and stress on the hair follicles can caused weakening.

Key Take Away: Maintenance!

Dreads require the upmost care since they can catch dirt, latch onto fluff or even worse break off if not managed.

Wayne is a great example of what can happen to an individual if hair is not managed well and you’re going to need to learn from his mistakes. Ensure you

• Oil your scalp
• Keep protective styles in for maximum of 8 weeks
• Protect hair at night or doing any physical activity
• Spray rose water on your dreads to lock in moisture
• Allow for retwisting every 4-6 weeks so your scalp can breathe, reduce tension and pulling. This is ultimately how to avoid traction alopecia
• Talk to a loctician and get a Consultation for professional guidance and help

To stay updated on everything happening in men’s style/lifestyle, street culture & music follow @heartafact on Instagram

The post The Evolution of Lil Wayne Dreads (2003 – 2024) appeared first on Heartafact.

This is the same record as Kendrick Lamar’s Height. His short stature becomes very apparent amongst his taller peers, athletes and public figures.

Our editorial provides proof of Lil Wayne’s Height through visual imagery as well as his own lyrics.

Lil Wayne Height Comparison

For a visual comparison we have used the image below of rapper 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne which helps visualize the height difference with his close rap associate and friend.

For reference 2 Chainz height makes him one of the tallest Rappers in Hip Hop.

We have also used Kendrick Lamar as an example since he is the same height as Wayne at 5’5.

Kendrick Lamar Height has also been referenced in his music, with the most notable being on the track saviours.

How do we know the actual Lil Wayne height? (Proof)

Lil Wayne has mentioned his height on various songs within Hip Hop with one of the more notable ones being his feature on French Montana’s Pop That Track. The lyrics,

“Motherfucker I’m on my skateboard

Watch me do a trick, ho

I’m 5’5″ but I could 6-9”

The natural mental chip on the shoulder short rappers have means they excel on other places and there’s no denying Wayne being one of the best rappers.

In addition to this we have seen prison records released to the Public which include his height at 5’5.

Lil Wayne Bio

Name: Dwayne Michael Carter Jr

Birth Date: 27 September 1982

Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana

Nationality: American

Profession: Rapper

Musical Debut: 1996

Net worth: 150 – 200 Million

Albums: 14

Final Words

Wayne has used his music as a form of expression throughout his career covering many topics from money, women, drugs, new Orleans to politics.

We have also heard Wayne rap about his height in songs and another example of this can be heard on the Rick Ross Track Luxury Tax,

“They said I couldn’t play football, I was too small

They said I couldn’t play basketball, I wasn’t tall

They said I couldn’t play baseball at all

And now every day of my life, I ball”

The lyrics should be proof that he’s used what most people would view as a disadvantage and made it an advantage. Lil Wayne Height at 5’5 is a fact but his money is certainly taller!

To stay updated on everything happening in men’s style/lifestyle, street culture & music follow @heartafact on Instagram

The post Lil Wayne Height (Measurements & Proof) appeared first on Heartafact.

The merge of Hip Hop & Gang culture would go on to create the sub-genre gangster rap. Artists of the genre used their street ties and affiliation to showcase the life of crime throughout the music. While Gang culture existed long before Hip Hop was a genre the main 2 gangs that have been incorporated in the music are the Bloods and Crips.

In our editorial we will list out the most popular rappers that have claimed to be a part of the bloods or having strong ties too.

Popular Blood Rappers in Hip Hop

Lil Wayne 

Throughout Lil Wayne’s career he has made multiple references to the bloods and has used the red bandana within multiple music videos. Examples of Lil Wayne’s Blood ties can be seen in his most recent collaboration with YG on the song Blood Walk featuring himself & D3szn.

Though there have been many incidents where gang members have denied Lil Wayne’s affiliation to the bloods he has continued to signal his ties to the bloods by incorporating the use of red in his music videos and working with other blood rappers.

So regardless of the push back & controversy around Lil Wayne being a blood he continues to associate himself with the gang.

Birdman

In close association with Lil Wayne who he regards his son, Birdman also signals his close affiliation to the bloods. He has made multiple references to the gang in his music and has red tattoos on his head to further signify this.

Similarly to Lil Wayne again, he too has come under scrutiny for his association to the bloods. Most notably from fellow Hip Hop Artist Trick Daddy. Trick Daddy would go on to say during an interview at the breakfast club, “Baby wanna be a Crip one day, a Blood the next day,”

This critique comes from rumours of Birdman representing Crips at the start of his career then later representing the bloods for the majority. Again, regardless of the controversy Birdman makes the conscious effort to represent the ties to the bloods.

Jim Jones

While the Bloods are primarily a street gang founded in Los Angeles and the west coast, as the gang became to spread across the country it would move to the east coast under different sets. Nine Trey Gangsters being the set that Jim Jones has mentioned throughout his music career.

Jim too has used music videos to showcase his affiliation to the bloods. More notably his song banging featuring Mozzy. The use of Red Bandanas and old footage sees Jim narrate his blood history. 

Game

Game has made a name for himself as a lyrical artist coming from the west coast and doesn’t shy away from his Blood Gang ties. What’s even more interesting about the Game’s history with regard to gang culture is that both his parents grew up as Crip members who are the bloods main rival gang. He then would follow his brother in becoming a blood member as he got older.

Hip Hop heads have always been privy too Games blood association, however for most this would become common knowledge with the release of his Hit song One Blood.

YG

YG’s blood affiliation is well documented in Hip Hop Culture and something the artist showcases in his music. YG has also made it a mission to showcase unity amongst other black rappers regardless of gang affiliation, for example his close relationship with Nipsey Hussle a Crip member is an example of that.

In fact both YG and Nipsey Hussle have used gang symbolism in videos to promote unity amongst the 2 rivalry groups.

YG also spoke on the not so pretty side of things in an interview with Vibe where he detailed how one gets jumped in as a blood to be initiated – YG Talks Blood Gang

While this is a bloods list we also covered Crip Rappers in Hip Hop which includes Nipsey, check it out

Trippie Red

While it appears that Trippie Redd chooses to distance himself from the bloods & gang culture today due to legal reasons Trippie Redd was a part of the Five Nine Brims aka 5–9 brims. The set is a subsidiary of the main Bloods. While the gang originated in San Diego, it should be mentioned that he is from Ohio.

Prior to being identified as a gang member in 69’s testimony/court case we can see imagery throughout the internet and social media of Trippie Redd incorporating blood culture into his lifestyle.

21 Savage 

He also explains his family members being blood which is how he was exposed to the lifestyle. Video above for more detail

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