if you were to create a rating system that defined what good rap would be.
Lets say it would include these categories.
Difficulty of Lyrics
meaning of Lyrics
and the beat
OK, lets clarify some things. If we want to discuss Lil Wayne as a rapper, the first thing we need to do is clarify what rap is. Rap is an acronym that stands for Rhythmic American Poetry. So lets see:
Does Lil Wayne have rhythm? I'd say so. I think 90% of his lyrics sound foolish, but I'd say that he has great beats and can flow with them well. I find some of his songs catchy.
Is Lil Wayne's music "American Poetry"? Well first, lets talk about American. With how fast the popularity of the clubbing/cocaine culture has grown in America's suburban/urban, 16-26 yr old demographic in the past 10 years, I'd say that he does reach a decent portion of American culture. Not the culture that I identify with, but a considerable sized culture nonetheless.
What about Poetry? In my opinion, Lil Wayne is about as poetic as Dr. Seuss. His "poetry" is childish. Poetry should be beautiful. There is nothing beautiful about doing or selling cocaine. I have heard people in their young 20's say "Ohh that line is hot (or 'killin it')!" after hearing "I am regularly irregular". I just shake my head.
But like other's have noted, is Lil Wayne hot? Undoubtedly. Is he a good rapper? I think not by my poetry argument.
I was a huge fan of rap in the mid 90's to about 2002. It was basically all I listened to, but I rarely listen to it anymore except when I work out. I listen to country music mostly now as I find some songs catchy and can actually relate them to my life since I am not a drug dealer nor bringing shorties back to my hotel room at 6am for after parties.