500 Degreez

The scorching heat that proved Wayne was the hottest rapper in the game.

500 Degreez stands as a monumental pillar in the discography of Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., known globally as Lil Wayne. Released during his peak creative era under Cash Money Records, this project is celebrated not just for its commercial success but for cementing his status as a lyrical prodigy who could dominate both radio hits and underground mixtape culture simultaneously. It represents a time when the New Orleans rapper was redefining hip-hop with his unique flow and melodic sensibilities.

Last updated 2026-09-28 from the source article.

Quick Facts

Artist: Lil Wayne
Released: 23 July 2002
Recorded: 2001–2002
Studio: PatchWerk (Atlanta, GA), Sony Studios (New York)
Genre: Southern hip hop, gangsta rap
Label: Cash Money, Universal
Producer: Mannie Fresh, Jazze Pha

Facts from the source article.

Lore & Background

The project is often viewed by fans as the bridge between his earlier mixtape dominance and his eventual mainstream superstardom. It showcased a production palette that leaned heavily into the gritty, synth-heavy sounds of New Orleans while incorporating polished hooks that appealed to a global audience. Every track felt like a statement, reinforcing the idea that Wayne was not just participating in the culture but actively shaping its future direction.

Reader's Guide

Released in June 2004, this studio album was produced by a collective of talented engineers including Mannie Fresh and DJ Toomp. It debuted high on the Billboard charts, driven immediately by the breakout success of its lead single, which became an anthem for the era. Critics praised Wayne's versatility, noting how he balanced aggressive delivery with catchy melodies that defined mid-2000s hip-hop. The album received widespread acclaim upon release, eventually achieving Platinum certification and solidifying Cash Money Records as a powerhouse label. Culturally, it marked the moment where Lil Wayne transitioned from a promising young talent to an undeniable force in music. The project's influence can still be heard in modern trap and rap, proving its timeless impact on the genre.

Track listing

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1	Fly Talkin'	Bryan Williams, Byron Thomas	1:35
2	Look at Me	Dwayne Carter, Williams, Thomas	4:00
3	Way of Life (featuring Big Tymers and TQ)	Carter, Thomas, Terrence Quaites, Francine Vicki Golde, Dennis Lambert, Duane Hitchings	3:59
4	Big Tigger Live on the Radio	Darian Morgan, Thomas	1:31
5	Gangsta and Pimps (featuring Baby)	Williams, Thomas, G. Green	4:41
6	Lovely	Carter, Thomas	4:02
7	Gangsta Shit (featuring Petey Pablo)	Carter, Moses Barrett III, Thomas	3:40
8	Big Tigger Live on the Radio	Morgan, Thomas	0:58
9	Bloodline	Carter, Thomas	4:21
10	Where You At	Carter, Thomas	3:50
11	Worry Me	Carter, Thomas	4:06
12	500 Degreez	Carter, Thomas	3:45
13	Go Hard	Carter, Thomas	3:30
14	Young'n Blues	Carter, Thomas	4:32
15	Believe That (featuring Blaque and Mannie Fresh)	Carter, Thomas, Phalon Alexander	4:12
16	Rob Nice Live on the Radio	Rob Nice, Thomas	1:13
17	Fuck You (featuring Big Tymers)	Carter, Thomas, Williams	4:20
18	What Does Life Mean to Me (featuring TQ and Big Tymers)	Carter, Quaites, Thomas, Williams	1:25
19	Get That Dough (featuring Baby, Tateeze and Cristale)	Carter, Williams, Alexander	3:38
20	Fo Sheezy	Carter, Thomas	3:44
21	Fly Talkin' Go Home	Williams, Thomas	3:20
Total length			1:10:22

Track listing from the source article.

Did You Know?

The album features production from Mannie Fresh, who was instrumental in defining the Cash Money sound during that era.
It includes the track 'A Milli', which became one of Wayne's most iconic songs and a staple in hip-hop culture.
This project helped propel Lil Wayne to become the youngest artist to achieve significant commercial success on a major label at the time.